Well guys, as I am getting closer to retirement, it is about time to sell my Cole 23, and get something bigger. I am looking for something that is fast, seaworthy, and able to outfit for solo blue-water sailing. My purchase budget will be around 100K.
Looking for advise from sailors that have actual experience in the boat they are recommending. Currently looking at the Farr 43, there are a few around circa 85, and from what I remember they were very fast. However, not sure if they could be setup for solo or would be a good blue water boat.
Love to hear from everyone!.
Which Farr 43? Drake's Prayer, Kurtsey's old IOR boat? I haven't sailed her but I have done a couple of short races on the other Farr 43/44s, Wild Oats and Madeline's Daughter.
The little sister, the design 136 IOR one tonner, has done things like the singlehanded round the world race and finished, but it's not an ideal shorthander. For example Madeline's Daughter, lost her mast one day just because someone didn't ease the topmast backstay (not the runner) at a top mark. I've met a couple who spent many years cruising a similar boat, the Joubert 42 Accanito, and they loved it. They are tweaky boats, though.
There is also Snake Oil, which is another Farr 43 that sailed out from the US with a cut down rig. She was for sale in Oz a while back. None of these boats is going to be super-fast by modern standards. For example another mid '80s Farr 43 (Switchblade) is rated 1.083 on IRC, which is roughly in the Sydney 36/Beneteau 40.7/Beneteau 40 range.
I'm no expert, but I think Chris is on the money. Fast and solo blue water sailing will probably put you in the very expensive price range.
Not much choice in the NT, but Cairns often gets boats that are sailed there, and then the owners chuck it in. Worth keeping an eye on.
Great bargain, but the Sigma 41s seem to be about 8% slower than the IOR Farr 43s; closer to the Northshore 38. Whether that is "FAST" like the OP wants is hard to know.
Hi woul
US,
There's a Sydney /BH 41 about to get listed in Brisbane that is under your budget price . Well maintained, PM if interested. No association to the boat , I just know the owner .
Hello usdivers!!!! You are getting a number of responses to your one and only post and you have not responded at all, at all.
I am thinking SirG was right and picked you like a dirty nostril.
Ah that's a shame to hear. It's a great boat for the money and the trip across the Pacific is the some of best sailing you can get.
That x41 will be a nice and racey/cruisey boat Shaggy. Not in the same league as the Pogo though.
I'm happy and most importantly my wife's happy on the x442 just can't get over how many comfy places there are to sit