Offshore 40 Cheoy Lee Performance & PHRF

The Offshore 40 Cheoy Lee is moderately powered for comfortable coastal cruising, with a gentle bluewater motion.

Hull Speed

The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.

7.1 kts

A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length. With a waterline of 28.0′, the Offshore 40 Cheoy Lee tops out around 7.1 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.

1.34 × √28.0′ LWL = 7.1 kts

Performance Ratios

Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.

SA / Displacement

15.8

Moderate sail power — a capable coastal cruiser, not overpowered.

Comfort Ratio

43.0

Very comfortable in a seaway — a genuine bluewater motion.

Capsize Screening

1.57

Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.

Hull Speed

7.1kts

S# (Speed Number)

1.0

Pounds/Inch Immersion

1lbs

Weight needed to sink the hull one inch — loading sensitivity.

Motion & Offshore Suitability

Two ratios that matter most when you're planning passages — how the boat feels in a seaway, and whether the hull geometry is suitable for open ocean.

Comfort Ratio

43.0

Very comfortable in a seaway — a genuine bluewater motion.

Under 20 — Snappy, racing motion

20–30 — Acceptable coastal

30–40 — Good offshore comfort

Over 40 — Very comfortable offshore

Capsize Screening Formula

1.57

Below the 2.0 offshore threshold — acceptable for ocean passages.

Under 2.0 — Acceptable for offshore

Over 2.0 — Coastal / protected waters

PHRF Fleet Position

Where the Offshore 40 Cheoy Lee sits on the PHRF handicap spectrum — lower numbers mean faster boats.

Cruiser/Racer 90–150

Cruiser 150–210

Heavy Cruiser 210–300

Concordia 40 182s/nm

Estimated Speed by Wind

Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.

Point of Sail	6 kts TWS	10 kts TWS	15 kts TWS	20 kts TWS
Close-hauled40–50°	2.7	3.4	3.8	4.0
Close Reach60°	3.3	4.2	4.7	4.9
Beam Reach90°	4.0	5.1	5.7	6.0
Broad Reach120–135°	3.7	4.7	5.3	5.5
Run150–180°	3.0	3.8	4.2	4.4

These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (7.1 kts), SA/D (15.8), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current. Speeds in gold approach hull speed; bold gold means near or at hull speed.

Wind Range & Comfort Envelope

Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Offshore 40 Cheoy Lee — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.

Ghost

Sweet Spot

Reef

Heavy

0–7 kts 7–20 kts 20–28 kts 28+ kts

Ghosting

0–7 kts

Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.

Sweet Spot

7–20 kts

Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.

Time to Reef

20–28 kts

Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.

Heavy Weather

28+ kts

Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.

How It Compares

Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Offshore 40 Cheoy Lee.

	Offshore 40 Cheoy Lee	Allied 39	Cc 40 Crusader	Concordia 40	Gulf 40 Garden	Mistress 39 Allied
Dimensions
LOA	39.8	39.8	39.7	39.8	39.8	39.7
LWL	28.0	28.8	28.7	28.5	29.0	29.8
Beam	10.8	10.5	11.2	10.3	10.8	12.0
Displacement	20	17	18	18	21	20
Ballast	7	6	—	7	5	5
Sail Area	742	680	735	650	573	—
Performance
PHRF	—	—	—	182	—	—
SA/Disp	15.8	16.5	17.1	15.2	12.1	—
Bal/Disp	—	39.4	—	42.8	23.8	26.9
Comfort	43.0	35.7	35.5	39.3	42.2	—
Capsize	1.57	1.64	1.70	1.57	1.57	—
Hull Speed	7.1	7.2	7.2	7.2	7.2	—