Fast 42 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Fast 42 design dates back to 1992, with the first models being built around 2002. During this era, Robertson & Caine, established in 1991, was actively engaged in custom yacht building, producing a range of vessels from fiberglass monohulls to carbon-fiber racing boats before their significant pivot to catamaran production under the Leopard brand. The Fast 42 stands as an example of their early versatility and commitment to quality monohull construction, with one notable example, "Orion Express (Fast 42)," having impressed in international racing.

Designed by Alexander Simonis (of Simonis Voogd), the Fast 42 was envisioned as a true performance cruiser/racer, capable of achieving podium finishes while also offering comfort for cruising. The design philosophy sought to integrate ease of boat handling with effective boat speed, without compromising onboard comfort. This commitment to a dual-purpose role is evident in her specifications. The Fast 42 was offered with a choice of two keel drafts: a shallower 5.91-foot (1.8m) cruising keel and a deeper 7.83-foot (2.4m) racing keel, providing flexibility for different sailing ambitions.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Fast 42's design ratios underscore its performance aspirations. With a sail area to displacement ratio of approximately 30.75, she possesses a very high sail plan relative to her weight, suggesting excellent light-air performance and a propensity for speed. Her displacement to length ratio, around 119.4, confirms she is a lightweight vessel for her size, further contributing to her lively performance characteristics. The ballast to displacement ratio of about 0.363 indicates a moderate level of stability, allowing her to stand up to a good breeze.

Anecdotal reports suggest the Fast 42 is a remarkably easy boat to sail and handles well, even in high wind conditions, thanks to her deep rudder. She is noted for powering up nicely and, despite carrying a significant sail area, is not reported to be heavy on the sheets. The fractional rig design further simplifies tacking, which is an advantage for both cruisers and racers. While some impressive claims of speeds up to 24 knots have been made, likely referring to surfing conditions, more typical sustained cruising speeds are generally reported between 6.5 and 8.5 knots, aligning closely with her theoretical hull speed of 8.25 knots. The boat often features twin independent steering wheels, adding a layer of redundancy and control.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed floor plans are not available from the provided data, reviews indicate that the Fast 42 offers an interior that is described as "functional, quite plush, simple and well laid out". The design successfully integrates comfortable living spaces within a performance-oriented hull, to the extent that one might forget they are aboard a racing boat when inside. The interior typically includes a well-arranged galley and a comfortable saloon. Owners might find opportunities for customization to enhance privacy for cruising. The overall fitting, quality, and specific layout can vary between individual models.

Owner's Perspectives

Based on available information, owners of the Fast 42 generally appreciate its capabilities as a performance cruiser/racer. The boat has a prominent place in the South African racing circuit, both offshore and inshore. While the general sentiment regarding the boat's sailing performance and handling is positive, a single comment from a forum suggests that the "builder lets them down a lot". However, this isolated comment is not representative of a widespread or consistently noted weakness, and other sources highlight the boat's custom nature and capability for comfortable cruising. The Fast 42's design allows for custom touches, with examples like "Uhambo" being a one-owner custom vessel.