Team Concise and Ker Yacht design’s Simon Schofield, traveled out to McConaghy’s China yard last week to spend a few days signing off the deck mock-up.

Deck ergonomics are important for any boat, however they become especially important when sailing shorthanded or solo. Sheeting angles, winch positions, rope leads must all be spot on. The Forty(1)Design has been optimised for shorthanded sailing, the cockpit is easy to negotiate, with all the control lines located within easy reach of the companionway and helming position. The primary and runner winch can both be operated when driving, whilst the cockpit layout retains the ability to use every line on any winch. Having this flexibility allows for easy peels and simplifies maneuvers.

The central companionway allows for a bigger door, making it far easier to move sails below deck. With stacking so vital on these boats it is hugely important to be able to easily move sails around to trim the boat. The deck level mainsheet traveler and internal keel tower structure allows for a straight run between the forward and aft stacking positions.

Crew protection is another important factor when driving a boat for weeks on end. Having really struggled with this on the last two boats, the team has worked hard on keeping the driver as comfortable and dry as possible. The coach roof wings wrap around behind the driver keeping the green water at bay, whilst a tack-able MOD 70 inspired windshields offer protection from the spray.

The mock-up allowed the team to test all of these different design aspects. Each rope lead, clutch, winch and organizer position was meticulously checked. The deck height optimised and the coach roof protection tweaked to offer comfort whilst not inhibiting the sailor. The mock up was then heeled over to 17 degrees to offer an upwind scenario.

Having physically tested the ergonomics the team was able to leave the yard highly confident that the Forty(1)Design was going to work extremely efficiently, encouraging the sailor to stay on the helm, stack and sail to the boats fully potential.