Code 40 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Code 40 emerged from C&L Boatworks' production line in 1976, benefiting from the builder's established reputation for durable construction. C&L Boatworks, under its founders Henry Croce and Ken Lofthouse, had already embraced fiberglass construction with a "hand-laid" technique, ensuring longevity and low maintenance for their vessels. The design by Andre Cornu aimed to create a spirited dinghy experience for two sailors. It is noted that a later, more "institutional" version of the Code 40 was produced, featuring a somewhat reduced sail area, likely to cater to different training or club requirements.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a high-performance, two-person dinghy, the CL Code 40, despite its compact length overall of just over 13 feet, is built for dynamic sailing. With a fractional sloop rig and a reported sail area of 108 square feet, it offers an exciting experience, often described as providing "all the fun and challenges of a sloop". Its design includes a centerboard, allowing for a variable draft between 0.66 feet with the board up and 3.28 feet when fully deployed, offering versatility for launching in shallow waters or optimizing performance upwind. The inclusion of a trapeze and available spinnaker package further underscores its high-performance intent, making it a demanding yet rewarding boat for skilled dinghy sailors. It has been compared to a 420 dinghy in its two-man trapeze configuration.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its role as a high-performance racing and training dinghy, the CL Code 40 features a minimalist layout focused on sailing functionality rather than extensive accommodations. The open cockpit design provides the necessary space for two crew members to manage the sails, trapeze, and control lines effectively. While the interior is largely open, some versions of the Code 40 have been noted to have an "inside enclosed" center, which likely refers to a basic, enclosed area for limited storage or flotation rather than a full cabin. The emphasis is firmly on the sailing experience, with the deck and hull materials being solid fiberglass, ensuring durability typical of C&L Boatworks' construction.