Single Handed Racing Question - Which Boat To Buy?

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M

Michelle

I crew (fordeck) on a 40' with a group of fine people. One day I want to purchase my own boat. This future vessel...(I like the 40' size) will be used for racing and a bit of cruising. I want to compete in single or possibly double handed events because it is really difficult to organize/coordinate a crew of 8. I am way too busy to babysit a bunch of sailors....I am not their mother. So help me find a boat that fits my requirements. I want a vessel that is competitive and that may have come creature comforts below. After all, I am a woman and we do like our comforts. Any suggestions about a fast/comfortable sailboat that meets my future needs? I have a few ideas of my own but want to hear from others. Thanks
 
Jun 4, 2004
50
- - Montreal
My choice would be

the Farr 395. Very fast and confortable below. Used 2001/2002 models would be around 225,000$ well equipped. Certainly worth a look but some work involved for two! What's on your short list so far?
 
M

mike c

single hand thoughts

wow.....single handed racing on a 40 footer...tough but not impossible. Are you looking for bouy racing or point to point long distance?? Racing around the cans with a crew of 1 or 2 in a big boat is very hard, distance races are a little easier. The Farr 395 is a good boat (one design fleets and good PHRF boat) EXPENSIVE!!!! The J105 lacks a few comforts but can do well short handed. The J109 has more comforts but has a much higher price tag. An older J35,J40,J41 all have comforts (the J35 has runners so might be tough to singlehand...although I know that a woman races a J35 equipted for both buoy racing and singlehanded racing raising money for breast cancer (do a search for red dress racing) As i stated before, racing a 40 footer short handed is a difficult task to do well (or even safely at times) most single handed racing is done in smaller boats like PHRF- Pearson 30, J27,J29, Ensign,. Boats in the 25-30 ft. range. Good Luck
 

Rick D

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Jun 14, 2008
7,184
Hunter Legend 40.5 Shoreline Marina Long Beach CA
Couple of Suggestions

Olson 40, Santa Cruz 40, Farr 39 (ton boat, not the new ones). Assuming you would get a handicap, I would opt for and older racer you could upgrade with new sails, electronics and custom rig for singlehanding rather than spend a ton an a new or newish race baot that will need all that in a few years anyhow. Good old race boats are a real bargain. Rick D.
 

Alan

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Jun 2, 2004
4,174
Hunter 35.5 LI, NY
Skinny water is the big problem...

...for this boat. But you couldn't want a faster, lighter, easy to handle boat that you can water ski off. Problem is she draws 10 feet and has a healthy price tag. Carbon fiber technology ain't cheap! I'm looking to do one of these. They make a 30 in the similar design that is much more affordable. I've raced on the 30 and it is damn quick and a piece of cake to single hand http://www.wyliecat.com/
 
B

Bob

I suggest...

Why don't you try singlehanding a 30 to 40 footer right now a few times, including when the weather is a little nasty, to make sure that it really is your cup of tea? There is something about not having an extra pair of hands on board that makes a boat grow a little when you are the only one there.
 
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