Freedom 40 AC

Description

The Freedom 40 AC is an iconic bluewater cruiser designed by Halsey Herreshoff in collaboration with Garry Hoyt and built by Tillotson-Pearson from 1976 to the mid-1980s, with approximately 90 units produced, celebrated for its groundbreaking unstayed cat-ketch rig with free-standing aluminum masts (later carbon-fiber) and self-tacking wraparound sails on wishbone booms that mimic windsurfer efficiency, eliminating standing rigging for reduced clutter, lower windage, and effortless short-handed operation including gybe-free downwind sailing. Featuring a classic spoon-bow long keel with centerboard (or optional shoal-draft or fin keel) hull for versatility, it measures 40 feet LOA, 35 feet LWL, and 12 feet beam, displacing 20,000 pounds with 5,530 pounds of lead ballast for a ballast-to-displacement ratio of 27.7 percent and a displacement-to-length ratio around 208 that ensures a soft motion in heavy weather, while delivering 760 square feet of sail area originally without an auxiliary engine (later commonly fitted with 30-40 hp Yanmar diesels) and generous tankage of about 80 gallons fuel and 100 gallons water. Its aft cockpit provides deep security with high coamings and easy helm access, complemented by a spacious teak-interior layout offering 6 feet 5 inches headroom, a large aft double cabin with en-suite head, U-galley, L-shaped dinette converting to berths, forward V-berth, and sleeping for five to six in a warm, functional arrangement that prioritizes privacy and liveaboard comfort, making it a timeless choice for ocean passages despite modest upwind speed in light airs.