In this test:
A very weak ground current and barely 10 knots of wind even with thermals - not exactly ideal test conditions, one would think. Most production boats would bob along sluggishly or have been running under engine for a long time. Of course, a racy performance cruiser should be able to get going even in such flat wind conditions. But how the Luffe 40.20 converts the light breeze into speed is astonishing - not to mention the spectacular steering feel.
But right from the start: The Danes didn't have much room for improvement with their 40-footer. Although around 18 years have passed since the Luffe 40.04 was presented, the design is considered an exceptional boat: stylish, fast and easy to sail, the elegant Dane combines the best virtues. So it was hardly surprising that the crew around shipyard founder and designer Oluf Jørgensen did not launch a completely new design with the 40.20 model in 2020, but instead refined the tried and tested.
From a new mould: Freeboard increased by five centimetres
The hull and parts of the deck are largely unchanged from the previous model, but a surprising number of screws have been tightened and new negative moulds have been built. Even though the sailing performance of the old Luffe left little to be desired, there was literally little room for improvement in the 40.04. The low freeboard required compromises in headroom below deck, so the shipyard increased it by around five centimetres. At first glance, that doesn't seem much. However, as the deck, including the cockpit, is raised over its entire surface, the necessary increase is created to allow more comfortable movement in the foredeck and aft cabin. The height in the centre of the saloon is now 1.85 metres. The toilet room has also been enlarged and can be fitted with a shower area. In addition, the door to the aft cabin can now be opened inwards, which has a positive effect on freedom of movement in the galley.
The cockpit layout has also been adapted. Instead of using a tiller or central steering wheel, the boat is now steered using two small wheels. This creates a clear passage to the rear. The transom has also been given an opening and a recess for the optional tailgate, which serves as a bathing platform and nestles flush into the stern, concealing the bathing step familiar from the previous model and making the lines appear even sleeker.
Only minor visual adjustments have been made to the superstructure. Windows and hatches are now flush-mounted, the typical Luffe silhouette with an almost open foredeck and wide running decks is unchanged, as is the high-quality and generously dimensioned fitting equipment. Much of what is offered on the options list or even as a racing package by the competition is standard with the Danes. In addition to the six stainless steel winches from Andersen, the self-tacking jib rail recessed into the superstructure, additional genoa rails and spinnaker equipment are also standard. The same applies to low-stretch Dyneema rigging, rod stays, 230-volt shore connection with charger, spring cleats and a sprayhood.
The Luffe 40.20 is more customisable than almost any other series yacht
However, this does not mean that you have little choice. Quite the opposite: even small series production can hardly be more customised than with Luffe. There are different methods to choose from for the construction of the hull and deck. The standard version is a sandwich made of polyester resin, E-glass and Divinycell foam. For a surcharge of around 5,600 euros, the hull is manufactured using a vacuum infusion process with a balsa wood core and epoxy resin, as in the test boat.
As well as saving 10 to 15 per cent in weight, the epoxy hull is completely osmosis-resistant and is also said to be more torsion-resistant. A further 5,000 euros will be charged for an infused deck. Always on board is the strong laminated steel frame for absorbing rigging and keel forces, which also serves as an attachment point for the hot eye.
Luffe Yachts has opted for a T-shaped composite keel made from a GRP fin and slim lead torpedo. Compared to the previous model, which was fitted with an L-keel, a new, lower-drag profile is now used. The ballast remains unchanged at 2.5 tonnes, but the new keel configuration ensures a lower centre of gravity. The standard draught is 2.08 metres, but alternatives between 1.85 and 2.25 metres are possible by varying the GRP fin.
45-square-metre squarehead large from North Sails
The modern look with twin wheels and squarehead mainsail is certainly pleasing. However, in view of the well-known good sailing characteristics of the previous model and identical hulls, the question naturally arises as to the added value of the facelift.
As mentioned at the beginning, the wind conditions on the test day were very flat and anything but predictable due to individual thermal breaks on both sides of the Little Belt. When leaving Kolding, the wind indicator at the masthead showed barely 6 knots. It goes without saying that in these conditions the 106 per cent genoa, which is around four square metres larger, is used instead of the self-tacking jib. It can be sheeted extremely tightly using the furler.
The impressive 45-square-metre squarehead from North is a real turbo. Even without a traveller, it can be twisted very nicely so that the current is evenly applied from the boom to the top. In this set-up, the Luffe reaches wind speed in just under 6 knots of wind at the cross - and with an apparent wind angle of a spectacular 26 degrees. This results in tacking angles of no less impressive 76 degrees.
Luffe 40.20: Concentrated steering is rewarded by endorphin release
The squarehead sail costs around 5,400 euros and can be ordered for both the standard aluminium rig and the optional carbon mast. So that it can be ridden, the central backstay is replaced by top backstays. Thanks to the 20-degree swept spreaders, the rig remains upright even without the backstays.
In order to keep the headstay sag to a minimum, however, they should be set at the latest when the wind picks up. This increases the manoeuvring effort, as they use the genoa winches and are therefore not within the helmsman's reach. Instead, you have direct access to the mainsheet from the wheel. It is driven as a German Cupper system and operated via two powerful 46 mm winches. The combination of standard main and self-tacking jib makes the Luffe very suitable for single-handed sailing. If the backstays have to be trimmed, as on the test boat, an autopilot is required for single-handed sailing.
More astonishing than the performance data is the ease with which the Luffe can be steered through the unsteady wind field. The rudder reacts extremely directly and, despite the low pressure in the boat, provides just the right amount of feedback that you need to feel the edge of the wind. The steering wheels, which seem quite small at first glance, work very well; they are recessed into the cockpit coaming and positioned very far out so that the helmsman has a clear view of the sails.
