10th Anniversary of the Farr 40

Posted by Alan Sorum Jun 13, 2007

Designed by Farr Yacht Design, the first Farr 40 one-design sailboat came out of the Carroll Marine yard in Newport, Rhode Island ten years ago. Farr and his design team are internationally renowned in the world of yacht racing. Quickly following the introduction of the Farr 40, the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) recognized its one-design class status in 1998. Participation in the class is high and continues to grow. Currently 156 boats have been built, with owners located in 19 countries.

Stagg Yachts teams with U.S. Watercraft to build new Farr 40s and is responsible for its class management. Geoff Stagg, President of Stagg Yachts, says, “Outside of the America’s Cup, without a doubt, the Farr 40 Class is the most successful big boat racing today. The caliber of amateur owners driving their own boats never ceases to amaze me. They are captains of industry, royalty and regular people. The friendships that are made are amazing. This is to me the neatest part of the Class, along with the remarkable development of driving skills. The passion the owners have for their class is its strength and success today.” One-design rules are responsive to owner input and suggestions. One example is the Farr 40 rule requiring the owner to serve as helmsman of the vessel during a race.

Rolex provides extensive support for the Farr 40 one-design class with sponsorship of events like the Rolex Baltic Week, Rolex Capri Sailing Week and the Farr 40 World Championship. Showing the international flavor of the class, Rolex Farr 40 World Championship will be held this year in Copenhagen, Denmark on August 29 to September 1.

A new Farr 40 will cost you about $347,492 without sails and electronics. One-design class rules insure the vessel's resale value and continued demand in the resale market. Masts and rigging components are built of carbon fiber. Deck layout represents significant planning and performs well. Hull and deck are built of PVC/Balas core laminated with a pre-impregnated E-Glass matrix using a vacuum bag process. A post-cure is made in an oven to maximize hull strength. Ample space is available for chart work, storage and galley requirements.