Farr 40's - Start Your Engines

Ever wondered what you do if not invited to sail in Auckland, well you go and stand at the back of a Farr 40 in the Bahamas.

One of the strongest contenders must be John Kilroy’s Samba Pa Ti team. Based out of Los Angeles, this year they have won the Farr 40 class at the Acura SORC and become Farr 40 National Champion.

Also this year and at times with races to spare, Kilroy won the Farr 40 West Coast Championship, the Southern California Championship and the Northern California Championship. As for past Farr 40 World Championships, Kilroy won the ’99 event and finished second in 2000 before skipping the 2001 competition.

Oh you say, that’s impressive, but whose calling tactics? As with all these boats competing, think of someone who should be on the payroll in Syndicate Row but isn’t. Kilroy has John Kostecki on board for this event, a pairing that has been seen at two previous Farr 40 world championships.

So, if we’re talking mega bucks, who else will be seen hanging around at the back of the boats. A strong challenge comes from Italy with the successful Nerone team making the trip with tactician Vasco Vascotto. Chris Larson will be on Bambaku (along with the brits Lou Varney, Guy Barron and Justin Heap). Dee Smith makes and appearance on Groovederci and his previous employer, Philip Kahn has taken Paul Cayard off the bench and onto Peagasus.

We go on. Owen Kratz has gone with John Kolius. With no Atalaanti going, Robby Haines, widely regarded as the most consistent and successful tactician in this class, is sailing Crocodile Rock. Thierry Peponnet is going with Italian boat Bottadiculo (slang names on a postcard now please) and if you can call it finally, Mark Reynolds will be sailing Steve Philip’s Le Renard.

So this will be an expensive regatta for the owners involved. Some pretty handy daily salarys for the pros, a new set of (probably) North 3DLs, and room rates at the Atlantis Resort Hotel from $185 to $450 per person, per night plus flights and food.

Mind you, these are the type of owners who don’t worry about these details, what they want and will most certainly get, is the best and most fiercest one design yachting available.

Below, the host venue which is steeped in martime history, The Atlantis Resort