A Blast from the Past

Although we are in Perth for 7 months this time (the longest stint since we started cruising in 2003) our time at home is zipping along. It has been wonderful spending time with family and friends and with the inevitable gathering of fun tickets, we look forward to returning to El Salvador to see Stolen Kiss and prepare to head south and across the Pacific. Bolivar, our agent in Galapagos, has smoothed the way for us to visit there without the general cruiser hooha of what can/must happen before we get there/being there. We have opted for 46 day permit, which gives us maximum time if needed. Easy peasy…..


Soon after our arrival we enjoyed the beautiful wedding of Peter’s youngest son, Barnaby to Anita and had to find some glad rags. We scrub up well!!

Barns and Anita had visited us in La Paz for 3 weeks last year and we look forward to seeing them in Bora Bora next year on our way across the Pacific.

There were the Bently Cars that Peter used to look after...and of course the 3 little grandsons all enjoyed the day.

With 4 grandchildren and 6 big kids, there are lots of birthdays to celebrate! One of the grandchildren asked if grandpa and I ever had a birthday. As we are never in Australia for ours…..does this mean we have eternal youth????????????? That would be Aunty Anita and Grandpa surrounded by the kiddies.

Peter has been working down south in our magnificent wine region on his sister and brother-in-law’s property, putting the finishing touches to a new extension. Having 2 weeks holidays (one can never have enough!!) I joined him there before we both headed to a favourite town on the south coast – Albany.

Peter managed to do the tyling without getting housemaid's knees, which he did get fitting the new floor into the previous boat.

Peter had waited until I was down there before climbing rather precariously on the steep roof in order to oil the cedar cladding. Not sure why I was standing there in case he fell...to catch him or cushion his fall????

Not one to miss an opportunity to play with toys…there was lots of farm stuff to do! The grandchildren also came down for a visit, so much fun was to be had by all.

Albany was first known as Frederickstown in 1826 with the first settlement in WA and was to be our first capital except for its lack of fresh water. Hard to imagine as my memories of Albany from when I first started going there in the 1960’s was of a cold, rain sodden place.

The Dutch visited in 1627, French in1803 and finally the British in 1826, who sailed all the way there from Sydney to claim it as their own before others stepped in! Whalers and sealers who were working the southern ocean in the 1820’s started coming into King George sound and making it a permanent base. I remember as a child seeing the whales pulled up on the ramp and being disembodied. Thankfully the whaling ceased in 1978.

Albany was also a departure point for the Australian and New Zealand fleet taking our boys off to Egypt and Gallipoli to fight with the British in WW1 in 1914. In recognition of this important historic event, the small channel leading from King George Sound into Princess Royal Harbour was named Ataturk Channel. Mt Clarence, affording stunning views over Albany has a wonderful exhibit and monument in commemoration of WW1.

The recently established wind farm is a bit of a giveaway as to the sailing conditions along this coast! After all, it, along with Esperance to the east, is the border of the famous Southern Ocean, where I learnt to sail dinghies. It took a while to realize that the rest of the world does not sail in 30 knots of breeze. Fremantle, in similar conditions, is the 3rd windiest city in the world behind San Francisco and Wellington, NZ!! Why do we want to come back????????????

There was even a little message from Nelson Mandela...not sure why it was at the wind farm...

However, the southern coast of WA is awesome, albeit treacherous.

Stunning sandy beaches

..and many interesting buildings telling the tales of its history

For those of you who are not Australian, we found many kangaroos happy munching on the beautiful green grassy fields, close to housing estates. There were those who were lazing around and others who stopped for a scratch…..and some very big boys. These are the small variety, unlike their big red cousins in the north!!!

Apart from enjoying the beautiful drive through the forest of the SW of WA, the main reason was to visit an old school friend, David and meet his wife, Pieta. I have not seen David for 26 years. David taught me how to sail in the 70’s, crewing with him on a VJ. In retrospect, we had a dream time in our young days, spending our time sailing and riding motor bikes on the many tracks around Esperance or along the pristine beaches. His sister, Caroline and I shared a bike. We would load up lunch and the dog and off we would go for the day. We had 30km of beach to ride along and countless sand tracks to conquer (or not!!) If there was anyone on one beach, we would go to another. We had lots of spills, lots of laughs and a heap of fun!

