The SHIFT team is deep into construction of a new 40’ (12m) canting‑keel racing machine built with zero compromise and one clear purpose: to cross the finish line first. This is a pure race boat, no dual‑use thinking, no excess weight, no distractions.
Drawing on over forty years of the Hakes legacy and more than one hundred Grand Prix race boats built for the world’s oceans and coastlines, the SHIFT 40s is shaped by intimate, hands‑on experience. Every detail reflects the accuracy, discipline, and craftsmanship that define Hakes built performance yachts.
Let’s go really fast. Only for racing. Only for winning.
Designed by Shaw Yacht Design, the 40s carries the DNA of some of New Zealand’s most successful fast keel boats and sports boats, including Blink and Nico. When our Australian client asked for a Hakes built & Shaw designed partnership to create a new generation racer, the answer was immediate: yes.
Construction is underway at Adventure Yachts in Thailand, where our team has already delivered exceptional composite work on projects such as the Adventure Power Catamarans and the sailing catamaran No Excuse. Using aerospace grade materials and processes, the SHIFT 40s will be completed in just six months. This is a testament to the team’s capability and momentum as we prepare for the SHIFT 54+ and the future SHIFT 787.
With a flat deck and minimal interior volume, weight is aggressively controlled. The canting keel carries a 1400kg lead bulb and swings through an impressive 100° for massive righting moment. An articulating canard forward of the keel delivers high pointing ability, while twin high-aspect rudders provide precise control and stability under load.
The structure is built entirely from Prepreg T700 carbon unidirectional and stitched cloths, Prepreg film adhesives, and aerospace honeycomb cores, this is the ultimate combination for strength-to-weight performance. Deck gear is selected for reliability and speed: Spinlock jammers, Wichard padeyes, Harken blocks, and Antal winches, including the new JR66 three speed electric primaries. The carbon mast is supplied by NZ Rigging, with sails by Doyle.
principal Specifications
Disclaimer: We aim to present accurate and up to date information. As our designs continue to evolve, some details shown on this website may change. The construction of any vessel is governed solely by the contractual drawings and technical specifications.
"Choosing the right builder was important. We engaged Paul Hakes because of his extensive experience building high-end racing yachts. A design is only as good as its execution, and we wanted to work with someone who understood the demands of building a competitive race boat and could deliver the quality and precision the project required" Owner Shift40s #1
Altogether, the SHIFT 40s is a weapon, a lightweight, high-power, high-control racing machine with a final displacement under 3,500kg and the pedigree to win.
