Farr 39 Ft One Tonner Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Farr 39 is characterized by its exceptional light-to-moderate air performance, particularly in the 8 to 12-knot range where its long waterline and moderate sail area allow it to outpace heavier cruiser-racers. Its handling is often described as "skiff-like," a testament to Bruce Farr’s roots in high-performance dinghy design. The hull features a fine entry and a broad, flat exit, allowing for early planing and high speeds off the wind.

Technical analysis of the boat's behavior suggests it is a dedicated "upwind machine," capable of pointing higher than most 40-footers of its era. However, this performance comes with a narrow "groove." According to editorial retrospectives in Giornale della Vela, the boat requires active trim and a skilled hand on the helm to maintain speed in chop. Downwind, the 39 can be notoriously "dicey" in heavy air; owner anecdotes from the racing circuit often mention a tendency to wipe out if the crew is not synchronized during high-speed surfs. The rig is typically a fractional setup with running backstays, requiring a high level of crew coordination to manage mast bend and forestay tension.

Interior Comfort & Variations

While technically possessing an enclosed interior, the Farr 39 is a "stripped-out" racer by design. The layout was optimized for weight distribution rather than luxury, prioritizing a central navigation station and a low-profile galley to keep the heaviest components over the keel.

• Racing Configuration: Most units feature lightweight pipe cots instead of traditional berths to accommodate a racing crew while allowing for weight to be shifted to the high side.
• Dual-Purpose Variations: Some hulls, particularly those designated as Design #279, were built with "dual-purpose" intent, offering slightly more wood cabinetry and a private forward head to satisfy IMS "livability" requirements.
• Successor Influence: The Farr 39ML (Design #336) further refined this by simplifying the interior to what would eventually become the standardized Farr 40 layout, focusing on open spaces and easy access to the hull's interior for inspections.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Farr 39's legacy is most visible through its famous hulls, such as Flash and Rush, which dominated IMS fleet racing in the early 90s. These boats were often the testbeds for technologies later found on the Farr 40 One Design, a class that redefined modern competitive sailing. The Farr 39 also played a role in high-profile events like the Admiral's Cup and the Fastnet Race, where its speed made it a favorite for national teams seeking a competitive handicap edge.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective buyers of a Farr 39 are looking at a "senior" grand prix yacht, which necessitates a rigorous survey focusing on structural fatigue.

• Core Integrity: The hull and deck use a Kevlar/S-glass sandwich with PVC foam cores. High-stress areas around the chainplates and the mast step should be checked for delamination or core rot if water has penetrated the skin.
• Bulkhead Attachment: Early Mark Lindsey (ML) builds and some Cookson units have been noted for bulkhead movement after decades of hard racing. Inspect the bonding between the bulkheads and the hull skin.
• Rigging Fatigue: Because these boats were often pushed to their limits with high-tension running backstays, the rod rigging and forestay barrel fittings are common points of failure. Most units should have undergone a complete rigging replacement at least once in the last decade.
• Rudder Bearings: The high-aspect rudder places significant loads on the bearings. Check for excessive "play" or stiffness in the tiller, which may indicate worn bearings or a bent rudder stock.

Community & Resources

Technical support and historical data are primarily managed through the Farr Yacht Design archives in Annapolis, Maryland. While no dedicated "Farr 39 Association" currently exists, owners often find community within the broader Farr 40 and Mumm 36 racing circles, and technical drawings are still available via the designer's website for restoration projects.

The Verdict

The Farr 39 One Tonner is a high-performance relic that offers incredible speed for the price, provided the owner is prepared for the maintenance of a thoroughbred racer.

Pros:

• Exhilarating speed in light and moderate winds.
• High-quality composite construction from world-class builders.
• A significant piece of yachting history that still wins PHRF races.

Cons:

• Requires a large, skilled crew (8-10 people) to sail to its potential.
• Complex rig (running backstays) is unforgiving of mistakes.
• Minimal interior comfort makes it unsuitable for family cruising.