Standfast 40 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The journey of the Standfast 40 began with its initial design in 1971, leading to a production run by Standfast Yachts in Breskens, The Netherlands, from 1972 to 1984. During this period, approximately 110 units of this successful model were built. Frans Maas, the visionary behind Standfast Yachts, was celebrated for his elegant designs and unwavering commitment to high quality, aspiring to create "highest quality sailing yachts" and "race winners". His design ethos emphasized elegant lines, robust construction, and excellent sailing characteristics, all brought to life within his dedicated shipyard.

Throughout its production, the Standfast 40 saw several iterations. While the flush-deck "competition" model was designed for pure racing, other versions, such as the "S" and "P" (Prestige), featured a low coach roof and a more conservative rig, aiming for a balance between performance and cruising comfort. Some models were also marketed and sold by Palmer Johnson as the PJ-40, further highlighting the design's international appeal and versatility.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Standfast 40 was engineered for impressive sailing capabilities, reflecting Frans Maas's commitment to performance. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 17.27, she is a moderate displacement vessel that performs well across a range of wind conditions, showing particular responsiveness in lighter airs without being overly sensitive in a breeze. Her ballast to displacement ratio, around 0.419, indicates a stiff and stable boat, capable of standing up to more wind and providing a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, with a displacement to length ratio of approximately 272.9, the Standfast 40 falls into the moderate-to-heavy displacement category for its length, suggesting a solid, capable cruiser that can handle offshore passages with confidence.

Anecdotal accounts and its racing pedigree, notably the 1975 Fastnet victory, confirm its strong sailing characteristics. Owners and reviewers often describe the Standfast 40 as a "reasonably good performer" that is "very stable / stiff". This combination of performance and stability made her a popular choice for both competitive sailing and comfortable long-distance cruising.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed interior layouts can vary between individual Standfast 40s, consistent themes emerge from available information. The interior generally reflects the classic design principles of its era, often featuring high-quality teak joinery, which contributes to a warm and traditional yachting ambiance. For a 40-foot vessel, a typical layout would include a forward V-berth cabin, a main salon with settees that may convert to berths, a galley, and a dedicated head (bathroom). Given its cruising aspirations, these boats were designed to offer comfortable living spaces for extended periods on board, likely including ample storage and good ventilation, consistent with the builder's reputation for crafting high-quality cruising yachts.