Fareast 18 R Information, Review, Specs

The FarEast 18 R began its production run in 2012, emerging from Far East Boat Co.'s commitment to high-quality, performance-oriented designs. The builder, known for its rapid ascent in the global marine industry and its use of advanced manufacturing techniques like vacuum infusion, collaborated with Simonis-Voogd, a design firm renowned for creating fast and efficient sailing vessels. The design ethos behind the FarEast 18 R was to extend the superb sailing characteristics of the existing FarEast 18 into a more compact and dedicated racing version. This resulted in a modern, simple, and exciting boat primarily aimed at casual racing and sailing instruction. While the closely related Fareast 18 features an enclosed cabin and a retractable keel, the 18 R is distinguished by its open deck layout, tailored for an uncompromised racing experience.

Sailing Performance and Handling

With a length overall of just over 19 feet and a waterline length of 16.9 feet, the FarEast 18 R is engineered for spirited performance. Its reported sail area of 236 square feet, combined with a displacement of 1,433 pounds, translates to a Sail Area to Displacement (SA/D) ratio of approximately 29.8. This high ratio indicates excellent power for its size, suggesting strong performance in light air conditions and the ability to accelerate quickly. The boat's ballast-to-displacement ratio stands at a substantial 43%, with 617 pounds of ballast in its fin keel. This significant ballast ratio contributes to the boat's stiffness and stability, allowing it to stand up to more wind and maintain its sail plan effectively even in brisk conditions.

Further underscoring its performance focus, the Displacement to Length (D/L) ratio is a very low 132.55, classifying it as a light and highly performance-oriented design. The FarEast 18 R is equipped with a lifting keel with a lead bulb, and its 280 kg (617 lbs) keel is noted for greatly improving its sailing performance. Anecdotal accounts consistently describe the FarEast 18 R as a well-balanced vessel, offering excellent performance and handling, making it a speedy day-sailer that is both fun and simple to sail.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated sport keelboat, the FarEast 18 R prioritizes on-deck functionality and racing efficiency over extensive interior accommodations. It features an open deck layout, designed to maximize cockpit space for crew maneuvers and competitive sailing. While some sources discuss the FarEast 18 (without the "R" designation) as having an enclosed cabin with basic storage and berths, the 18 R variant focuses on providing a large and efficient cockpit that can comfortably accommodate several sailors during races or day excursions. Any interior space would be minimal, likely limited to storage for sails or essential gear, consistent with a boat of its size and design purpose, without standing headroom.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners and reviewers frequently praise the FarEast 18 R for its combination of competitive sailing performance and affordability. It is consistently described as a "modern, fast, fun, and simple design" that offers "big sailing performance at a minimal budget." Its capabilities make it a popular choice for club racing and as a sailing school keelboat, indicating that it is both user-friendly for learning and sufficiently engaging for experienced sailors. The boat's robust construction, leveraging Far East Boat Co.'s expertise in fiberglass manufacturing and vacuum infusion, contributes to its perceived value and durability among enthusiasts. While specific long-term owner reviews detailing common issues are not widely publicized, the general consensus points to a highly regarded and enjoyable boat for its intended purpose.