TimDick
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Feb 5, 2012, 7:48 PM
Post #2 of 3
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Re: [The Publisher] Farr 40 compared to new Farr 400 and McConaghy 38
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Interesting and excellent analysis! I suppose there is still some learning on the new F400s (first regatta) vs. the highly optimized F40s however the points likely remain valid given the fuller sections forward (trading off upwind for reaching) and the chine which similarly favors reaching vs. downwind. Validating news for the F40 owners although the F400 guys may not be so pleased.
One area the F400 appears to shine is reduced crew need and easier working due to the sprit + asym. - extending the trend the F40 started by eliminating runners & overlapping jibs.
However the design of the F400 seems to be acknowledging a second trend: many racers seem (unsurprisingly) to be increasingly bored with relentless series of windward-leewards which several generations of boats (IOR, IMS and IRC) have been largely optimized. More varied courses with more passing lanes are unquestionably more fun, present more challenges tactically, and crew work-wise, and result in better stories. It's the difference between the Monaco Grand Prix vs. stock car racing which is just a bunch of left turns.
If racing evolves back to more varied courses, my guess is the F400 will be both faster & "funner."
FYI I have no dog in this hunt as, although I have occasionally raced on F40s (great boat), I have never owned one and have no plans to buy an F40 or F400. I readily admit to enjoying non-sausage races immensely more than any # of sausages. There was this one time reaching towards Blossom Rock in a big breeze and flood with Alcatraz right in the way, see, and... ;) Tim Dick SF / HNL
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F40+vs+F400+&+MC38+QKWRW.pdf