Design Brief & Intent
The Akilaria 40 was designed strictly to satisfy the Class40 box rule, optimizing offshore performance while keeping construction costs in check. Unlike mass-production cruiser-racers from builders like Beneteau or Jeanneau, the Akilaria 40 is a purpose-built, water-ballasted racing machine. Lombard gave the hull a powerful, wide-beamed profile, carrying its maximum beam of nearly 14 feet 8 inches almost entirely to the transom. A prominent hard chine runs aft to increase initial stability and maximize effective waterline length when heeled.
The interior of the standard race-configured Akilaria 40 is stark and utilitarian, prioritizing weight savings and structural integrity. It is characterized by bare white composite surfaces, simple pipe berths with lee cloths, a single-burner gimbaled gas stove, and a minimalist nav station. High-load deck areas are reinforced with structural hardwood inserts embedded in a PVC foam core. While MC-Tec offered a "Standard" version with a cruising interior featuring more complete joinery and amenities, the vast majority of hulls were commissioned in the minimalist "Race" configuration to remain competitive.
Variations & Configurations
The Akilaria 40 evolved over three distinct production generations, each representing refinements in hull shape, weight management, and ergonomics:
- RC1 (2006–2008): The first generation featured a highly seaworthy, dry-running hull. However, due to its large hull surface area, builders struggled to keep the boat at the class minimum weight using standard vinylester infusion over balsa core sandwich construction.
- RC2 (2009–2011): This generation introduced Corecell foam coring and a lower freeboard to shed hull weight. Lombard offered two deck layouts: a streamlined regatta version for transatlantic racing and an ocean racing version with a protective cockpit cuddy for global passages. A notable hybrid variant, Tales, mated the older RC1 hull to the lighter RC2 deck, going on to win the Class40 Worlds in 2010 and 2012.
- RC3 (2012–2014): A complete redesign utilizing entirely new tooling. The RC3 featured more powerful hull lines, updated appendages, optimized carbon masts, and a modified cockpit layout with better crew protection.
Across all generations, the propulsion remains uniform, featuring a lightweight 29-hp Nanni diesel engine paired with a sail drive and folding propeller. Upwind drive is handled by a fixed 3-meter steel fin keel terminating in a heavy lead bulb. Dynamic stability is augmented by a water ballast system carrying 750 liters (approximately 1,650 lbs) per side, split into forward and aft compartments to allow fine-tuning of longitudinal trim.
Sailing Performance & Handling
The Akilaria 40 is a reaching weapon designed to plane early and sustain double-digit speeds downwind. Interpreting its physical performance through its technical ratios highlights its aggressive offshore design. The boat's Sail Area/Displacement (SA/Disp) ratio stands at an extraordinary 41.93, indicating an incredibly high-powered sail plan that excels in light air and demands prompt reefing as the breeze builds. Its Displacement/Length (Disp/LWL) ratio of 71.72 places it in the ultra-light category, allowing the hull to break free from its bow wave and plane effortlessly, frequently seeing speed runs exceeding 20 knots downwind under its massive asymmetric spinnaker.
This light, wide, and flat-bottomed geometry comes with operational compromises. The Capsize Screening ratio of 2.71 is exceptionally high, which is typical for a wide-transom racing yacht with twin rudders. While the deep bulb keel and water ballast provide excellent dynamic righting moment, the wide beam means the boat relies heavily on its active form stability. The Comfort ratio of 11.03 indicates a highly lively, motion-intense ride. On any point of sail other than a downwind surf, the motion is abrupt and violent. Beating into a head sea, the flat forward sections slam aggressively, requiring the crew to actively stack sails in the cabin and manage the water ballast to keep the bow down and minimize pounding.
Market Snapshot & Economics
Because the Class40 box rule continues to evolve, older-generation "pointy-bow" designs like the Akilaria 40 have been superseded at the top of the international racing circuit by modern scow-bow designs (such as the Mach40 or Lift v2/v3). Consequently, the Akilaria 40 trades at a considerable value on the secondary market compared to modern builds. It serves as a popular and accessible option for amateur ocean racers, shorthanded adventure sailors, and entries in rallies like the Globe40.
Prospective buyers must anticipate high refit and maintenance economics. While the hull is built of standard, easily repairable fiberglass, the rig, running rigging, and sails are high-performance components subject to extreme wear. Replacement sails are specialized and costly, and the sophisticated electronics packages (typically NKE or B&G Hercules processors) require regular sensor calibration and hardware updates.
Known Issues & Triage
Operating an older Akilaria 40 requires dedicated structural and mechanical maintenance, particularly for boats that have undergone multiple transatlantic crossings:
- Hull Flex and Deformation: Early RC1 and RC2 models have exhibited structural flexing around the forward hull section and bow sprits under heavy rig tension. Hard upwind pounding in heavy weather can cause the forestay load to lift the bow slightly. Non-destructive testing (NDT) is highly recommended for hulls with a long racing history.
- Water Ballast Plumbing Failures: The original manual or low-volume electric ballast transfer pumps are prone to failure and have slow transfer rates. Modernizing the system with high-capacity impeller pumps and heavy-duty gate valves is a necessary upgrade to ensure quick, reliable transfer during tacks and gybes.
- Rudder Bearings and Alignment: The dual rudder configuration is susceptible to bearing wear. Play in the steering system can develop rapidly, requiring replacement of the self-aligning rudder bearings to prevent water ingress and maintain precise helm feedback.
- Mast Track and Car Fatigue: Under high mainsheet and halyard loads, the carbon mast tracks on the Lorimar rigs can experience fastener fatigue or cracking. Upgrading to robust metal tracks and heavy-duty, low-friction cars is a common maintenance requirement.
The Verdict
The Akilaria 40 remains a highly relevant, adrenaline-inducing shorthanded offshore racer that offers unmatched speed-to-cost efficiency. It is not a boat for those seeking comfort, wood joinery, or leisurely weekend cruises. Instead, it is an entry-level ticket to serious ocean racing and high-speed passage making, delivering pure performance for those willing to endure a spartan, noisy, and physically demanding life at sea.
Pros
- Exceptional downwind and reaching performance, easily sustaining double-digit speeds
- Robust fiberglass and vinylester construction that is simpler and cheaper to repair than carbon/epoxy hulls
- Built to a strict box rule, ensuring active class support and strong resale value to entry-level offshore racers
- Highly effective twin-rudder steering and water ballast system that provides excellent control when shorthanded
Cons
- Utilitarian, minimalist interior with no soundproofing, wood trim, or standard cruising amenities
- Violent, wet, and highly uncomfortable motion when beating into a head sea
- Outclassed in elite-level Grand Prix racing by modern, scow-bow Class40 designs
- High ongoing maintenance costs for sails, rigging, and sophisticated electronics
