Extreme 40 Information, Review, Specs

The Extreme 40 class was officially launched in 2005, with the initial five boats actively participating in races at the stopover ports of the Volvo Ocean Race. This marked the beginning of its journey as a dedicated one-design racing platform. The design philosophy behind the Extreme 40, attributed to Yves Loday, aimed to create a boat that would push the boundaries of sailing performance, emphasizing speed and excitement. Marstrom Composite AB, with its deep roots in competitive sailing and a commitment to "Marine Passion and lightweight design," was a natural fit for building such a demanding vessel. Their expertise in high-quality carbon fiber products, honed since the early 1990s through projects like producing carbon fiber spars and components for high-performance yachts, ensured the Extreme 40 was constructed to the highest standards of lightweight strength. The class saw continued growth, with four more boats built in 2007, and by 2009, a total of nineteen Extreme 40s had been completed and delivered, establishing it firmly as a prominent one-design circuit, particularly within the iShares Cup. While there isn't specific information suggesting significant variations like MkI vs. MkII, the class maintains a strict one-design ethos to ensure fair and competitive racing.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Extreme 40 is engineered for raw speed and exhilarating performance, a fact evident in its impressive ratios. With a reported sail area of 1000 square feet and a displacement of just 2756 pounds, it boasts an extremely high Sail Area to Displacement ratio of 81.60. This exceptionally high figure signifies a boat that is incredibly powerful for its weight, capable of generating immense speed, especially in lighter air where it can accelerate rapidly, while demanding skilled handling in stronger conditions. Its Displacement to Length ratio, at a mere 19.18, further underscores its ultra-lightweight construction relative to its 40-foot waterline. This low ratio indicates a highly performance-oriented vessel, designed to minimize resistance and maximize speed. As a catamaran with daggerboards rather than a ballasted keel, the traditional ballast to displacement ratio does not apply.

Anecdotal evidence and race reports consistently highlight the Extreme 40's thrilling and demanding nature. It is known for its ability to quickly reach high speeds, often described as a "rocket ship" on the water. However, this performance comes with a need for precision and experience from its crew. These catamarans are capable of extreme sailing angles and are known to be prone to capsizes in challenging conditions, making them a true test of a sailor's skill. Videos and firsthand accounts from racing circuits like the Extreme Sailing Series showcase their dynamic behavior, characterized by rapid accelerations, sharp turns, and the need for constant crew input to maintain control at speed.

Accommodations and Layout

As a purebred racing machine, the Marstrom Extreme 40 prioritizes minimal weight and maximum performance over any significant interior accommodations. The design intent was solely focused on providing a platform for high-speed, competitive sailing. Consequently, there is no conventional interior layout or living space within the hulls. Unlike cruising sailboats, the Extreme 40 does not feature V-berths, heads, galleys, or salons. Its design is characterized by open cockpits and essential structural elements, built primarily with fiberglass solid hull and deck materials, with functionality geared towards the demands of racing. Any "interior" space would be limited to structural voids or minimal storage for essential racing gear, consistent with its ultralight displacement and purpose-built racing philosophy.