Farr 1220 Information, Review, Specs

The story of the Farr 1220 begins with its debut in 1986. Designed by Bruce Farr, a naval architect celebrated for his high-performance yacht designs, the 1220 was conceived as a fast cruiser. Farr Yacht Design, acknowledged as a top racing-yacht design team, has a long-standing record of achievement, ensuring the 1220 inherited a lineage of well-engineered vessels. The yacht was built by Sea Nymph Boats, also referred to as McDell Marine in New Zealand. Sea Nymph, a prominent New Zealand boat builder, has a history of collaborating with esteemed designers like Bruce Farr, reflecting their commitment to quality and well-engineered vessels. The Farr 1220's construction utilized S-glass and Coremat, with the deck featuring a balsa core, indicative of the robust building practices of the era. While the model was originally known as the Farr 40, it is distinct from the later Farr 40 One Design (Design 374), which was launched in 1996. The production run of the Farr 1220 offered multiple interior arrangements and finishing options to cater to various owner preferences.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Farr 1220 is characterized by its impressive sailing performance and balanced handling, a hallmark of Bruce Farr's designs, who is known for rarely designing a "slow yacht". With a Sail Area to Displacement Ratio of approximately 20.25, the 1220 boasts excellent light-air performance, suggesting it can move efficiently even in lighter winds. Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio of roughly 0.438 indicates a high degree of stiffness and stability, allowing the boat to stand up well to a breeze and provide a comfortable motion in a seaway. Furthermore, a Displacement to Length Ratio of around 157.8 places the Farr 1220 in the lighter, more performance-oriented category for its size, contributing to its responsive handling and speed.

Anecdotal accounts from owners and reviewers consistently praise the 1220 as a fast, well-built, and roomy yacht. It is described as well-balanced and capable of sailing very well, particularly on the wind. Owners note that it is an easily driven boat that does not require excessive sail area to perform effectively, recommending early and even reefing to maintain optimal performance (VMG). The masthead sloop rig, often complemented by quality sails, contributes significantly to the yacht's overall good sailing qualities. While not a modern competitive racer, it remains a capable and enjoyable cruiser for various conditions.

Accommodations and Layout

The interior of the Farr 1220 is designed to provide a comfortable and functional living space, with multiple interior arrangements and finishing options available during its production run. The typical layout includes a forecabin featuring a V-berth, which can be converted into a double berth with an infill cushion. This forward area is complemented by a large toilet and shower compartment, enhancing comfort for longer cruises. The yacht is noted for its comfortable interior overall. Moving about the boat is made easier by wide side decks that are even angled to be straighter when sailing. While specific details on materials and finish quality require individual boat inspection due to potential variations and age, the builder's reputation for sturdy construction suggests a generally robust interior fit-out.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Farr 1220 consistently express high satisfaction with their vessels, often cherishing these racer-cruisers. Many praise the boat's solid construction and its ability to deliver a comfortable motion in various sea states, a direct benefit of its inherent stability. Owners have noted that, even after 15 years of ownership, they have not found another 40-foot cruiser they would prefer for the value. The 1220's flexibility is a recurring theme, with owners appreciating its adaptability for diverse uses such as world cruising, lake racing, or serving as a comfortable liveaboard. The cockpit and sailplan are frequently highlighted as strong points.

However, like any yacht of its age, the Farr 1220 can present some common issues. The most notable problem reported by owners is the tendency for gelcoat crazing on deck, particularly around fittings. While general concerns about osmosis are sometimes raised in owner forums for boats of a similar vintage, no widespread or specific osmosis problem for the 1220 is consistently reported.