Presenting 'The Fabulous 40s'

by Jill Campbell on 7 Jun 2011 The Farr 40 Class Association is excited to share with us the announcement of the very first book detailing the history of the class and bringing together the owners, boats and crews who have shaped its development over the past 15 years.

The official presentation will be by John Calvert-Jones on behalf of the fellow project stakeholders Vincenzo Onorato, Jim Richardson and Lang Walker. Former class president Calvert-Jones (1999-2002), World Champion (2000) and the first Life Member of the class association, will be welcoming past and present owners as well as members of the press to the presentation at the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda (Porto Cervo, Sardinia) on Friday, 1st July 2011, during the second leg of the Farr 40 European Circuit.

Aptly titled 'The Fabulous 40s' and produced with the support of long-time Farr 40 Class sponsor Rolex, the book tells the story of what is one of the most successful contemporary one-design racing yachts worldwide. From the conception of the Farr 40 as a speedy, mid-sized racing yacht that was exciting to sail and versatile enough to compete in a wide range of handicap competitions, to the creation of the class association and expansion throughout Australia, America and Europe.

Needless to say the annual Rolex World Championship regattas held across the globe since 1998 will be the central feature of the book, in addition to iconic Farr 40 owners and yachts. With breathtaking images of the fast and furious racing that characterizes the fleet supplied by world-class photographers such as Carlo Borlenghi, Daniel Forster and Kurt Arrigo, words by renowned yachting journalist Bob Fisher and published by Barry Pickthall, 'The Fabulous 40s' is destined to make a riveting read for current and former Farr 40 owners and the sailing public.

The choice of the Yacht Club Costa Smeralda as the venue for the book’s launch is no coincidence as the exclusive Sardinian club has a long history of collaboration with the class and has hosted several World and European Farr 40 Championships.

John Calvert-Jones said of the project: 'This book is a record of Farr 40 owners living the dream of helming their own yachts in World Championship competition at beautiful locations around the world. With 152 boats built to date in 18 countries, it is without doubt the most successful one-design, owner-driver class in recent memory and title sponsor Rolex is an integral part of this success.'

Martin Hill, Class President, said: 'This book is both a celebration and testament to the success of the Farr 40 Class and the role it plays in grand prix yacht racing internationally. The book’s exceptional, high definition action photos of yachts and regattas remind us of the great personalities that have competed in this class, the closeness of racing and camaraderie of crew, owners and their supporters.

It also reflects the hard work of the team that put this class on the road including the founding class manager Geoff Stagg, the executive committee, and past presidents John Calvert-Jones and Jim Richardson. May I also recognise the vision of John Calvert-Jones, Vincenzo Onorato, Jim Richardson and Lang Walker who made this book possible. I commend this book to all and may it set your heart pumping with adrenalin to get back to Farr 40 one design racing.'

For further information on the Farr 40 Class Association, Farr 40 yachts and for complete regatta calendars please visit www.farr40.org.