SPORT - Soto 40 information evening

Sometimes there's not a lot new around in new-yacht design, but there's been a quiet revolution happening in South America where, just two years ago, some keelboat racers got sick of the handicap racing and decided to do their own one design 40-footer, says sailmaker Quantum Sail Design Group.

Quantum said two years later, the Soto 40 has 22 orders, 14 already in the water, their own fully sponsored racing circuit and poised to take on the European Grand Prix fleet. They look different, they have the largest cockpit around and they are simply the fastest 40-footer on water.

According to the sailmaker, there are a number of big announcements about the fleet in the next few weeks and interested sailors will hear a few clues at the meeting at Sandringham Yacht Club next Thursday (starting at 6.30pm for a 7pm start).

The presentation includes an introduction to the Class, a chat to the builder and the Class President. Also heaps of videos of the fleet racing and an opportunity to find out more about the plans to get fleets started in other parts of the world.

David Eickmeyer will be there to discuss the sail development for the Soto 40 as well.

“Among all these new fast 40s is a competition for the best sails. The yachts come as a strict one design specification but the owners can choose their own sails. Three of the Soto 40 fleet carry Quantum Sails,” said Quantum.

“The first Uruguayan yacht Negra arrived at Ilhabela Race Week, Brazil, with a Quantum suit and blitzed the whole fleet. It certainly caused a lot of chatter among the fleet and there are now two other Soto 40s carrying the Q badge.

“The Soto 40 sails are already in their third generation and the competition to build the fastest Soto 40 sail has been intense, despite the early days of the fleet,” Quantum said.

To register, phone 0404 896 820 or log onto www.longitudeyachts.com

Photos: Soto 40s racing.