David had recently said to his family that there was something wrong with the picture here as he had taught me to sail and I was the one off cruising!! Not one to sit around, he and Pieta have purchased the famous Sweet Caroline, a 1982 Dubois 44 IOR boat that they are re-modeling and re-fitting for cruising. The first thing they have organised is a new cabin top which will give them a semi pilot house. We hope to see them out sailing and cruising in the near future. Sailing in the Southern Ocean and off the West Coast of WA prepares you for sailing anywhere in THE world (or we hope so!!).

Here are some pics of Sweet Caroline. Note the 4 spreader rig.......I wonder who will have the pleasure of going to the top??????????

New Farr Class 40 competes in the 2011 Normandy Channel Race

The newly launched  Farr designed Kiwi 40 #2, "MARIE TOÎT - CAEN LA MER"  Skippered by Marc Lepesqueux and co-skippered by Michel Kleinjans have arrived just in time for the start of the 2011 Normandy Channel Race on 22-May. Follow the race on the Regatta Website  Best of luck and safe sailing to Marc and Michel.

The first Farr designed Kiwi 40's Peraspera (below) skippered by Francesco Piva was apparently unable to make the start of the race.

Designed by Farr Yacht Design and developed by BTBoats: The Kiwi 40

The Class 40 is one of the most significant offshore racing yacht rule that has ever been developed. The enormous benefits of a simple and strict box rule that allows for design interpretation but limits build and campaigning costs by insisting on inexpensive build materials, has proved irresistible. In the four years that the rule has existed some 100 plus owners worldwide have purchased a Class 40.

With highly competitive boat-to-boat racing available around the buoys and across oceans on a strong, reliable and affordable performance yachts, the Class 40 formula attracts professionals and amateurs alike with most Class approved races yielding a fleet of at least 25 boats.

Following our Keep it Simple concept throughout the structural design, the geometries, the details and ultimately the construction methodology we have arrived with the Kiwi 40 - a reliable, stiff, safe, well-finished, fast and aesthetically pleasing Class 40.

To achieve this result, the correct vision and approach have been crucial from the outset with Farr Yacht Design and BTBoats fully involved in every aspect since we launched the design brief.

BTBoats have been directly involved in simplifying the build solutions and Farr Yacht Design have enthusiastically provided the appropriate design solutions.

Find more information about the Kiwi 40 at Farr Yacht Sales

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FYS New Listing!

2009  Southern  Cross  IRC 52’ "Vela Veloce"

Farr Yacht Sales has developed a strong and well respected reputation with owners, sail-makers, sailors and other brokerage firms.  We are actively working across the world markets and through association with Farr Yacht Design, have become the first point of contact for grand-prix racing and performance cruising yachts of all types.  Our newest listing is the 2009  Southern  Cross  IRC 52’ "Vela Veloce".

This Reichal/Pugh designed Southern Cross 52 was built by Davie Norris Boatbuilders - NZL as a semi-custom IRC racer. The Southern Cross 52 is similar in design concept to the Transpac 52 but incorporates interior conveniences such as a proper galley, enclosed head, comfortable berths, and a wood cabin sole presenting a more finished interior. The Southern Cross 52’s additional freeboard and deck house provide substantially more interior volume and comfort when compared to the TP52. The deck layout is designed for racing and versatility, especially offshore and features a large open cockpit with linked pedestal grinders for the primary and mainsheet winches.

Vela Veloce is a sturdy build of carbon fiber sandwich composite and was specifically constructed to endure the rigors of offshore racing. A sister ship to highly successful Vincetore, Vella Veloce has been extensively campaigned throughout North America competing against several TP52’s and IRC 50’s with equally great success inshore as well as offshore. Constantly updated, Vela Veloce is in perfect condition and represents an ideal and well developed ‘turn-key’ racing program.

Since being delivered Vela Veloce has competed at the highest level with a professional crew that includes several Volvo, America’s Cup and Olympic sailors and marine industry professionals. Over the past 2 years the boat, and its inventory and equipment have been precisely developed and refined, resulting in one of the finest IRC 52’ boats currently racing. Polar and target speeds, rig tuning, sail ranges and overlaps and trim positions and settings have been expertly documented.
Every aspect of Vela Veloce has been examined for ways to improve speed, performance and rating. Vela Veloce is now being offered for sale and represents a turn-key racing yacht of unequalled value.

