YNZ class of the month- 3.7 by Bruce Farr

by Yachting NZ on 14 Jun 2006 The 3.7 sailing dinghy is a one-man sailing skiff with trapeze. 3.7 metres in length with a hull weight of 50kg minimum.

'The 3.7 is suitable for anyone ready to leave the Starling Class or older, looking for both a challenge and for fun,' says John Elliot, class secretary. 'Weight range 55kg to 85kg. With the trapeze you develop skill and agility, without needing gorilla-like strength. You can even relax going upwind! A 55 year old took the 1996 Nationals in a fleet of 27, winning the windiest race.'

The Boat

The 3.7 Sailing Dinghy is a one-man sailing skiff with trapeze. 3.7m long, hull weight 50kg min.

Who sails a 3.7?

Anyone ready to leave the Starling Class or older, looking for both a challenge and for fun. Weight range 55kg to 85kg. With the trapeze you develop skill and agility, without needing gorilla-like strength. You can even relax going upwind!

A 55 year took the 1996 Nationals in a fleet of 27, winning the windiest race.

The History of the 3.7...

Bruce Farr designed this boat when he was 16 years old to compete against 12 footers (Q Class). Like most Farr designs, it was real fast, so of course, they threw him out. Regardless the Class then became established in its own right. There are no international regattas, people sail these boats because they are really cool. A number of association members have sailed them for almost their entire adult life. Since 1974 the national contest has attracted from 20 to 30+ starters each year.

With a minimum hull weight of 50kg easily attainable this ensures the longevity of boats, and some of the oldest are also among the fastest. Bruce Farrs original 3.7 (XL, No. 1) is still racing competitively and is now over thirty years old, a tribute to the designer.

Although the 3.7 is a restricted rule class with a one design hull, there is plenty of latitude for a bit of ingenuity in other areas, particularly the rig. Various mast configurations are found at the front of the fleet from rotating diamond rigs to fixed spreaders.

Since the introduction of carbon fibre spars the performance and ease of sailing has further enhanced the classes growth with new boats appearing every season.

3.7 Hot Spots

Bay of Islands, Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Rotorua, Christchurch.

3.7 Hot Shots

Past winners of the national contest include Bruce Farr, Don Baverstock, John Clinton, Adam Beashel (ETNZ), and Peter Evans (Alinghi).

I’m keen, who do I talk to?

Visit the 3.7 website: www.sentech.co.nz/farr37/

John Elliott on email jelliot@wave.co.nz can include you in the 3.7 newsletters listing boats for sale, events and so on. He can also direct you to a local Owner’s Association member who can give advice, and act as a buddy.

Specifications
Length 3.7 m
Beam 1.52 m
Hull weight Minimum 50 kg
Mast height 6.15 m
Sail area 8.8 m2
Crew One on trapeze





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Interested in being featured as the YNZ Class of the Month? Click here to download an information form, complete it and return it to YNZ with a digital photograph. Email: jodie@yachtingnz.org.nz