Photo: © Daniel Forster/ROLEX

The FARR ® 40 One Design was conceived as a high performance 40 footer that would gather the benefits of modern materials into an economic platform for short course racing that was demanding, exciting and not beyond the capabilities of relatively inexperienced and mature crew members. The boat also had to be capable of competing in the offshore classes and be a competitive IMS performer to give the purchaser a wide range of events in which to compete and to carry through times before class fleets were established. The design of the boat and the formation of Class Rules and Constitution proceeded in parallel allowing input from the operator and builder side of the equation. The Owner/Driver class rule was an influencing factor in the conceptual phase of the design, encouraging us towards easy to tune, simple arrangements that would not take time and energy from the primary activity of sailboat racing.

We arrived at the basic parameters from a study of our very successful Farr 39ML (design № 336) and our other designs of this size more focused towards IMS design optimization. The Farr 40 One Design has similar beam and displacement for its length compared to Design 336, but has higher stability and sail carrying ability. The lightly raked stem and limited aft overhang give the hull a long waterline length, which combined with a clean run aft and fine forward sections, give the boat a good balance of upwind and downwind performance. A low center of gravity keel with lead bulb and cast iron fin bolted to an aluminum interior frame provides a stiff and robust structure for those who insist on going aground.

Interior layout was kept clean and simple while still providing the basic elements for long distance work. A full private head forward, saloon with galley and centrally located navigation station aft make the boat ocean racing ready. The cabin was sized in excess of minimum IMS requirements to give the boat a spacious feeling for those who would choose to do limited cruising and to provide a reasonable area for after race gatherings.

Our very successful MUMM 30 class has proven that spar design and building technology now permits the relatively economic and reliable manufacture of carbon runnerless rigs, and that when properly designed and tuned, the short footed headsails and large mainsail can be a very competitive and easily managed sail plan. This style of rig was in line with a desire in the market place for an arrangement that would not punish poor crew work with expensive mast repairs and became an obvious choice. A two swept spreader rig carbon mast with fractional chutes flying from a fairly high "I" point give the boat plenty of downwind speed. A masthead spinnaker option is available for those who desire more downwind thrills in open and PHRF events.

A large cockpit provides the crew with ample space for basic operations, and the arrangement can handle both wheel and tiller installation. Jib inhauler controls lead back to the cockpit to give the jib trimmer complete control on his sheeting options. Masthead backstay adjustment is through a direct hydraulic system with controls within easy reach of the mainsheet position.

Construction is detailed in foam core with glass-reinforced skins. Rudder has a carbon stock and shell.  Internal moldings combine with bulkheads and composite frames to provide a sturdy and serviceable interior. Prototype work enabled the builder and the designer to control weights and develop a strict one design set of limits and tolerances based on lessons from the MUMM 36, COREL 45 and MUMM 30 one design rules.

The market has responded positively to the FARR 40 One Design with fleets being established, close racing enjoyed, and favorable results in competitive IMS regattas.