General Layout
Compared to previous models of the Hallberg-Rassy range, the HR40 has turned the galley by 180 degrees, thus allowing ample space when cocking, even allowing two people working together while in port. And we always have juvenile help when preparing our meals, one of our favorite tasks. At the same time, the galley is still full sea-going by having the "half island" sticking out almost mid-ship to lean against when heeling.

Also new to the mid-sized to larger range of the Hallberg-Rassy's is the fact that the head is aft directly when entering the cabin. We had this type of head compartment on our HR31 already and very much appreciated the fact that we could slink into the toilet from the cockpit without having to walk through the whole boat. By moving the saloon area forward, one does not step directly into the saloon, but can undress weat foul weather gear before entering "home".

One consequence of this new evolution of Hallberg-Rassy is that the maststep now goes through the saloon table, which is a minor draw-back.

The fore cabin is enlarged compared to the HR39 and thus Karolina and I will start sleeping in the V-cabin up front. This leaves the kids with one berth each (no fighting in bed is the idea here!) in the aft cabin. Jonathan has chosen the starboard berth so he can have a view out into the galley, while Jessica gets a double berth (but no boy-friends in the other berth without pappa Leon having swapped berth with Jonathan first!)

There are four berths with lee-cloth, so we can sleep well while sailing: two in the saloon and one each for Jessica and Jonathan in the aft cabin. Sleeping in the V-cabin (fore peak) is not very suitable while sailing, since movements are heavy here.