Class 40 #15 ‘Koloa Maoli’
fast. strong. proven. compliant.
A first-generation Owen-Clarke Design yacht built to the Class 40 rule in 2006, Class 40 #15 Koloa Maoli gives Ronnie Simpson a great starting point with which to build a competitive campaign for the 2027-28 Global Solo Challenge.
Built in South Africa and originally campaigned by Irishman Ian Munslow as ‘Bolland Mills’, #15 finished in third place in the 2006 Route du Rhum, proving her speed potential against Class 40’s of a similar vintage.
Privately owned and based in Portland, Maine, #15 was purchased by David Linger of Seattle, Washington and competed in the 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge and sailed to a sixth-place finish in the race. Returning to Maine in excellent condition, Koloa Maoli represents an incredible opportunity and platform for Ronnie to mount a competitive campaign for the Global Solo Challenge.
The Class 40 class of racing yacht has very quickly become the most popular choice of boat for the Global Solo Challenge.
Originally conceived as a ‘box rule’ class of yacht that was designed for one or two people to race across an ocean, or around the globe, Class 40’s are an ideal platform for a singlehanded racing circumnavigation.
While the boats have developed at a rapid pace - continually getting faster with each generation - an older 1st generation Class 40 remains a viable choice to mount a winning campaign for the Global Solo Challenge due to the race’s unique staggered start which is based on the theoretical performance of each sailing yacht.
While an older-generation boat may be slower on the water, it will start one, two, or even three weeks earlier than newer Class 40s while remaining arguably tougher, more over-built, and potentially easier to be sailed to it’s full potential than a newer boat.
usa 15
‘Koloa Maoli’
USA 15 Koloa Maoli is a 2006 Class 40 designed by Owen-Clarke Yacht Design and built by Jaz Marine in South Africa. Originally skippered by Englishman Ian Munslow and known as Bolland Mills, she placed 3rd place out of 25 boats in the 2006 Route du Rhum. Shortly thereafter she was sold and then privately owned for just over a decade in Portland, Maine while being maintained and stored at the renowned Maine Yacht Center. American David Linger from Seattle purchased the boat and rechristened her Koloa Maoli. He then put the boat through an extensive re-fit which included meticulous preparation for the Global Solo Challenge. Notable upgrades and work included solar and hydro power, electronics/ autopilot upgrades/ safety equipment, custom cockpit protection for the skipper, a diesel heater for the Southern Ocean, a full inventory of sails from One Sails and general overall maintenance and preparation. No stone was left un-turned in the preparation of the boat. While preparing my own Open 50 Shipyard Brewing, I always admired Koloa Maol from the other side of the dock.
Dave sailed the boat over to Europe solo and then completed the 2023-24 Global Solo Challenge in a time of 175 days and 2 hours, which included a fairly lengthy pit stop in Ushuaia, Argentina to repair a broken boom that occurred on the final push towards Cape Horn. After the race, Dave sailed the boat home to Maine doublehanded with his bride Lillian where he put the boat up for sale.
In 2024, after returning from his own failed Global Solo Challenge attempt which saw him race about 80% of the way around the world in 3rd place before dismasting and losing Shipyard Brewing at sea, Ronnie knew that he had to make a plan and get another boat to kickstart another Global Solo Challenge campaign. A relatively affordable early-generation Class 40 was the ideal boat for his campaign, and the fact that Koloa Maoli was locally available was a huge consideration when choosing his next boat. In early 2025, Ronnie managed to secure a loan to purchase Koloa Maoli and put together another campaign for the Global Solo Challenge.
A proven, budget-conscious, fast, strong boat that is fully Global Solo Challenge compliant and located in Portland, Maine, Koloa Maoli was the perfect boat for Ronnie to purchase to put together and compelling and competitive campaign for the 2027-28 Global Solo Challenge
