Nevins 40 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The creation of the Nevins 40 unfolded during a period when Henry B. Nevins, Inc. was at the pinnacle of its reputation for constructing custom, high-quality wooden-hulled yachts. The shipyard, founded by Henry B. Nevins himself, was renowned for its meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering attention to detail, ensuring each vessel was both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound. The Nevins 40, bearing Sparkman & Stephens design number 1068, emerged as a refined evolution of the formidable Finisterre, inheriting much of her successful hull form and design philosophy.

Sparkman & Stephens, led by the influential Olin Stephens, consistently emphasized designs that combined performance with superior seakeeping characteristics, a philosophy evident in the Nevins 40. The collaboration between S&S's innovative naval architecture and Nevins Inc.'s masterful construction resulted in a yacht designed for comfortable, capable offshore cruising and racing. All 12 yachts built in this series were constructed during Nevins Inc.'s final operational years, with production ceasing around 1960.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Nevins 40, with its wooden hull and yawl rig, is characterized by a design optimized for stability, comfort, and offshore capability. Her overall length of 40 feet with a relatively shorter waterline of 27.5 feet contributes to a comfortable motion in a seaway.

Analysis of its design ratios reveals its inherent characteristics:

• The Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 14.06 suggests a yacht that is moderately powered. This indicates a vessel less prone to being overpowered in strong winds, offering a comfortable and controlled sailing experience, though perhaps not delivering exhilarating light-air performance.
• The Ballast to Displacement (B/D) ratio of about 0.23 is relatively low compared to some modern designs, implying that a significant portion of the Nevins 40's stability comes from its full hull form rather than a large amount of internal ballast. However, as a centerboard yawl, her variable draft—ranging from a minimum of 3.92 feet with the board up to 7.58 feet with it down—allows for enhanced stability, pointing ability, and reduced leeway when the board is deployed. This configuration also provides greater access to shallower anchorages.
• The Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 472 places the Nevins 40 firmly in the category of a heavy, traditional displacement cruiser. This high ratio is indicative of a robust, heavily built vessel designed to handle challenging conditions with a steady, sea-kindly motion, rather than prioritizing outright speed.

Anecdotal evidence supports the Nevins 40's reputation as a strong performer; one specific yacht, PRIMA DONNA, was a class winner in the 1989 Marion-Bermuda Race, highlighting the model's competitive potential in offshore events.

Accommodations and Layout

Information on the precise interior layout and specific amenities of the Nevins 40 is not extensively detailed in publicly available sources. However, as a custom-built, classic wooden yawl from the late 1950s, the interior would typically reflect the high standards of Henry B. Nevins, Inc. and the design ethos of Sparkman & Stephens for comfortable cruising.

Owners could expect a traditional layout featuring beautifully finished wooden joinery, likely mahogany or teak, with an emphasis on durability and classic aesthetics. Typical arrangements for a vessel of this size and era would include a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees that convert to berths, a galley, and a navigation station. Storage would likely be ample, with lockers and drawers integrated into the cabinetry. Ventilation would typically rely on traditional dorade vents and opening ports. The focus would be on creating a timeless, functional, and inviting living space suitable for extended cruising. Detailed headroom figures are not consistently documented for all Nevins 40 examples.