1961 Hinckley Bermuda 40

The Hinckley Bermuda 40 is a classic American racer-cruiser designed by William H. Tripp Jr. and built in 1961. This early Mk I example embodies the original design philosophy: long overhangs, moderate beam, and a centerboard configuration that balances shoal-water access with offshore capability. The yawl rig is integral to the boat's character, offering precise sail balance and the ability to trim herself on a reach. Unlike modern fin-keel designs, the heavier displacement hull and centerboard produce a notably seakindly motion and excellent directional stability, particularly off the wind.

Accommodation centers on a single cabin with a forward V-berth and a separate head featuring a shower, sink, and electric toilet. The galley is equipped with a three-burner LPG stove with oven, double stainless steel sink with hot and cold pressure water, and a 12-volt Sea Frost refrigerator-freezer. The layout is straightforward and functional, with a full-beam salon and cockpit outfitted for extended cruising and entertaining.

The boat was repowered in 2019 with a Beta Marine 38-horsepower diesel engine (1,116 hours). Major systems have been upgraded: new lithium batteries and a Victron inverter-controller were installed in late 2025, along with 400 watts of solar panels. The standing rigging was replaced in 2004, the main and mizzen masts are from 2005, and the mainboom is newer. A full suite of deck hardware includes Anderson and Harken winches, a Maxwell windlass with dual controls, and a Garhauer traveler added in 2018. Electronics include dual Simrad depth finders and speedometers, Furuno radar, Garmin GPS-chartplotter, Standard Horizon VHF, and a Simrad autopilot installed in 2021.

Recent maintenance includes new teak varnish on exterior surfaces, antiskid and deck paint applied in summer 2025, new sail covers for main and mizzen from October 2024, and a new Centek wet-exhaust muffler from October 2024. The centerboard is exercised monthly and in proper working order. New sails for the main and genoa were supplied by Precision in 2019, and a 150-percent genoa, mizzen, and asymmetrical spinnaker are included. The boat carries a Mantus 65-pound anchor with 200 feet of all-chain rode and a spare, plus a full bimini top and dodger on stainless frames.