Vela Veloce was launched in April 2009 and her list of notable results includes:

2010 NYYC Race Week, US IRC National Champion, Overall Winner & Division 2 Winner

2010 US-IRC Gulf Stream Series, Overall Winner

2010 Key West IRC Division 1 Winner

2010 US-IRC Fall Championship, IRC Division 1 Winner

2010 RORC Caribbean 600, 1st CSA Corrected and 2nd IRC Corrected in Division and Overall

2010 Rolex International Regatta St. Thomas, 1st Corrected IRC Division 1

2010 Bitter End Cup, 1st Corrected CSA Racing 1

Find complete information and photos for "Vela Veloce" on the following websites:

Farr Yacht Sales Website: "Vela Veloce"


Yacht World Website: "Vela Veloce"

 
Contact Bill O'Malley for additional information - +1 443 370 4805

Farr 400 One-Design Racing Video 1

The Farr 400 racing in Dubai at the Dubai Offshore Sailing Club Winter IRC Keelboat Regatta. The Farr 400 One-Design sailing the leeward and windward legs then the last reach leg into the finish.

Farr 400 One-Design - Racing Video 2

After a poor start in race #1 on Sunday April 2nd, the Farr 400 fights back on the weather leg and rounds several boat lengths behind "Yo!" an Ian Murray IMS 50' race yacht.

This video shows the speed potential of the Farr 400 in relatively mild breeze, roughly 8 - 10 knots true wind speed.

Farr 400 One-Design - Sea Trial Report

Dubai, UAE: The anticipation always builds in the weeks and days leading up to the launch of a new design; the Farr 400 was no exception. The teams at Farr Yacht Design and Premier Composite Technologies (along with Dee Smith consulting on this project) have been steadily working towards this day over the past 8 months. Farr Yacht Design was responsible for both the design and engineering on this project, working closely with Premier Composite Technologies to sort out all the details. During this period the Farr 400 design has been scrutinized from every angle but only viewed on a computer screen or print-out as a CAD file, CFD model, 2D or 3D model or perhaps a rendering. In the back of your mind you can’t help but have those nagging concerns; Are the freeboards right? Is the sheer-line to aggressive? Is the bow section too full? Is the cockpit layout functional? The team has designed hundreds of boats but still, getting the proportions perfect is as much art as it is science. Seeing and sailing the Farr 400 for the first time brings immediate answers to all concerns; that’s anticipation!

It’s an incredible process to witness, as a design concept transitions from an idea to reality and all the phases in between. My Name is Bill O’Malley and I am the proverbial “Fly on the wall”. My desk at Farr Yacht Sales is in the front corner of the Farr Yacht Design office, adjacent to the conference table where most internal meetings happen; I hear all. I am not a designer, engineer, naval architect or CFD Guru; I’m a marketing guy, salesman but mostly I’m a sailor. Sitting within ear shot of the design team discussing and debating the Farr 400 design, construction and build decisions for the past 8 months has been truly fascinating. Now I get to go sail this new design and bring closure to the cycle.

March 27, 2011: Luke Shingledecker (Farr Yacht Design-Naval Architect) and I traveled to Dubai to visit Premier Composite Technologies, sail the first Farr 400 and conduct a week of sea trials. This was our first opportunity to see just how well FYD, PCT, Dee Smith and the partners had met the goals of the project. The schedule for the week was pretty full and busy including, in and out of water IRC and ORC measurement with Dobbs Davis, launching and stepping the rig, sailing, evening meetings to discuss class administration and rules and wrapping up with some local racing at Dubai Offshore Sailing Club.

Premier Composite Technologies is an impressive and massive facility. Originally boat builders, they now specialize in composite architectural work and between this and the boatbuilding division, consume enormous amounts of carbon, fiberglass and resin; they have buying power! PCT did an impressive job with construction of the Farr 400 and all the associated tooling components; meeting the design weight, matching our weight calculations along the build cycle and launching the Farr 400 a week ahead of schedule; unheard of in boatbuilding! Having a 5-axis milling machine on site enables PCT to produce extremely accurate and detailed tooling very quickly and cost-effectively.

First impressions: the Farr 400 presents a bold, aggressive and modern appearance; the proportions work. The bow is full and powerful – a shape designed to emulate a longer boat and promote fast, bow-up downwind sailing. The deck configuration is clean and simple; the flush-deck styling cannot be mistaken for anything but racing. The cockpit is long and open allowing the crew of 8 to maneuver within the moderately narrow 3.42m beam. The Farr 400 we tested has a tiller; the twin-wheel version will likely have even more fore/aft room. The reverse, aft-sloping sheer gives the Farr 400 a very aggressive look and provides plenty of interior volume, allowing easy movement through the interior. At 6’1” I can stand inside the companionway with my head just touching the underside of the deck. During a light-air race with a short swell, we had “dogs in the house”, 6 people comfortably sitting below (we had 10 onboard that day, 8 is ideal); the Farr 400 is surprisingly big below decks.

