 However many of the blisters have returned on "blister boats" (hull Nos 120 to 249) despite major repairs.The success of several Valiant 40s competing in long ocean races during the early 1980s brought this boat to the notice of the world sailing community.Of special importance was a solo "wrong way" race completed in the Southern Ocean on a Westabout course, sailing into the prevailing winds, using a factory-stock V-40.