King 40 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the King 40 stems from Mark Mills' successful IRC racing designs, specifically drawing inspiration from projects like "Mariner's Cove" and "Tiamat." Mills' design philosophy for the King 40 was to create a yacht that could excel in competitive offshore and "around the cans" racing while providing a genuinely comfortable interior and cockpit for cruising. This ambition aligned perfectly with Summit Yachts' mission to bridge the gap between high-performance and bluewater comfort, leveraging the extensive experience of its founders, Barry Carroll and George Carabetta. Summit Yachts, with its strong ties to Kadey-Krogen Yachts, emphasized solid construction and quality craftsmanship, a ethos evident in the King 40's build.

A significant evolution in the boat's history is its rebranding. Originally launched as the King 40, the model later became known as the Summit 40. This model achieved notable recognition, including being named "Sailing World 2009 Overall Boat of the Year" as the Summit 40, underscoring its successful realization of its dual-purpose design goals.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The King 40's design specifications translate into a sailboat with impressive performance characteristics. With a length overall (LOA) of nearly 40 feet (39.73 ft) and a generous waterline length (LWL) of 34.78 feet, she has the lines of a fast vessel. Her fractional sloop rig, featuring an I-dimension of 53.31 feet and a J-dimension of 15.42 feet, provides a total calculated sail area of approximately 863 square feet.

Interpreting her key performance ratios:

• Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) Ratio of approximately 21.91: This high ratio indicates that the King 40 is a powerful boat for her displacement, suggesting excellent performance in light to moderate winds. She is designed to be responsive and accelerate quickly, a hallmark of a performance-oriented vessel.
• Ballast to Displacement (B/D) Ratio of approximately 0.465: A very high ballast-to-displacement ratio (well over 40%) points to exceptional stiffness and stability. This means the King 40 can stand up to a significant amount of wind, allowing her to carry full sail longer and maintain a more comfortable motion in a seaway, even when pressed.
• Displacement to Length (D/L) Ratio of approximately 166: A low D/L ratio, below 200, classifies the King 40 as a relatively light displacement yacht for her length. This further reinforces her performance credentials, indicating an easily driven hull capable of good speeds.

The combination of these ratios paints a clear picture: the King 40 is a lively, stiff, and stable boat that offers a spirited sailing experience. Anecdotal evidence suggests she handles well, maintaining good balance, and her spade rudder provides excellent control.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily designed for performance, the King 40 also offers a surprisingly comfortable interior. The layout typically features an open and functional arrangement, balancing the needs of a racing crew with the comforts expected by cruisers. While specific details on maximum headroom are not provided, the design aims for a well-appointed living space.

The interior generally includes a forward V-berth, a main salon with settees and a table, a functional galley, and a head. Given Summit Yachts' reputation and its association with Kadey-Krogen, the interior finish likely employs quality materials, with a focus on robust construction and thoughtful details, though perhaps with a more minimalist approach than dedicated cruising yachts to save weight for performance. Storage is typically well-integrated to keep the boat organized, especially important for both racing gear and cruising provisions. The overall deck layout is impressive, with jib sheets led under the deck for a clean and efficient working space.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the King 40 (or Summit 40) consistently praise its ability to deliver on its dual-purpose promise. They often highlight its exhilarating sailing performance, noting its speed and responsiveness, particularly upwind. The solid construction and robust build quality are frequently cited as strengths, reflecting Summit Yachts' commitment to durability. Owners also appreciate the practical deck layout and the surprisingly comfortable interior for a boat with such a strong racing focus. As a "fast cruiser", it offers the joy of quick passages while still providing adequate amenities for extended stays onboard.