1961 Hinckley Bermuda 40

For those who know Hinckley Yachts, the Hinckley Bermuda 40 needs little introduction. Designed by William H. Tripp Jr., the B40 is widely regarded as one of the most successful American racer-cruisers ever built—combining CCA-era elegance with genuine offshore capability and the kind of craftsmanship that defined Hinckley’s reputation. Over 200 were built across three decades, but early Mk I boats like Sabrina represent the original, purist execution of the design.

What sets the original B40 apart—and why knowledgeable buyers seek them out—is the balance of simplicity and authenticity. These early boats predate later production changes and retain the straightforward construction, clean deck layouts, and classic proportions that made the design iconic. You’re getting the boat as it was originally conceived: long overhangs, moderate beam, and a true long keel/centerboard configuration that delivers both shoal-water access and offshore tracking ability.

Under sail, the Bermuda 40 has always been about feel rather than raw numbers. She is not a modern fin-keel flyer—and that’s exactly the point. The heavier displacement hull and centerboard configuration produce a notably seakindly motion and excellent directional stability, particularly off the wind where the boat comes into its own. The yawl rig, often overlooked by newer sailors, is a defining feature: it allows precise sail balance, reduces helm load, and offers flexibility in heavy weather or passagemaking. Owners consistently note how easily the boat can be trimmed to sail herself on a reach.

Sabrina incorporates these core design attributes along with a series of updates aimed at improving usability and reliability. Repowered in 2019 with a Beta Marine diesel (approximately 1,116 hours), and upgraded with modern electrical components including lithium batteries, solar, and a Victron inverter/controller (2025), she reflects ongoing investment in key systems. Combined with recent cosmetic work and ongoing maintenance, she presents as a functional and updated example of a well-established classic cruising design. 

For the right buyer, this isn’t a comparison against modern production boats. It’s a different category entirely—a chance to own a foundational piece of American yacht design, executed the way Hinckley originally intended.

Highlights:

• 2019 Repowered Beta Marine Diesel (1116 hours)
• New LiPo Batteries (Nov/Dec 2025)
• New Victron inverter/controller (Nov/Dec 2025)
• New solar panels (2x200 watts) (Nov/Dec 2025)
• Center Board exercised monthly and in good working order (videos of centerboard up and down available)
• New antiskid and Deck paint (Summer 2025)
• New sail covers (main and mizzen) in October 2024
• All exterior teak varnished (Oct/Nov 2024)

Mechanical

• Beta Marine Diesel K41045
• 4 Cyl, 38 HP
• Re-power in 2019 with only 1116 hours
• The tank was drained, scrubbed inside and new vent installed upon re-power
• Fresh water cooling
• Kanzaki Marine gear
• All through hulls have been replaced with re-power in 2019 
• Stuffing box inspected and serviced in 2019
• New Centek Vernalift Wet Exhaust Muffler (Oct 2024)

Deck

• Primary Winches – 2 each ANDERSON 50, two speed
• 2 each 28 Secondary Winches 28 – Trunk Mounted. 2 each Harken 32 & 1 each small winch on Mizzen for Halyards
• Mast Winches – 2 ea. Barient # 17
•  (10) Chrome plated cleats
• Bow and stern pulpits
• Lifelines - Double vinyl coated cable
• Two side boarding gates.
• Full enclosure bimini top & dodger on stainless steel frames
• Fresh water wash down
• Dorade boxes 2

Ground tackle

• Mantus 65 lb. anchor, 5/16’ x 200’ all chain rode
• Spare anchor 20ft of chain and rode around 200ft
• Windlass – Maxwell 2200, 12 v., controls on the bow & the cockpit

Rigging

• Standing rigging replaced in 2004
• Garhauer traveler added in 2018
• Running rigging good condition
• Main and Mizzen Mast new in 2005
• New main mast boom (4 ft shorter to accommodate Bimini), Old boom still avail.
• Spinnaker pole
• Retractable lazy jacks

Sails

• Mainsail – Heavy Dacron, full battens, 2-reefs (Precision Sails new in 2019)
• Genoa – (135%) Dacron on roller furling, new condition (Precision Sails new in 2019)
• Genoa – (150%) Dacron in bag
• Mizzen – Dacron, servicable
• Spinnaker – Asymmetrical in the bag, good condition

Electronics/Electrical

• Depth finder – (2) Simrad IS15
• VHF – Standard Horizon Intrepid with Command MIC at helm
• Autopilot - CPT new in 2021
• Autopilot – Simrad AP-20 hydraulic currently not in use due to small leak
• Radar – Furuno Nav Net C-Map NT
• GPS/Chart Plotter – Garmin
• Speed – (2) Simrad IS15
• Stereo – Clarion M-303 AM/FM/CD/Sat
• TV – Visio Flat screen in v-berth and one in the salon
• 3x brand new LiTime LiPo Batteries 12.8V 165Ah Nov/Dec 2025 (old set up was 2 battery banks, 3x 31 series AGM in vberth and 3x 31 series AGM in starboard cockpit locker)
• New Victron Energy MultiPlus-II 12/3000/120-50 120V (UL) monitor (Nov/Dec 2025)
• New solar 2x200 watt (Nov/Dec 2025)
• Wind Generator
• Dometic Reverse Cycle Cooling/Heating, ducted through salon and V-Berth, 1600 BTU, in soundproof casing
• Complete rewire in 2005 at Lamb's Yacht Center in Jacksonville

Other

• Last bottom paint in October 2023 (Pettit Odyssey Triton Red)
• 3 blade bronze prop
• Cockpit cushions
• V-berth privacy door in storage

Galley

The galley is equipped with a Heritage (3) burner LPG cooking stove with oven that is built in and gimbaled. A double s.s. sink with pressure hot & cold water and a (new) Sea Frost (12 v can be air or water cooled) in the counter cold plate refrigerator/freezer complete the Galley. There are two propane tanks w/ solenoid valves installed in the aft propane locker. 

Wet Head

The forward head is equipped with a sink, shower wand and Raritan electric fresh water flush toilet (new in 2021).

Dimensions

Length Overall 40.75ft

Minimum draft 4.2ft

Freeboard 8.75ft

Beam 11.75ft

Bridge clearance 47ft

Length at Waterline 28.83ft

Tankage

Fresh Water Tank 2 X 55 Gal 

Fuel Tank 1 X 48 Gal 

Holding Tank 1 X 15 Gal