D/L of 256; a Sabre 38, 224; a J/40, 176. But a modern underbelly with cut-away sections fore and aft of the keel presents minimal wetted surface, and high-lift, low-drag keel-foil sections improve performance. The relatively high D/L suggests to us that this boat will move easily with a kindly motion in a seaway while carrying a long-term voyaging payload. Scores of 8 were given to roll factor and sea motion. Survey respondents gave scores of 8 for "sea motion" and "dry decks." With dodgers installed, scores for cockpit protection averaged 8.5
          The Sail Area/Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of 15.3 is low by today’s standards (the Sabre 38 has an SA/D of 17.9; the J/40, 20.2), but the venerable Valiant 40 has a similar SA/D of 15.5, and the V-40 is a classic and effective passagemaker in a wide range of conditions. Most respondents gave high scores for light-air performance-surprisingly (with such low SA/D), mostly 8s and 9s, with one 10--with positive comments about the design’s maneuverability and drive in zephyrs. One skipper scored light-air performance at 4, but he admitted that he was just getting to know the boat.
          The 40LRC’s Ballast/Displacement Ratio is high at 44% (the Valiant 40’s is 34%), with ballast positioned low in the keel, and when teamed with an average beam/length ratio of 30% (the V-40’s also is 30%) should make for a stiff boat with excellent initial and ultimate stability. Performance in strong winds and storm handling was laced with 8s and 9s, with a 6 and 7 from the owner still learning his boat. The Convertible Cutter Rig on a retractable inner forestay provides a heavy-air rig for roller-furling staysail and reefed main.
          Owners deemed performance in moderate wind		 conditions excellent, giving that category scores between 9 and 10. Upwind and downwind performance averaged 8, with tracking ability gaining an 8.5 due to the long fin and skeg. Tacking angles ranged from 85 degrees to 100 degrees, averaging about 95 degrees. Noon-to-noons in the trades will be between 130 and 150 miles; in the variables, about 120 to 140 miles. Under power, generally with feathering three-bladed props, the boats handled extremely well, with scores averaging 9 for forward, reverse and while docking. The rudder/skeg positioned well aft and the modified fin assist in this department.
          Dinghy storage rated a 7.5. Sea berths averaged 8s. There are three--the settee in the salon to starboard; the dinette settee, which converts to a double in port; and the aft cabin double-berth, with judicious use of a lee cloth or cushions and pillows.
          The bowsprit is a neat attribute on a voyaging boat, for not only does it allow the headstay to be moved far forward, it also provides the perfect anchor platform far from the pristine topsides and a great spot to observe dolphins in the bow wave, and it will be invaluable in gaining access to a wharf or quay when moored Medstyle.

Accommodation
          "Very comfortable accommodation; separate stall shower an asset," is a typical comment from survey respondents. We view this Caliber 40LRC as a "couple’s boat," or at least an LRC for a small family. the forward stateroom, to port just forward of the dinette, is in essence a spacious in-port double for the owners. It’s too far forward of amidships to be comfortable in a seaway. No problem; There are sufficient sea berths to accommodate a couple or small family while on passage. Berth size and comfort rated 9s.          

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