We “stole” from the Melges 40 Facebook page (sketchy, to be honest) the first photos of the boat under sail. We take the opportunity to tell you all the secrets of the new 40-foot one-design, a length where there is still a kind of “market vacuum.” What do you think?
THE FIRST PHOTOS OF THE BOAT IN THE WATER
Whenever the American shipyard launches a model on the market, a revolution is always announced. Starting with the canting keel, for the first time on a one-design. The design of the one-design boat was entrusted to the studio of Marcelino Botin, best known for TP52s.
SEE RENDERINGS OF THE NEW MELGES 40
ULTRALIGHT
The 40-footer was built in Dubai at Premier Composite Technologies: it is constructed of epoxy and carbon, so that ultra-light displacement is achieved against a structure that exhibits maximum rigidity (thanks in part to the emirate shipyard’s 5-axis milling technology). The boat weighs in at 3,250 pounds-really not bad for a 12-footer-and, equipped with a substantial sail plan, promises to be a lot of fun to steer.
THE SECRET OF THE KEEL
Back to the keel: it is electrically controlled by a system from Italy’s Cariboni, which provides for its inclination up to a maximum of 45°. The problem of the keel sloping, and thus decreasing its lift (resulting in increased drift), was solved by the presence of a central daggerboard.
“BOTINIAN” SOLUTIONS
The fact that the new Melges 40 is the result of a broader philosophy than the yard’s other models designed for racing between the buoys is also highlighted by the presence of the double rudder. At the stern a hinted edge, “Botinian” reminiscence of TP52s. The maximum beam point is shifted far aft: this suggests a rather pronounced gliding ability. The forward tiller rudder is also very TP52 (also seen on Maxi 72s), designed to better concentrate weights amidships. The rigging includes a square-top mainsail. www.melgeseurope.com
TECHNICAL DATA SHEET.
Length ft 11.994 m
Length at waterline 11.10 m
Maximum beam 3.53 m
Displacement 3,250 kg
Draught 3.20 m
Crew 8 people
Motorization 20 hp
Sup. Mainsail 72 sqm
Sup. jib 49 sqm
Sup. gennaker 200 sqm
