Farr 11 S Information, Review, Specs

The Farr 11 S, designated Design #613, debuted with its production start in 2007. It was commissioned as a custom project for Markus Fiala, with the clear objective of creating a very fast keelboat for its size (approximately 35 to 38 feet) that could be raced effectively by a crew of no more than six or seven intermediate-level sailors. Farr Yacht Design, globally recognized for its race-winning yachts, brought decades of performance sailing expertise to the project.

The builder, Premier Composite Technologies (PCT), based its marine division in Dubai, UAE, but originated its advanced composite boat-building expertise in Germany, where it honed its skills on high-tech racing yachts like the Mumm 30 and Farr 40. PCT's manufacturing ethos is characterized by "low carbon construction through fiber-reinforced polymer solutions," utilizing state-of-the-art machinery and cutting-edge techniques to create robust, lightweight structures. Their partnership with Farr Design on the 11 S exemplifies their role as an enabler of performance, translating complex design specifications into high-speed yachts built with carbon skin honeycomb core sandwich construction and a carbon keel fin.

A defining characteristic of the Farr 11 S is its highly innovative appendage package: a 45-degree canting keel, twin asymmetric canards, and twin retractable rudders, all contributing to its high form stability. The design also incorporates a retractable bowsprit, allowing for a generous downwind sail area with asymmetric spinnakers. This complex arrangement underscores the boat's purpose as a cutting-edge racing machine.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Farr 11 S is engineered for exceptional speed, described as an ultralight, very high-performing sailboat with a notably speedy hull design. Its performance ratios reflect this dedication to speed. With an Upwind Sail Area to Displacement ratio of 44 and a Downwind Sail Area to Displacement ratio of 102, the Farr 11 S is immensely powerful, suggesting outstanding performance even in light winds and blistering speeds when sailing off the wind.

The Ballast to Displacement ratio, approximately 0.45, is augmented significantly by the 45-degree canting keel. This system dynamically shifts the ballast to windward, generating immense righting moment and allowing the boat to carry a massive sail plan with stability far beyond what its static ballast would suggest. The Displacement to Length ratio, around 150, further confirms its ultra-light displacement for its waterline length, a hallmark of a purebred racing yacht.

Handling is precise and responsive, thanks to the combination of the canting keel, twin canards (which act like underwater wings to generate lift and control), and twin retractable rudders. This configuration provides excellent control, even at high speeds. Owners have reported the Farr 11 S capable of reaching boat speeds of 22 to 24 knots in suitable conditions, highlighting its potent performance potential. While designed for extreme performance, its high active stability provided by the canting keel ensures it stands up well to wind.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its primary role as an inshore racing boat, the Farr 11 S features a minimalist interior designed for functionality rather than extensive cruising comfort. The internal spaces are typically finished with AwlGrip, indicative of a clean, durable, and weight-conscious approach to the interior.

As a dedicated race yacht, the interior layout is spartan, providing essential amenities and storage for a racing crew. While specific details on berths, galley, or head configuration are not extensively documented, the emphasis is clearly on creating a light, uncluttered environment that supports race operations. The design prioritized performance and structural integrity, leading to a functional, rather than luxurious, living space below deck.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Farr 11 S consistently praise its robust construction and high-tech systems. One owner noted the boat's remarkable strength, stating that the hull, rig, hydraulic canting system, and electronics had performed flawlessly over a decade. The complexity inherent in its design, with five movable appendages, points to a vessel that requires a skilled and dedicated crew to extract its full potential. Those who sought a cutting-edge, fast, inshore racing keelboat found the Farr 11 S to be a highly capable and rewarding platform, reflecting the innovative design philosophy of Farr Yacht Design and the advanced construction quality of Premier Composite Technologies.