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Code 40
Designer: Andre Cornu  ·  Builder: Cl Sailboats (Can)  ·  First built: 1976
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About the Code 40

Designed by Andre Cornu and first launched in 1976, the Code 40 represents a classic era of small centerboard dinghies built for spirited daysailing and club racing. This compact 13-foot sloop emerged from Canadian builder Cl Sailboats during the height of fiberglass dinghy popularity, offering sailors an accessible entry point into performance sailing. The Code 40's fractional sloop rig and generous sail area-to-displacement ratio of 54.04 deliver impressive acceleration and responsiveness in light to moderate conditions. Its centerboard configuration provides shallow water versatility while maintaining good upwind performance when the board is deployed. The relatively narrow beam keeps the boat manageable for single-handed sailing, though it's equally suited for teaching new sailors or casual two-person outings. With a capsize screening formula of 3.71, this design prioritizes quick handling over ultimate stability, making it ideal for protected waters, small lakes, and harbors rather than open coastal sailing. The lightweight displacement allows for easy car-topping and launching, while the fiberglass construction offers durability with minimal maintenance. For sailors seeking an engaging, traditional dinghy experience with racing potential, the Code 40 delivers classic small-boat sailing characteristics that have endured for nearly five decades.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 13.12 ft / 4.00 m
Beam 5.25 ft / 1.60 m
Max Draft 3.28 ft / 1.00 m
Min Draft 0.66 ft / 0.20 m
Displacement 181.00 lb / 82 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 108.00 ft² / 10.03 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Andre Cornu
Builder CL Sailboats (CAN)
First Built 1976
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Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
58.26
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
2.6
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 4.47 kn
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 1.25 pounds/inch
How It Compares

vs. Enterprise Int, Lark 13, Ok Dinghy

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Code 40 ★
13.1 ft
Enterprise Int
13.3 ft
Lark 13
13.3 ft
Ok Dinghy
13.1 ft
Beam
Code 40 ★
5.3 ft
Enterprise Int
5.3 ft
Lark 13
5.5 ft
Ok Dinghy
4.9 ft
Displacement
Code 40 ★
181 lbs
Enterprise Int
200 lbs
Lark 13
185 lbs
Ok Dinghy
159 lbs
Sail Area
Code 40 ★
108 sq ft
Enterprise Int
Lark 13
120 sq ft
Ok Dinghy
91 sq ft
Performance
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Code 40 ★
2.6
Enterprise Int
2.8
Lark 13
2.3
Ok Dinghy
2.5
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Code 40 ★
58
Enterprise Int
61
Lark 13
Ok Dinghy
51
Hull Speed
Code 40 ★
4.5 kts
Enterprise Int
4.5 kts
Lark 13
4.8 kts
Ok Dinghy
4.5 kts
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