Aukció: 1978 Standfast 40S

Standfast 40S now in the online auction. everyone can bid until 24 August 2026.


Standfast 40S classic offshore cruiserAnyone looking for a Standfast 40S for sale via BoatAuction is often looking at more than just length and year of build. It’s about character, seaworthiness, and a design that has proven itself for decades. This 1978 Standfast 40S, built by Standfast and designed by Frans Maas, is exactly that kind of yacht—one you don’t just buy to sail, but to truly go places with. She is 12.19 metres long, 3.99 metres wide, and with her 2.13-metre draft and S-shaped frame hull, she carries a stance that makes it clear where she belongs: at sea and on open water.

Standfast 40S now in the online auction. Anyone can bid up to and including 24 August 2026.

The boat is built in polyester and weighs approximately 10,000 kg, giving her a solid, calm motion underway. The current owners have focused on her in recent years with safe sailing and longer voyages in mind. This included major technical upgrades such as new standing rigging and a renewed furling system. At the same time, it’s fair to mention that her appearance needs attention: hull and deck have been painted with Awlgrip, but in a way that makes her look less attractive. For buyers who prefer investing in engineering and sailing performance rather than cosmetics, this can actually be an interesting opportunity.

What makes this Standfast 40S suitable for offshore sailing?She was designed as an offshore cruiser, with a hull shape that inspires confidence when conditions get rough. The deep V and S-frame character help the boat cut through waves smoothly and feel steady on course. Combined with her weight and dimensions, this is a sailing yacht made for sea sailing, crossings, and longer holidays. That also fits her usage history: she has been sailed on seas and used for weekend trips, holidays, and recreational cruising.

What about rigging and sails?This is a strong point of this Standfast 40S. In 2022 the standing rigging was renewed and a Furlex 304S headsail furling system was installed—exactly the components many sailors look for when searching for a seaworthy sailing yacht. The sail wardrobe is also appealing: she has a new mainsail and new genoa from Kooy Sails, complemented by a new spinnaker including a carbon pole. For anyone specifically searching for a “Standfast 40S with new sails” or an “offshore cruiser with renewed standing rigging,” this combination adds immediate value to the sailing plan.

How are the engine and electrical system set up?The boat has a Timray 49D inboard diesel engine with 49 hp and four cylinders, electrically started. The engine is operational and received a service in 2026. For harbour manoeuvring and motoring on legs without wind, this is a pleasant configuration. Shore power is available on board, with a battery charger and inverter. In addition, there are two service batteries and a starter battery, which is practical for using onboard equipment while at anchor or overnighting.

How comfortable is she on board for travelling and overnight stays?Inside, the Standfast 40S offers a layout suited to longer passages. She has fixed berths for four people and additional berths for two, with a spacious cabin forward and aft. On board you’ll find a dinette, refrigerator, stove and oven, plus mattresses and hot water. Hot-air heating has also been installed, extending the season and noticeably increasing comfort on board. The toilet is electric and was renewed in 2022. The water tank has a capacity of 150 litres and the diesel tank 120 litres, making her suitable for multi-day trips without being immediately dependent on shore facilities.

What navigation and equipment is present, and what does not work?She is equipped with AIS and laptop navigation with Stentec water charts, which appeals to many sailors who want flexible navigation. A known point of attention is the radar, which is not operational.

In 2026 she was taken out of the water for maintenance and antifouling was applied. Maintenance invoices are available, which helps form a picture of the work carried out. Externally she is equipped with, among other things, a teak deck, guardrails, cockpit table, pulpit and stern seats, swim ladder, fenders and lines. There is also a stainless-steel frame for a sprayhood. The vessel is complete and can be put into use immediately, with the next owner mainly choosing where to place the emphasis: sail and improve step by step, or tackle cosmetics first and then depart.

This Standfast 40S is therefore an attractive auction lot for anyone looking for a classic sailing yacht with serious offshore ambitions, a strong technical foundation, and a Frans Maas design that still appeals to many sailors today.