Ross 40 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The sailing characteristics of the Ross 40 are defined by its light displacement and an exceptionally high sail-area-to-displacement ratio. On the water, the boat behaves more like a modern sports-boat than a traditional cruiser, responding instantly to gust loading and helm input. It features a fractional rig with swept-back spreaders, which, according to editorial retrospectives in Boating New Zealand, allows for precise mainsail control and a powerful upwind drive. The hull form is characterized by a relatively narrow waterline that flares into broad aft sections, a design choice that promotes early planing when off the wind.

Handling the Ross 40 requires an active approach; it is a "sailor’s boat" that rewards constant trimming. Tracking is generally reliable due to the deep, high-aspect fin keel and a large balanced spade rudder, though the boat can become "flighty" if over-canvassed in heavy air. Owner accounts often highlight its ability to outpace significantly larger heavy-displacement cruisers in light air, where its low wetted surface area provides a distinct advantage. Because it was designed with New Zealand’s demanding coastal conditions in mind, the Ross 40 manages a sea-state with more grace than its light weight might suggest, though it remains a "wet" boat when pushed hard into a head sea.

Interior Comfort & Variations

Unlike its smaller siblings which often featured Spartan, race-focused interiors, the Ross 40 was frequently fitted out for extended coastal cruising. The standard configuration typically includes a three-cabin layout: a V-berth forward and two double cabins tucked under the cockpit. The use of lightweight honeycombed cabinetry and high-gloss finishes was common, reflecting the premium New Zealand craftsmanship of the era. The interior is generally open and airy, aided by the wide beam carried aft, which creates a spacious saloon area.

Variations of the Ross 40 exist depending on the original owner’s priority. Some models, often referred to as the Ross 40 "Cruising" variant, feature a more substantial galley and additional cabinetry, while the "Racing" versions might omit the aft-cabin doors and use lighter-weight upholstery. A notable sibling built on a similar design logic is the Ross 12m, which offers a slightly longer waterline and refined appendage shapes for dedicated offshore racing. Another close relative is the Ross 35, which serves as a scaled-down version for those seeking the same performance profile in a more manageable footprint.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Ross 40 has maintained a steady presence in the Southern Hemisphere's racing circuit, specifically in the New Zealand Coastal Classic—a 119-nautical mile sprint where Ross designs have historically dominated the divisional leaderboards. While it lacks a central Hollywood "star" turn, the model is a frequent subject of technical discussion in publications such as Boating New Zealand and the now-archived Sea Spray magazine, where it was lauded for bridging the gap between grand-prix racers and family cruisers.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Purchasing a Ross 40 requires a rigorous structural survey, as these boats were often raced hard in demanding conditions.

• Deck Core Integrity: Like many composite boats of this vintage, the Ross 40 utilizes a balsa or foam core. Buyers should check for soft spots around high-load areas like the mast step and genoa tracks, which can indicate moisture ingress and core delamination.
• Keel Attachment: Given the high righting moments generated by the deep keel, the internal grid and floor structures should be inspected for stress fractures or "spiderwebbing" in the gelcoat, which may suggest a history of hard groundings.
• Rudder Bearings: The high-aspect spade rudder places significant stress on the bearings. Play in the helm or stiffness during rotation often indicates that the bearings or the rudder stock itself require service.
• Rigging Loads: Because these boats are often equipped with high-tension fractional rigs, the chainplate attachments and the mast-step compression post should be verified for any signs of movement or structural fatigue.

Community & Resources

Owners of Ross-designed yachts typically find support through the New Zealand yachting community. While there is no single-model global association, the Ross 930 Owners Association often serves as a proxy for technical knowledge regarding Murray Ross’s building techniques and rigging philosophies. Technical discussions are frequently found on regional forums where New Zealand shipwrights who worked on the original builds share insights into the composite laminates used.

The Verdict

The Ross 40 is a sophisticated performance cruiser that offers an exhilarating sailing experience for those who prioritize speed and feedback over heavy-displacement stability. It is a testament to the New Zealand "fast is fun" school of design.

Pros:

• Exceptional light-air performance and off-the-wind speed.
• High-quality New Zealand composite construction.
• Spacious, functional interior for a boat of its performance class.
• Responsive, dinghy-like handling that rewards skilled sailors.

Cons:

• Requires active management and early reefing in heavy weather.
• Potentially high maintenance costs for high-load rigging components.
• Limited availability outside of Australasia.
• Light displacement leads to a more "active" motion in offshore sea states.