About The Bermuda 40 Association

Dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and sharing the rich heritage of the iconic Hinckley Bermuda 40 sailboat

Our Mission

The Bermuda 40 Association is dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and sharing the rich heritage of the iconic Hinckley Bermuda 40 sailboat. We are a community of passionate owners and admirers committed to maintaining the craftsmanship, performance, and timeless elegance of these classic yachts.

Our Mission

The Bermuda 40 Association is dedicated to celebrating, preserving, and sharing the rich heritage of the iconic Hinckley Bermuda 40 sailboat. We are a community of passionate owners committed to maintaining the craftsmanship, performance, and timeless elegance of these classic yachts.

Our Story

Founded in 1977 by a dedicated handful of Chesapeake Bay Bermuda 40 owners, our association has grown from a small group of passionate sailors into a thriving international community. What began as informal gatherings among local owners has evolved into one of the most respected classic yacht associations in North America.

Today, our membership spans 85+ devoted owners of Hinckley sailing yachts, reaching far beyond the Chesapeake to include members along the entire Eastern Seaboard, Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes, California, Canada, the Netherlands, Singapore, and Australia. This global community remains united by a shared appreciation for the exceptional craftsmanship and timeless design that defines every Hinckley yacht.

As a member of the National Sailing Hall of Fame, we take pride in our role preserving sailing heritage. where our beautiful Bermuda 40s showcase the enduring appeal of classic yacht design.

Our community includes members who have achieved remarkable feats aboard their Bermuda 40s in both competitive racing and long-distance cruising. These accomplishments demonstrate that our classic yachts continue to inspire confidence and deliver performance decades after their launch. These accomplishments demonstrate that our classic yachts remain as capable and seaworthy today as when Hull #1 Huntress was launched in 1959.

Our Community by the Numbers

9

Countries

& Growing

85

Active Members

Worldwide

48

Years Strong

Since 1977

203

B40s Built

Legacy Fleet

Our Activities & Achievements

Events and Activities

  • Regional cruising adventures and races

  • Winter business and social meetings

  • Regional fleet captain gatherings

Member Achievements

  • Newport-Bermuda race victories

  • Multiple circumnavigations

  • Classic yacht race podium finishes

  • Restoration and preservation projects

Heritage Preservation

  • National Sailing Hall of Fame founding member

  • Technical documentation archives

  • Restoration expertise sharing

  • Classic yacht racing advocacy

Board of Directors

Our volunteer, owner-run organization is guided by experienced Hinckley yacht owners who share their expertise and passion for these classic vessels.

Kristen Gantt Applin-III

Commodore

ELIXIR, 1980 Mk III Yawl

Hunter Ratliff

Vice Commodore

CON DECORO, 1966 Mk II Yawl

Mariana Lesher

Secretary/Treasurer

ESPERANZA, 1963 Custom Yawl

John Martelle

Member at Large

JOYE, 1963 Custom Yawl

Ed Stroh

Member at Large

ELLA LEE, 1985 Mk III Sloop

Connecting Our Community Across the Waters

Our dedicated Fleet Captains organize regional events and serve as local points of contact for members throughout our sailing areas.

Regional Fleet Captains

Mark Van Baalen

ARIANE, 1980 Mk III Yawl

Maine Coast to Newfoundland

Paul Manning

FROLIC, 1975 Mk III Yawl

Buzzards Bay to Nantucket

Ed Stroh

ELLA LEE, 1985 Mk III Sloop

Newport to Eastern Long Island Sound

James Bonomo

PATHFINDER, 1968 Custom Yawl

NY Harbor | NJ | Western Long Island Sound

Hunter Ratliff

CON DECORO, 1966 Mk II Yawl

Chicago | Great Lakes

Rick Stanford

CELERITY, 1983 Mk III Yawl

Chesapeake Bay | Upper Bay | Annapolis

Bill Morgan

SKYLARK, 1972 Mk III Yawl

Chesapeake Bay | Lower Bay | Tidewater

Steve Hart

GRACA, 1977 Mk III Sloop

Pamlico Sound North Carolina

Wayne Lee

GLORY DAYS, 1968 Custom Yawl

South Florida & Caribbean Islands

Mickey Rouse

BLUEBONNET, 1973 MkIII Yawl

Gulf Coast Western

Want to Join Our Community?

Discover the camaraderie, expertise, and shared passion that makes our association special