Design and Construction
The A40 carries a plumb stem and an open reverse transom, with a fixed fin keel and an internally mounted spade rudder under wheel steering. At 39 feet 3 inches overall with a 12-foot-4-inch beam and a standard draft of 8 feet 1 inch, the hull is built predominantly of fiberglass. The A40RC review noted a PVC foam core with vinylester resin in the laminate, though testers raised one concern about balsa coring used in high-load areas anchor. The A40RC's ballast of 6,834 pounds against 14,660 pounds displacement gives a 0.51 ballast ratio, and a displacement-to-length ratio of 157 marks a light, easily driven hull rather than a heavy cruiser.
Rig and Handling
Both the A40 and the A40RC use a fractional sloop rig; the RC adds a mainsheet and long traveler just forward of twin helms, with almost all running rigging led aft to clutches by the companionway. Period reviews found the steering never loads up, and the hull behaves "like a big dinghy," simply accelerating in a straight line when breeze builds without needing helm correction. On the water, the A40RC charged upwind at 7 to 8 knots in 8 to 11 knots of true wind, and with a masthead asymmetric kite in 11 knots it skimmed close to 9 knots. Light loads and an easily driven hull mean an experienced couple could manage with an autopilot.
Cockpit and Deck Hardware
The A40RC shows its raceboat intent through a long, expansive cockpit widened by beam carried aft and an open stern, paired with twin titanium or carbon wheels and short seats. Hardware is serious: Navtec, Lewmar, Ronstan, and Spinlock fittings, a suite of husky Lewmar winches, and top-notch hydraulics support headsail and spinnaker work. A stylized, bulbous coachroof caps the deck profile.
Accommodations
Below, the A40 provides sleeping for eight: a bow "V"-berth, two saloon settees around a drop-leaf table, and two aft cabins with double berths. The L-shaped galley sits portside forward of the companionway with a two-burner stove and sink; the nav station is opposite to starboard, and the head aft of the bow cabin to starboard with a shower. The A40RC differs slightly with two huge aft doubles each carrying an overhead pipe berth, a good owner stateroom forward, and a saloon with galley to port, nav station to starboard, and long settees — an arrangement that handles a racing crew of eight or a family of four with ease.
Known Issues
One professional assessment flagged the use of balsa coring in high-load areas as a point of concern anchor.
The Verdict
The Archambault 40 is a genuine cruiser-racer: light, quick, and dinghy-like in feel, with a cockpit and rig set up for short-handed speed yet an interior that serves both family and race crew. The A40RC sharpens the edge with I.R.C.-optimized hull and hardware. The only noted caveat is the balsa core in loaded zones, worth a surveyor's attention.
Pros
- Easily driven light hull with strong upwind and downwind pace
- Cockpit and rig laid out for short-handed or couple sailing
- Interior flexes between race crew and family of four
- Serious deck hardware from recognized makers
Cons
- Balsa coring in high-load areas noted as a concern
- Shallow tankage and race-oriented ergonomics not for pure cruisers
