[6] Henry Hinckley had originally planned to build his first fiberglass sailboat based on a 38 foot boat which was intended to serve as the plug from which molds would be built.
Hull #1, Huntress, was launched in time for the 1960 Bermuda Race and the remaining first group of boats was completed that year.
[7] The Bermuda 40 is a recreational keelboat, built predominantly of fiberglass, with teak wood trim, including the cockpit coaming.
It features a spooned raked stem, a raised counter transom, a keel-mounted rudder controlled by a wheel and a fixed long keel with a bronze centreboard, operated via a worm gear.
[3] A review in 2010 by Charles Doane indicated, "with its classic long overhangs, perfectly pitched sheer line, wide side-decks, graceful cabin profile, and distinctive near-vertical transom, the Bermuda 40 has inspired severe lust in the heart of many a cruising sailor.
I think it can be safely said that this boat has stood the test of time, and, although the design is now 40 years old, many people, myself among them, still consider the Bermuda 40 one of the most beautiful yachts afloat.