Figaro 3 and Class 40

The Figaro 3 and the Class 40 are among the most important sport boat classes in French-influenced offshore racing. Both boats combine high speed over long distances with the ability to compete under challenging conditions: alone, double-handed, at night, in strong winds and on multi-day stages. While the Figaro 3, as a strict one-design class, carries the junior and professional scene of the Solitaire du Figaro, the Class 40 is a box rule class and an established stepping stone on the way to IMOCA 60 and major transatlantic races. Those who want to move from inshore keelboats like the J70 and J80 into the realm of Regatta vs. Cruising vs. Offshore will find a structured entry into professional short-distance offshore sailing in these two classes.

History and Significance in Offshore Sailing

The Figaro class emerged in the 1990s as a single-handed offshore boat for the Solitaire du Figaro – one of Europe's most traditional stage regattas, sponsored by the French daily newspaper Le Figaro. The predecessors Figaro 1 and Figaro 2 shaped the French solo sailing scene for decades. In 2019, the Figaro 3 (Beneteau, VPLP design) replaced the Figaro 2 and brought lifting foils into a production-oriented one-design offshore class for the first time.

The Class 40 was established in the early 2000s as a 40-foot box rule to enable more affordable shorthanded offshore racing. It quickly became the standard class for races such as the Route du Rhum, the Transat Jacques Vabre (double-handed) and numerous Atlantic and coastal races. Many of today's IMOCA skippers began their offshore careers on a Class 40.

Figaro and Class 40 – Milestones

Technical Comparison: Figaro 3 vs. Class 40

Both boats are designed for offshore stages, but differ in concept, rulebook and purpose. The Figaro 3 is a uniform production boat; the Class 40 allows different designs and yards within fixed limits.

Usage Profile in Comparison

In common: offshore, stages, navigation and sleep management.

The one-design principle of the Figaro 3 is explained in detail under One-Design vs. Handicap Systems. The Class 40 works more with a class box rule approach, comparable to the concept behind IRC and ORC racers, but as its own international class with a fixed maximum size.

Figaro 3: Foils and One-Design Philosophy

The Figaro 3 is a modern single-handed offshore racer with a closed deck, crash box concept and two lifting foils that partially unload the hull in reaching conditions and in waves. The goal is not permanent foiling like in the America's Cup, but less hull resistance and more stable speed in practice. All boats are identical; differences arise from sail condition, rig tuning, navigation and the skipper's physical resilience.

The class is managed by the Association Figaro Beneteau. Measurements and material specifications are strictly enforced at championships – comparable to other class associations and one-design classes.

Class 40: Box Rule and Design Diversity

The Class 40 allows different hull shapes, keel types and rig configurations within defined limits (maximum length, maximum displacement, safety equipment). This promotes innovation and different boat profiles: from older, more affordable used boats to the latest carbon racers. For many teams, the Class 40 is the first step towards transatlantic racing with professional support and sponsorship.

Important Regattas and Competition Formats

Solitaire du Figaro (Figaro 3)

The Solitaire du Figaro is the flagship of the Figaro class: multi-day coastal stages along the French and European Atlantic coast, sailed single-handed. Typically 3,000+ nautical miles, tight coastal navigation, strong tidal currents in the Channel and changing wind systems. The regatta is considered a training ground for professional solo sailors; winners and top finishers are regarded as serious IMOCA candidates.

Class 40 Calendar

Class 40 boats start at major single-handed and double-handed events:

1. Route du Rhum – solo transatlantic from Saint-Malo to Guadeloupe, every four years.
2. Transat Jacques Vabre – double-handed from Le Havre to Martinique (also Class 40 fleet).
3. The Race Around and regional coastal races – training and qualification.
4. Class 40 Championships – periodic world championship formats of the class.

Career Path and Requirements

Offshore Career Ladder

The typical French professional path leads from the Figaro 3 via the Class 40 to the IMOCA 60. Outside France, ambitious sailors often use the Class 40 as their first own offshore project without necessarily having Figaro experience. Key factors are:

• Navigation and weather routing on multi-day stages
• Sleep management in single-handed or double-handed operation
• Boat reliability – repairs underway are part of the sport
• Physical endurance and mental resilience
• Budget and logistics for stages, training and equipment

Those looking for the right class for their goals will find a systematic decision guide under Choosing a boat class by regatta goal and career path.

Skills and Training

Figaro and Class 40 sailors in France often go through structured programmes. Internationally, the following typically apply: coastal and inshore regatta experience, offshore safety courses, co-skipper assignments on Class 40, single-handed training (24–48 h) and routing software skills.

Equipment, Budget and Team Structure

Both classes are more affordable than the IMOCA 60, but require significant investment: Figaro 3 via charter or syndicate, Class 40 from older used boats to modern carbon racers. Running costs include sails, rigging, insurance and stage logistics. In the context of Keelboats and Sport Boats, both sit at the upper end of the sport boat scale.

Checklist: Getting Started with Figaro 3 or Class 40

• Offshore experience on coastal or stage regattas demonstrable
• Safety equipment and courses (Sea Survival, medicine) completed
• Single-handed or double-handed training completed (at least 48 h at sea)
• Navigation, GRIB weather and routing software practised
• Budget for boat, equipment and stages realistically calculated
• Network in the class (mentor, co-skipper, association) established
• Physical fitness and sleep management trained
• Rulebook of target class (Figaro Class Rules / Class 40 rule) studied

Preparation for Solitaire du Figaro

• Clarify Figaro 3 access (charter, syndicate or ownership)
• Sail training stages
• Practise foil handling
• Study tidal charts Atlantic coast
• Calibrate autopilot
• Emergency repair kits on board
• Fitness plan 6 months before start
• Mental training for sleep deprivation

Figaro 3 or Class 40 – Which Class Fits?

Figaro 3 is suitable if you:

• are looking for structured one-design solo sailing
• are pursuing the French offshore development path
• want to experience foils and modern production technology on a 10-metre boat
• want to participate in the Solitaire du Figaro

Class 40 is suitable if you:

• are aiming for transatlantic racing
• want to sail as a solo or double-handed skipper on a larger boat
• are looking for design diversity and a stepping stone to IMOCA
• want to start at the Route du Rhum or Transat Jacques Vabre

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need Figaro experience for Class 40?
No, but offshore experience is essential. Many Class 40 skippers start without a Figaro background.

Can I charter a Figaro 3?
Yes, charter and syndicates are common entry routes into the class.

How do Figaro 2 and 3 differ?
The Figaro 3 brings lifting foils, a new hull design and is the current one-design fleet.

Summary

Figaro 3 and Class 40 are the central sport boat classes for ambitious offshore regatta sailing below the IMOCA level – from the Solitaire du Figaro to the Route du Rhum.

Related Topics

• Keelboats and Sport Boats
• Regatta vs. Cruising vs. Offshore
• One-Design vs. Handicap Systems
• Choosing a boat class by regatta goal and career path
• IRC and ORC Racers