The asymmetric halyard layout allows all pit functions to be lead easily to the starboard utility winch (for pole controls and kite drop) or aft to the pedestal-driven port & starboard primary winches. This is a central theme of sailing this boat, as it allows for easier spinnaker hoists, gybes and take-downs. The layout incorporates a port-side sliding foredeck hatch to facilitate the pedestal-driven spinnaker takedown system. These features, borrowed from TP52’s and other grand prix classes will prove to be highly desirable as sailors become familiar with them. At first glance it might give the appearance of complexity but once understood it becomes clear they allow the boat to execute quicker boat-handling maneuvers without requiring exceptional strength or crew skill-set. It was quickly obvious; this style of layout is more fun to sail, and points to the future for racing boats in this size range.

At the beginning of the day the main and jib go up and stay up all day. The jib is set on a halyard lock with a floating tack, halyard tension is adjusted by a tack cunningham lead back to the jib trimmer. The jib stays up downwind, even in light conditions, since the long sprit gets the asymmetrical pretty far in front. Dee Smith contributed an inboard/outboard dual sheeting system that makes the jib more effective off the wind and eliminates the need for a hobble on kite sets/take-downs. This leaves the bowman with only the kite to worry about and eliminates the mastman entirely.

The Farr 400 performed very well through the week, often exceeding the design polars. The boat is responsive to sail trim and crew position but still has a stiff, ‘big boat’ feel. In the final design phases, as the big picture comes into focus, there was an opportunity to optimize performance. The decision was made to shift from a cast iron keel fin to a fabricated steel keel fin, reducing the displacement to 3,950 kg without increasing build costs. This had a very positive impact on the Farr 400’s light-wind and downwind performance without sacrificing heavy-air performance, making the Farr 400 even more versatile.

Sailing upwind, the boat responds easily in light winds, quickly jumping up to 7 knots in less than 10 knots of wind. The Farr 400 feels very powerful in stronger breeze, producing impressive speed and great pointing height; it sails efficiently upwind in 20 plus knots. Downwind, the boat gets up and takes off, even in surprisingly light conditions where we were often sailing above wind speed. In higher wind speeds the Farr 400 is nothing short of exhilarating downwind yet completely stable and easily controlled. This is a fun boat to sail and will be an exciting fleet to compete in or even to just watch.

The boat measurement is a detailed process involving physically weighing the Farr 400, hung in slings from a crane with a scale; the rig was also weighed. Dobbs Davis completed out of water measurements of keel draft, in water freeboards and overhangs, the ORC incline and full rig measurements. The resulting ORC rating of 526 GPH seems pretty encouraging given the performance we have experienced sailing the Farr 400. The IRC rating is a brutal 1.248, although not at all surprising since the Farr 400 is a 100% carbon fiber (including the shrouds) 11.80m boat with a draft of 2.9m and a very light 3,950 kg boat weight. We expected the boat to be competitive in the very light and breeze-on conditions and figured it would be a struggle in the middle range. The reality, in the 6 race local regatta sailed under IRC in winds of 6 – 14 TWS, the Farr 400 (fresh out of the box) finish 3rd, 2 points out of 2nd and showed true potential to win in IRC even with this rating. It’s good that the Farr 400 is competitive under ORC, IRC, ORR and performance handicap but the real goal is to be a successful one-design. An interesting aspect of this design is the ability to easily switch keels and/or bulbs if a team had desires to optimize for handicap racing along with one-design.

Premier Composites has done a great job building a beautiful boat and they have included many functional and attractive details to the Farr 400. Southern Spars has produced a stiff, user-friendly swept-spreader carbon rig with carbon C6 standing rigging. The Lewmar and Spinlock deck gear functioned flawlessly and contributes to the high-tech look of the Farr 400.

Always the question on any new one-design; How are they selling? As of Saturday evening, as we were headed to the airport, there were 10 confirmed orders, one pending contract and a list of serious inquiries and sea trial requests. Orders are a bit spread around the world at the moment but work has begun on a 2012 one-design schedule. Premier Composite Technologies has ramped up production on the Farr 400 with a target of producing 2 boats per month.

Farr 400 One-Design Information

Farr 400 Photo Gallery

Please contact Bill O'Malley of Farr Yacht Sales for more information.