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Nonsuch 40
Designer: Mark Ellis  ·  Builder: Sen Koh Shipbuilding (Taiwan)  ·  First built: 1988
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About the Nonsuch 40

Mark Ellis designed this distinctive catboat as part of the renowned Nonsuch series, building on the legacy of unstayed rigs that made these vessels instantly recognizable on the water. With only five hulls completed by Sen Koh Shipbuilding in Taiwan starting in 1988, the Nonsuch 40 represents one of the rarer entries in this celebrated lineup. The boat's single-sail cat rig eliminates the complexity of stays and shrouds, making it particularly appealing to shorthanded sailors and those seeking simplified sail handling. This configuration, combined with the fin keel and spade rudder arrangement, delivers respectable performance while maintaining the series' reputation for ease of operation. The generous beam of over 14 feet provides excellent interior volume and stability, while the moderate displacement suggests a good balance between comfort and sailing ability. Built for serious cruising, this design suits coastal and offshore passages equally well. The comfort ratio of 29.5 indicates a relatively stiff, seakindly motion, while the capsize screening value of 1.89 falls within acceptable offshore sailing parameters. The fiberglass construction ensures durability, and the hull's lines allow for a theoretical hull speed approaching 8.5 knots, making this a capable passage-maker for those who appreciate the unique character of unstayed rigs.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 44.95 ft / 13.70 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 40.03 ft / 12.20 m
Beam 14.11 ft / 4.30 m
Max Draft 6.56 ft / 2.00 m
Displacement 26,896.00 lb / 12,200 kg
Ballast Type Lead
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin w/spade rudder
Rigging Type Cat (unstayed)
Construction FG
Designer Mark Ellis
Builder Sen Koh Shipbuilding (TAIWAN)
First Built 1988
Number Built 5
Associations Nonsuch Association (International)
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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
 187.19
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
 29.5
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
 1.89
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. 8.48 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. 2,018.18 pounds/inch
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