Lightweight timber below deck
Of course, concentration is required to make the most of every change in wind, but the effort is immediately rewarded with a rush of endorphins when the Luffe accelerates noticeably while other yachts have long been "cruising up" the fairway under engine power.
Once in the Little Belt, the next stage of escalation follows: the genoa is replaced by the Code Zero. 41 additional square metres have the desired effect. Instead of just under 6 knots, we were travelling at more than 7 knots. In addition, individual thermals briefly bring winds of around 12 knots. Each of these dark patches lifts the corners of the mouth and gives us a sprint to over 8 knots. Trimming is hardly necessary, it is enough to follow the rapidly decreasing wind angle with a small turn of the wheel. This turns the typical thermal stop-and-go sailing with the Luffe into go-and-gooooo sailing.
The corners of your mouth stay up even when you go below deck, at least if you have an appreciation for high-quality, handcrafted woodwork. With the eye-catching combination of light-coloured Douglas fir veneer and dark wenge bulkheads, the test boat will certainly not appeal to all tastes.
Slim lines of the Luffe 40.20 delimit the interior
However, there are almost no limits to the choice of wood, as the shipyard manufactures the plywood - or, in the case of the Luffe 40.20, the sandwich panels - itself. All bulkheads have a lightweight balsa wood core and are laminated to the hull and deck. The remaining fittings are made of an even lighter foam sandwich. The lightweight construction remains concealed thanks to elaborate edging and laminated finishes. To see the material, you have to dismantle the hot air outlets of the heater and inspect the drill holes.
It's a similar story with the wegerung. It can be found not only in the visible areas, but also in the lockers. Such attention to detail is otherwise only found in shipyards such as Faurby or Linjett.
In view of the slim lines, the interior volume of the Luffe can hardly keep up with other yachts of around twelve metres in size; it is more like that of a 36-footer. The additional headroom does little to change this. However, it does help to alleviate a few tight spots, such as the aft cabin door that opens to the galley or the cramped washroom. For the intended crew size of two adults and two guests or children, the freedom of movement is fine - especially as the berth sizes are quite comfortable. The owner's cabin forward in particular offers a pleasant ambience and a good berth. There is not quite as much space aft. However, the berth itself is even larger, so that two adults can sleep very comfortably, and the height above the berth itself under the cockpit is generous. Both compartments offer storage space in well-organised and ventilated lockers.
Customised layouts
The narrower passageways in the saloon and galley even have advantages at sea: You can find a foothold everywhere. Solid handles also ensure safety.
In addition to the standard layout with one fore and one aft compartment, there is also a three-compartment version with four aft berths. Customised layouts are possible as long as the positions of the structural bulkheads allow. One example is the layout on the test boat, whose starboard aft locker has been converted into a makeshift locker. This means it can be used either as a sail storage space or a berth. Access is then through a loophole with a sliding door from the toilet room.
Due to the shipyard's manufacturing approach, such customisations are common and the additional costs are manageable. Of the 70 units built of the predecessor model, practically no two boats are the same.
Price of the service: This is how much the Luffe 40.20 costs
Manageable additional costs make the Luffe 40.20 far from a bargain. Compared to large 40-foot models, the base price of 327,250 euros is already relatively high. Compared to other Scandinavian-style performance cruisers, however, the Luffe is rather favourably priced. Even the basic version of an X 4.0 costs considerably more, and this does not change when the comfort price is adjusted for equipment. And that's even if the additional costs for the Luffe's infusion design are taken into account. The situation is similar in comparison to the J/122 or Faurby 400.
Of course, the price of the Luffe can be driven up considerably depending on the equipment. The test boat built from epoxy resin with complete teak deck, Kohler rig, electric winches, tailgate, customised fittings, metallic paintwork and a few other extras adds up to over 583,000 euros. However, this also applies to the other yachts, provided that the corresponding customisations are available at all.
In terms of sailing performance and easy handling with a small crew, the Luffe is second to none of its competitors. And the careful modernisation has not detracted from its elegant appearance.
This article first appeared in YACHT 6/2021 and has been revised for this online version.
Measured valuesLuffe 40.20
TheLuffe 40.20in detail
Technical data
- Design engineer: Oluf Jørgensen
- CE design category: A
- Torso length: 12,20 m
- Waterline length: 10,80 m
- Width: 3,40 m
- Draught/old:2,08/1,85, 2,25 m
- Weight:6,5 t
- Ballast/proportion: 2,4 t/37 %
- Mainsail:45,0 m²
- Self-tacking jib (Std.): 32,0 m²
- machine (Yanmar): 21 kW/29 hp
Hull and deck construction
- Foam sandwich with polyester resin
- Optional: Vacuum infusion with epoxy and balsa core
- Bulkheads laminated
Guarantee and price
- Base price ex shipyard: € 327,250 (incl. VAT)
- Warranty/against osmosis: 2/5 years
Shipyard
- Luffe Yachts ApS
- Kolding/Denmark
- luffe.com
YACHT ratingLuffe 40.20
The Luffe has gained in living comfort without losing its sporty genes. She is one of the most powerful performance cruisers and is still very easy to sail.
Design and concept
- + Clear, efficient alignment
- + Highly customisable
Sailing performance and trim
- + Excellent sailing characteristics
- + Very sensitive to control
- + Simple handling
Living and finishing quality
- + Outstanding workmanship
- + Well organised storage space
- + Room utilisation
- - Limited space
Equipment and technology
- + Well dimensioned fittings
- + Clean installation
- + High-quality equipment
