The (fairly) famous racer Frog Kiss, a Freedom 44 (same rig as the 40),
added a small "jiblet" on a carbonfiber pole from the bow. I believe he
talked about it adding speed and pointing ability. That boat is
currently for sale and you could probably read a bit about it on
yachtworld.

The newer (mid-80s on) Freedoms are cat sloops and point better than
the cat ketches.

I hate ketches but I'd consider owning a Freedom cat ketch.

Frank