1961 Hinckley Bermuda 40

For those who know Hinckley Yachts, the Hinckley Bermuda 40 needs little introduction. Designed by William H. Tripp Jr., the B40 is widely regarded as one of the most successful American racer-cruisers ever built—combining CCA-era elegance with genuine offshore capability and the kind of craftsmanship that defined Hinckley’s reputation. Over 200 were built across three decades, but early Mk I boats like Sabrina represent the original, purist execution of the design. What sets the original B40 apart—and why knowledgeable buyers seek them out—is the balance of simplicity and authenticity. These early boats predate later production changes and retain the straightforward construction, clean deck layouts, and classic proportions that made the design iconic. You’re getting the boat as it was originally conceived: long overhangs, moderate beam, and a true long keel/centerboard configuration that delivers both shoal-water access and offshore tracking ability. Under sail, the Bermuda 40 has always been about feel rather than raw numbers. She is not a modern fin-keel flyer—and that’s exactly the point. The heavier displacement hull and centerboard configuration produce a notably seakindly motion and excellent directional stability, particularly off the wind where the boat comes into its own. The yawl rig, often overlooked by newer sailors, is a defining feature: it allows precise sail balance, reduces helm load, and offers flexibility in heavy weather or passagemaking. Owners consistently note how easily the boat can be trimmed to sail herself on a r...