Soto 40 heading for global sales

Whilst the Soto 40 is becoming the defacto One Design choice for serious sailors in South America, the class is now heading for the rest of the world with the first US yacht launched in Lake Michigan.

Owner of 'Drumbeat', Ted Etheridge, was all smiles when they returned from their first sail on a cold, windy spring morning.

'I am extremely pleased with all aspects of the Soto 40. Price, to value, to speed, to fun - this boat is the best ratio I have found', said Ted after a warm shower.

One of the crew reported speeds of 7.6 upwind and up to 18 knots downwind but assured us there was more to come downwind when they got used to sailing the yacht.

Back in South America the class is gearing up for the Ilhabela Race Week where nine yachts will front the startline, including Torben Grael's new Soto 40, Magia V. There is also a meeting in Asia next month for a series of owners and syndicates who are looking at the Soto 40 for a new one design series in the region.

Video of the first shake-down sail of 'Drumbeat' can be found at.... www.youtube.com/watch?v=WyAhpIiLgGk

More information about the Soto 40 at www.longitudeyachts.com