Cambria 40 CB Information, Review, Specs

With a length overall of just over 41 feet and a waterline length of 32.5 feet, the Cambria 40 CB was conceived to offer competitive performance for its era while prioritizing comfort and safety in various sea conditions. Her centerboard keel design provides versatility, allowing for both offshore capability and access to shallower coastal and inland waters.

History and Design

The Cambria 40 CB began production in 1984, emerging from the workshops of Cabo Rico Custom Yachts. The design brief, penned by David Walters, aimed to create a "fast, comfortable, performance cruising design" with a balanced profile and exceptional engineering. During this period, Cabo Rico, having acquired Cambria Yachts, extended its manufacturing ethos of building "heavy displacement offshore cruising yachts" to the Cambria line. The company was known for semi-custom builds that emphasized robust construction and the use of fine materials, aiming for yachts that would offer "safe and comfortable passage-making in any conditions". The Cambria 40 CB specifically represented a dedication to "performance cruising and luxury sailing yachts," with each vessel requiring an average of 7,500 hours to build, underscoring the commitment to high-quality craftsmanship. The hull was constructed with FG airex, and the deck utilized divinicell, contributing to a solid and durable structure.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Cambria 40 CB's design ratios provide insight into its performance characteristics. With a Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 338.12, she falls into the category of a heavier, more traditional cruiser. This suggests a solid, stable motion in a seaway, prioritizing comfort over pure speed. Her Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of around 14.90 indicates that while capable, she is not primarily designed for exceptional light-air performance. Instead, this ratio, coupled with a masthead sloop rig, suggests a yacht that can handle a range of wind conditions with power and stability, particularly when reaching and on a broad reach.

The boat's ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at 36.54%, contributing significantly to its stability and ability to stand up to wind. This, combined with her wide beam of 12.25 feet and a centerboard keel, provides a stiff and powerful platform. The centerboard, with a minimum draft of 5.5 feet and a maximum draft of 10.0 feet when deployed, enhances its versatility, allowing for improved windward performance offshore and reduced draft for exploring shallower anchorages or entering marinas. Anecdotal evidence suggests that David Walters' design for the Cambria 40 CB resulted in a slightly more speedy hull compared to many similar sailboats of its time, offering a responsive and balanced helm.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific headroom figures are not readily available, the Cambria 40 CB is generally noted for its well-appointed and comfortable interior, designed to facilitate extended cruising. The layout typically features a single entry point leading into a spacious main cabin. Forward, a large V-berth cabin provides private sleeping quarters. The salon area is thoughtfully arranged to maximize living space, often incorporating a functional galley and a dedicated navigation station. Cabo Rico's reputation for solid teak interiors extends to the Cambria line, indicating a high-quality finish and durable, attractive woodworking throughout the cabin. The design emphasizes ample storage for provisions and gear, essential for offshore passages, and good ventilation to ensure comfort in various climates. Descriptions often highlight the comfortable seating and overall livability, making it suitable for couples or small families embarking on longer voyages.