Designed by Ian Murray and built by Bashford International, the Bashford Howison 41, now known as the Sydney 41, was designed around the principle that performance is more important than rating.  Despite that, the 41's results in IMS and IRC over the years have made her probably the most successful cruiser-racer ever built.

Three days after launching, the first BH41 took overall victory in the 50th Sydney-Hobart.  In local waters 41's have notched up wins in the Fastnet Race, Cowes Week overall 1st and 2nd and a sweep at Cork Week 1996, finishing overall 1st, 2nd and 3rd.

Principal Dimensions

Hull

The yacht is constructed with a kevlar/glass lay up, vinylester resin, balsa and foam cores for the optimum mix of weight saving and strength. The structure was engineered to ensure a strong, safe, advanced laminate which suits production yachts but satisfies the cruiser aspects of the yacht. A full kevlar skin is incorporated in the advanced laminate of the hull with an unidirectional kevlar backbone and crash panels. All of this bonded with vinylester resin and backed by ABS approval.

Interior

The Sydney 41 interior offers a fresh, spacious layout, which is ideal for everyday use, is both practical and functional and adapts for offshore easily. A moulded saloon is trimmed with timber joinery, then fully bonded in for additional strength. It offers a large a dinette settee, navigation station, large galley, double quarter berth and ample storage. The forward cabin features double berth, seating and locker.

Deck and Rig

The deck is designed with moulded non-slip surfaces and large curved corners. The sleek coachroof makes an excellent working platform and the layout enable efficient use of the yacht. The large, open cockpit that is synonymous with the Sydney brand, makes it comfortable whether racing or cruising. Styling includes the new sleek window (non-opening) and the added coachhouse hatch to ensure ample ventilation, separate navigation station to name a few.

The mast head rig is easy to use efficiently. Its balance of a large mainsail and small headsails give ease of handling and improved performance racing. The single piece of extruded alloy mast is silver anodised for low maintenance and of a quality of the most exclusive custom rigs. It is very flexible to give complete choice over sail shapes and its single checkstays and hydraulic backstay control it perfectly.