Sailing Performance & Handling
The "CB" in the model's designation stands for Centerboard, a configuration that defines the yacht’s versatility. With the board up, the Cambria 40 draws approximately 5' 6", allowing access to the shallow anchorages of the Bahamas or the Chesapeake. When the board is lowered, the draft extends significantly to over 10 feet, providing the deep-profile lift necessary for superior upwind performance.
Technically, the Cambria 40 is a heavy-displacement cruiser, carrying a Displacement-to-Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 338. While this suggests a slower boat in light air, the hull was designed using the Hazen stern speed prediction program to ensure the vessel could still maintain a competitive pace. Its Motion Comfort Ratio of 40.3 is exceptionally high, indicating a very "kind" motion in a seaway—the boat is less likely to jerk or roll sharply compared to lighter, modern production hulls. Its Sail Area-to-Displacement (SA/D) ratio of roughly 14.8 (under the standard masthead sloop rig) identifies it as a yacht that requires a decent breeze to reach its hull speed, but one that remains stiff and manageable when conditions deteriorate.
Interior Comfort & Variations
Unlike its larger siblings, which often featured double-entry decks, the Cambria 40 was designed with a single companionway to maximize structural integrity and interior volume. The layout typically prioritizes a spacious master V-berth forward and a single head with a separate stall shower, a luxury often sacrificed on yachts of this size. The cabinetry is a hallmark of the brand, usually finished in high-grade varnished teak or cherry.
Sibling models built on similar design philosophies include the Cambria 44, 46, and 48. According to David Walters Yachts, the larger models (44 through 50) actually share the same 37-foot waterline length, with the primary differences lying in the transom overhangs and cockpit configurations. While the 40 is the "compact" version of the fleet, it retains the same heavy-duty systems and semi-custom joinery found in the flagship models.
Popular Mentions & Media
The Cambria 40's cultural legacy is firmly rooted in the "gold standard" of American yacht building. It gained significant acclaim through its inclusion in the "The World’s Best Sailboats," a definitive survey by Ferenc Maté that elevated the brand to the same status as Nautor Swan and Hallberg-Rassy. This media presence has made it a perennial favorite for sailors who value traditional aesthetics and over-engineered construction.
Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist
Because the Cambria 40 utilized advanced sandwich construction for its era, the health of the core material is the primary concern for prospective buyers.
- Core Integrity: The Airex-cored hull is generally resilient to rot, but the Divinycell-cored deck is susceptible to moisture ingress if hardware has not been properly re-bedded. Professional moisture testing of the deck is mandatory.
- Centerboard Mechanism: The centerboard trunk and pennant (the cable used to raise/lower the board) require regular inspection. Galvanic corrosion on the board itself or wear on the pivot pin can lead to expensive "clunking" or jamming issues.
- Rod Rigging: Many Cambrias were fitted with Navtec rod rigging. If the rigging is more than 10-12 years old, it may require a full "cold-heading" service or replacement, as rod rigging does not show fatigue as clearly as wire.
- Chainplates: Inspect the points where the shrouds meet the deck; while the build quality is high, the age of these vessels means original sealant may have failed, leading to internal tie-rod corrosion.
Community & Resources
The primary hub for technical data and historical support is David Walters Yachts, which maintains the heritage of the brand. While there is no large-scale formal owner's association, Cambria owners are often integrated into the broader Cabo Rico community, which values the shared Costa Rican manufacturing history and the "blue-water" philosophy of both brands.
The Verdict
The Cambria 40 CB is a rare, elite cruiser for the sailor who refuses to choose between the performance of a deep keel and the utility of a shallow draft.
Pros:
- Exquisite build quality that exceeds ABS and Lloyds standards.
- Exceptional motion comfort in heavy seas.
- Centerboard configuration offers unparalleled versatility for coastal and offshore work.
- High resale value due to its "pedigree" status.
Cons:
- Requires a high level of maintenance for the complex cored hull and deck.
- Modest light-air performance due to high displacement.
- Limited availability; only eight hulls were reportedly built from the 40-foot molds.
