Farr 400 Information, Review, Specs

The Farr 400 entered production in 2010, emerging from the ambitious collaboration between Farr Yacht Design and Premier Composite Technologies (PCT). Farr Yacht Design, globally recognized for its race-winning yachts, aimed to create a vessel that was not only fun and high-performance but also easily managed for owner-drivers and crews. The core design ethos prioritized a powerful sail plan, significant power, and a low overall mass, emphasizing "unrivalled performance" synonymous with the Farr brand.

Premier Composite Technologies, a leader in advanced composite manufacturing, brought its extensive experience in building high-tech racing yachts to the Farr 400 project. Known for their "low carbon construction through fiber-reinforced polymer solutions" and state-of-the-art techniques, PCT fabricated the Farr 400 as an "all new, 100% carbon fibre 40 ft. racing yacht". This commitment to advanced composites resulted in a remarkably lightweight yet robust hull, deck, and interior structure, all vacuum-fabricated. The design features a lifting keel, an innovative characteristic that allows for both deep draft performance and easier transport. The Farr 400 was conceived as a one-design class, promoting fair and competitive racing among similar vessels.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Farr 400's design ratios underscore its extreme performance orientation. With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 41.33, the boat boasts an exceptionally powerful sail plan relative to its weight, indicating superb light-air performance and the ability to generate significant speed in a variety of conditions. Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of about 0.556 is remarkably high, signifying exceptional stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up to considerable wind without excessive heeling. Complementing these attributes is a low Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of approximately 178.92, categorizing it as a light and highly performance-oriented vessel.

Anecdotal reports from sailing reviews corroborate these metrics, describing the Farr 400 as an "exceptionally easy boat to sail" and "very forgiving". The modern hull shape, characterized by moderate beam and light displacement, emphasizes power, low drag, and exceptional handling characteristics. Sailors have noted its ability to quickly reach "double digits" in speed, competing effectively with larger racing machines. The deep retractable bulb keel, contributing to the high ballast ratio, enhances stability and allows the boat to be pushed hard. The carbon fiber rig, often a Southern Spars unit, works effectively with the sail plan across different conditions, contributing to the boat's overall balance and responsiveness.

Accommodations and Layout

While primarily a high-performance racing yacht, the Farr 400 offers functional interior spaces designed for crew efficiency and offshore racing capabilities. The interior, though often described as "spartan," provides adequate room for crew to prepare and rest. The hull, deck, and interior structures are meticulously fabricated with vacuum-infused composites, highlighting the builder's focus on lightweight strength.

A distinctive feature of the Farr 400's design is its concave foredeck, which allows for increased freeboard amidships. This design choice strategically integrates the lifting keel mechanism within the cabin, optimizing space and functionality. The main cabin is noted to have "plenty of headroom" and sufficient space for crew activities. Details such as the jib track running across the cabin top, often complemented by barber haulers, indicate a layout optimized for racing operations. Despite its race-focused nature, the interior prioritizes practicality and the necessary amenities for offshore campaigns.