Farr VO 65 Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The VO 65 is an uncompromising speed machine, defined by its canting keel and high-volume hull. By shifting the 3,500kg lead bulb up to 40 degrees to windward, the boat achieves immense righting moment without the weight penalty of a deep, fixed keel. This allows the vessel to carry a massive sail area, including a 133-square-meter mainsail and specialized Code Zero reaching sails. In editorial testing and race conditions, the VO 65 has demonstrated the ability to sustain speeds in excess of 30 knots, with a 24-hour distance record of 607 nautical miles set by Team AkzoNobel during the 2017-18 race.

Handling the VO 65 requires an elite crew, as the loads on the winches and standing rigging are enormous. The boat utilizes twin rudders for control at high heel angles and a pair of daggerboards to provide lift and reduce leeway when sailing upwind. According to technical reports from The Ocean Race, the boat feels significantly more "planted" and structurally rigid than the VO70, though it is slightly heavier. The increased displacement and refined bow section were designed to prevent the "nosediving" common in previous designs, providing a safer, albeit wetter, platform for crews pushing through the Southern Ocean.

Interior Comfort & Variations

The interior of the VO 65 is entirely utilitarian, stripped of all traditional yacht luxuries to save weight. The cabin is a raw carbon fiber shell designed for function and survival rather than comfort. The layout features a central media station—crucial for the "Onboard Reporter" (OBR) to transmit high-definition footage—and a series of pipe cots positioned on either side of the hull. These bunks are adjustable via tackles to allow the crew to sleep on the high side, providing additional "human ballast."

Because the VO 65 is a strict one-design, there are no layout variations or cabin options. Every hull features the same minimalist galley—a single gimbaled jet-boil stove for rehydrating freeze-dried meals—and a single carbon fiber head located forward of the mast. The lack of acoustic insulation means the interior is incredibly loud, with the sound of water rushing past the hull and the mechanical whine of the keel canting system resonating through the boat. This uniformity was essential to the class's mission, ensuring that no team could claim a competitive advantage through weight distribution or internal structural modifications.

Popular Mentions & Media

The VO 65 has been the star of two consecutive Volvo Ocean Race cycles (2014-15 and 2017-18) and continued its career in The Ocean Race Europe. It has been featured extensively in documentary series like "Life at the Extreme," which highlighted the physical toll the boat takes on its sailors. Specific hulls have gained individual fame, such as the Team SCA boat, which hosted the first all-female crew in the class, and Dongfeng Race Team, which won the 2017-18 edition in one of the closest finishes in sailing history.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

Prospective owners looking at the secondary market for a VO 65 must recognize that these vessels have undergone more structural stress than almost any other craft afloat. While the Farr design is exceptionally robust, the following areas require rigorous inspection:

• Keel Canting Mechanism: The hydraulic rams and the stainless steel keel pin (which supports the entire weight of the bulb) are high-wear components. Detailed service logs for the Cariboni hydraulic systems are essential.
• Delamination and Core Integrity: Despite the high-quality pre-preg construction, the slamming loads in the forward third of the hull can lead to core shear. Professional ultrasound testing is a prerequisite for any purchase.
• Standing Rigging: The VO 65 uses ECsix (carbon fiber) rigging. This has a finite lifespan and is extremely expensive to replace. Buyers should check the "mileage" of the stays against the manufacturer’s recommended replacement intervals.
• Electronics and Media Infrastructure: These boats are "wired" more like broadcast studios than yachts. The complex B&G sensor arrays and satellite communication systems are prone to salt-air degradation and often require complete overhauls between owners.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for technical data and racing history is the official website of The Ocean Race, which maintains archives of boat performance and class rules. Owners and technical managers often coordinate through Farr Yacht Design for structural modifications intended for IRC or ORC handicap racing, as many VO 65s have been optimized for "line honors" roles in events like the Rolex Sydney Hobart or the Fastnet Race.

The Verdict

The Farr VO 65 is a legendary offshore thoroughbred that successfully transitioned the world’s toughest race into the one-design era. It is not a cruiser, nor is it a boat for the faint of heart; it is a dedicated racing machine designed for high-stakes ocean competition.

Pros:

• Extreme durability with a proven track record of multiple circumnavigations.
• Level playing field for racing due to strict one-design tolerances.
• Capable of sustaining 30+ knot speeds in open ocean conditions.

Cons:

• Zero interior amenities; unsuitable for anything other than competitive racing.
• High operational costs requiring a professional shore team and specialized rigging.
• Physical demands on the crew are among the highest in the sport.