Rebirth of a Class – Farr 40 Racing to Thrive in 2013
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Kokomo, Lambourdini, Estate Master compete in 2012 Farr 40 Nationals. Photo Erin McKnight
The Farr 40 One Design Class has undergone a push for more frequent racing, with a new regatta format to be introduced during the 2012-13 summer sailing season. The regatta schedule for the forthcoming season incorporates three state championships to be held in NSW, Queensland and Tasmania, culminating in a National Championship to be held in Sydney in February 2013.
Up to 20 yachts have indicated their intention to compete in the One Design racing in the three main fleets around the country. Fleet captains have been appointed in Brisbane, Sydney and Hobart, and owners from all bases have confirmed their enthusiasm for the forthcoming season and support for the class. The renewed push has been driven by Farr 40 owners themselves, with Sam Hill (owner, Forty) being instrumental in gathering support for the motion.
Renewed interest in the class has been generated in conjunction with the recent renaming of the Australian Farr 40 Trophy, now titled the ‘John Calvert-Jones Cup’. At a recent Farr 40 owners’ meeting the decision to rename the trophy was unanimous, and adopted in honour of John Calvert-Jones’ long standing contribution to the Farr 40 Class. Calvert-Jones contributed to the production of the ‘Fabulous 40s’ book which was published in 2011, and is also recognised as the first Australian to win the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship in 2000. The John Calvert-Jones Cup will be awarded to the winner of the Farr 40 Australian Championship which is scheduled for February 2013.
Farr 40 Class President Martin Hill (owner, Estate Master) has indicated his intention to compete in all three state championships prior to contesting the Australian Championship in 2013. “Estate Master is stalwart about going to all major regattas in the 2012-13 line-up, including the Queensland, NSW and Tasmanian state titles” claims Hill. “I am excited to travel to new waters and participate in the state championships wearing my blue colours. I hope these events evolve in historical terms to be an equivalent of the Foster Cup (held in the 1920’s), which saw states compete in individual regattas as a lead-up to the Nationals.”
A contributing factor to the success of the Farr 40 class in Australia is the social aspect and camaraderie within the class. On and off the water, strong friendships are forged between the successfully business-minded owners, and their focussed and driven crewmembers. Social events within the class will play an important role during the forthcoming season to ensure that the regattas are enjoyable for all sailors and their families.
The tentative* racing schedule for 2012-13 is as follows:
27 – 28 October 2012 Queensland Farr 40 State Championships
4 – 6 January 2013 Tasmanian Farr 40 State Championship
17-18 February 2013 NSW State Championship
22-24 February 2013 Australian Farr 40 Championship / John Calvert-Jones Cup
Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron, Sydney
The Farr 40 fleet enjoys continuing success internationally, with Australian crew aboard Transfusion (owner Guido Belgiorno-Nettis) placing seventh overall in the North American Championship which concluded in Newport, Rhode Island overnight.
The Farr 40 class welcomes new owners to join the fleet, which is renowned for being the epitome of One Design sailing. Further information regarding the forthcoming season is available at www.farr40.asn.au .
By Erin McKnight