Class 40 #15 ‘Koloa Maoli’
fast. strong. proven. compliant.
A first-generation Owen-Clarke Design yacht built to the Class 40 rule in 2006, Class 40 #15 Koloa Maoli gives Ronnie Simpson a great starting point with which to build a competitive campaign for the 2027-28 Global Solo Challenge.
Built in South Africa and originally campaigned by Irishman Ian Munslow as ‘Bolland Mills’, #15 finished in third place in the 2006 Route du Rhum, proving her speed potential against Class 40’s of a similar vintage.
Privately owned and based in Portland, Maine, #15 was purchased by David Linger of Seattle, Washington and competed in the 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge and sailed to a sixth-place finish in the race. Returning to Maine in excellent condition, Koloa Maoli represents an incredible opportunity and platform for Ronnie to mount a competitive campaign for the Global Solo Challenge.
The Class 40 class of racing yacht has very quickly become the most popular choice of boat for the Global Solo Challenge.
Originally conceived as a ‘box rule’ class of yacht that was designed for one or two people to race across an ocean, or around the globe, Class 40’s are an ideal platform for a singlehanded racing circumnavigation.
While the boats have developed at a rapid pace - continually getting faster with each generation - an older 1st generation Class 40 remains a viable choice to mount a winning campaign for the Global Solo Challenge due to the race’s unique staggered start which is based on the theoretical performance of each sailing yacht.
While an older-generation boat may be slower on the water, it will start one, two, or even three weeks earlier than newer Class 40s while remaining arguably tougher, more over-built, and potentially easier to be sailed to it’s full potential than a newer boat.