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Lapworth 40
Designer: C. William Lapworth  ·  First built: 1960
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About the Lapworth 40

Designed by renowned naval architect Bill Lapworth in the early 1970s, this 40-foot sailboat represents a thoughtful approach to bluewater cruising during an era when production boats were becoming increasingly sophisticated. Lapworth, who gained fame for his work on Cal boats and other West Coast designs, brought his expertise in creating seaworthy yet performance-oriented vessels to this model. While detailed specifications remain scarce, the boat's lineage suggests a design philosophy emphasizing ocean-going capability without sacrificing sailing performance. Lapworth's reputation for creating boats that could handle serious offshore passages while remaining manageable for smaller crews likely carried through to this design. The boat appears well-suited for coastal cruising and extended offshore voyages, appealing to sailors seeking adventure beyond protected waters. Built during the height of the fiberglass revolution, the Lapworth 40 would have incorporated the construction techniques and materials that were becoming standard for quality cruising boats of the era. For prospective buyers researching classic cruising sailboats, this model represents an interesting piece of sailing history from one of California's most respected yacht designers, though finding examples and comprehensive documentation may require dedicated searching.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 40.00 ft / 12.19 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 28.00 ft / 8.53 m
Beam 11.00 ft / 3.35 m
Max Draft 5.50 ft / 1.68 m
Displacement 17,800.00 lb / 8,074 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 669.00 ft² / 62.15 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Masthead Sloop
Construction Wood
Designer C. William Lapworth
First Built 1960
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Performance Ratios
PHRF Rating PHRF (Performance Handicap Racing Fleet) is a national racing handicap measured in seconds per nautical mile. Lower values indicate faster boats. Ratings are sourced from US Sailing's national database (median across 60+ regional fleets).
Under 0 — Ultralight racer0–90 — Performance racer90–150 — Cruiser/racer150–210 — Typical cruiserOver 210 — Heavy/slow cruiser
159
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
15.76
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
35.71
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.69
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. 7.09
S# (Speed Number) The Speed Number (S#) is a quick performance index. Higher values indicate a faster, more powerful design relative to its size.
Under 3.0 — Slow cruiser3.0–5.0 — Average cruiser5.0–7.0 — Performance cruiserOver 7.0 — Racer
1.26
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. 1.0
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 45.5
J (Foretriangle Base) 15.5
P (Mainsail Luff) 39.0
E (Mainsail Foot) 16.2
SA Fore 352.63
SA Main 315.9
How It Compares

vs. Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley, Dickerson 40, Tartan 40 Offshore

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Lapworth 40 ★
40.0 ft
Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley
40.0 ft
Dickerson 40
40.0 ft
Tartan 40 Offshore
40.0 ft
LWL
Lapworth 40 ★
28.0 ft
Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley
28.8 ft
Dickerson 40
30.4 ft
Tartan 40 Offshore
36.0 ft
Beam
Lapworth 40 ★
11.0 ft
Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley
11.8 ft
Dickerson 40
12.0 ft
Tartan 40 Offshore
13.3 ft
Displacement
Lapworth 40 ★
17 lbs
Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley
20 lbs
Dickerson 40
18 lbs
Tartan 40 Offshore
26 lbs
Ballast
Lapworth 40 ★
Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley
6 lbs
Dickerson 40
5 lbs
Tartan 40 Offshore
10 lbs
Sail Area
Lapworth 40 ★
669 sq ft
Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley
681 sq ft
Dickerson 40
600 sq ft
Tartan 40 Offshore
788 sq ft
Performance
PHRF Rating (lower = faster)
Lapworth 40 ★
159 s/nm
Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley
Dickerson 40
197 s/nm
Tartan 40 Offshore
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Lapworth 40 ★
15.8
Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley
14.8
Dickerson 40
14.0
Tartan 40 Offshore
14.4
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Lapworth 40 ★
35.7
Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley
36.1
Dickerson 40
30.5
Tartan 40 Offshore
34.3
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Lapworth 40 ★
1.69
Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley
1.73
Dickerson 40
1.83
Tartan 40 Offshore
1.80
Hull Speed
Lapworth 40 ★
7.1 kts
Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley
7.2 kts
Dickerson 40
7.4 kts
Tartan 40 Offshore
8.0 kts
Speed Number (higher = faster)
Lapworth 40 ★
1.3
Bermuda 40 3 Hinckley
1.2
Dickerson 40
1.5
Tartan 40 Offshore
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