[3] It was the first oceangoing cruising monohull to have a modified keel designed to reduce weight and wetted surface while increasing speed and ease of propulsion of the hull shape by the wind.
It is widely suspected that the new resin was responsible for extensive non-osmotic blistering of the hulls, deck, and cabin-house structures in boats built between 1976 and 1981.
[5] The success of several Valiant 40s competing in long ocean races during the early 1980s brought this boat to the notice of the world sailing community.
Of special importance was a solo "wrong way" race completed in the Southern Ocean on a Westabout course, sailing into the prevailing winds, using a factory-stock V-40.
Many cruising couples have made successful transoceanic voyages and Valiant 40s are reported to turn 160-mile (256 km) days regularly on a passage.