New sail!!

Well it's been a while but I have the excuse of being busy!!!

Finally got some time to go out and tinker with the new sail. It looks sweet and although slightly different from my Norths I think has potential. Just need to get the sail maker to make a very minor alteration it will be bang on. Not bad considering he didn't have the mast!! Thanks to Andy for the design/ needle work and I look forward to using it.  

mayday nightmare!!!

So I only managed one day sailing over the bank holiday. Due to winning a pot the club did some funky sums on the PY and came up with 1009! To say I was a little shocked at the 33 or drop was an understatement. Every time I have gone out this year it has been at least force 4 as this is when the boat feels great and with no other Farr's in the club why bother. Issue is that when I'm powered up everyone else is over powered and so the boat performs well. When there is less than 15 ings I'm too fat!!! So conclusion. I have got the bike out to shed some pounds. I will tinker with the lowers and see if I can get a bit more stiffness in the mast. Then go sailing in light breeze to try to amend the handicap back a bit. I think I'm not too far of at 1045 but cutting it to 1037 would challenge me by still make it within my grasp. I'll keep you posted. 

I must. have made it!!!!

So looking throug the other blogs and found me in Y&Y online magazine on Dave Barkers Farr. This must mean I surely made it!!!! Good picture Daryl. 

Check it out
http://ukfarr37.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Proof the Farr is a winner

So finally I have had some luck! It seems wind, racing, me being around and the boat being really to sail all came together. I managed 2 days of racing over Easter and both days we had breeze! Brilliant sail on the Saturday with 18 to 25 knots = 2 bullets then on the Monday I was 1 point away from 1st in the 1 St race and due to being OCS and the breeze dropping a 7 th!!!! (must do better next time!!!).

Below are the final results.

Medium Handicap Easter Series 2014

Blackwater SC

Results are provisional as of 20:26 on April 25, 2014

Overall

Sailed: 7, Discards: 3, To count: 4, Rating system: PY, Entries: 26, Scoring system: Appendix A

Rank	Boat	Class	SailNo	HelmName	CrewName	PY	E1 18/04/14	E2 18/04/14	E3 19/04/14	E4 19/04/14	E5 20/04/14	E7 21/04/14	E8 21/04/14	Total	Nett
1st		FARR 3.7	384	Ewan Harris		1045	(27.0 DNC)	(27.0 DNC)	1.0	1.0	(27.0 DNC)	2.0	7.0	92.0	11.0
2nd		PHANTOM	1174	Scott Jaycock		1002	1.0	(27.0 DNF)	(9.0)	2.0	(27.0 DNC)	5.0	3.0	74.0	11.0
3rd		BLAZE	810	Terry Crook		992	(8.0)	3.0	(27.0 DNC)	(27.0 DNC)	2.0	1.0	5.0	73.0	11.0

So even more reason for the boat to be developed in the UK. If you have been thinking about it, now's the time to get involved. I don't mind handicap racing but Im really interested to see how the boat is against other Farr's.

Farr too good!!

Well Saturday was the first real chance this year to sail the Farr against a number of different boats from Snipes, 420's phantom's, supernova, the new Hartley wayfarer, Solo's and streaker's. The wind was blowing 18 to 22 knots perfected Farr weather. I managed to get on the line and driving which allowed me to pull out from leeward of the Hartley boat to be 1st to the windward mark. The course suited the Farr with lost of fetches which were free enough to get the bow down and go and nearer the mark the angled freed up to really get the boat rocking. To give you some indication of speed I managed to pass a K6 which was catching the main fast handicap fleet up. Admittedly this was the worst angle for the K6 but they did look slightly surprised to see me rock past. After that the boat just performed. It was fairly Roy stable wand I even managed the bear away without a swim although a change kicker cleat position would help. By the end of the race I was about 10 boat lengths  ahead of the next boat. Bullet in the bag. 

Second race saw a drop in the wind by about 2 knots which meant I really had to work to get up and go. The decrease in the wind allowed the Phantom to power up and he managed to catch me on every down wind leg. But once past me he didn't disappear in fact I managed to catch it up when the wind came back on the nose. Final result was I managed to clean up the second as well. This proves my theory my ctec is great in a breeze. I now need to find a set up for light and intermediate conditions. 

I am in talks with ardspars to build a mast which is slightly different mast set up. I'll update the blog with my progress as and when. 

Evaluation. The boat is very quick in breeze when your fat and have a good course. It's just a shame I couldn't do the whole Easter series as we have had a range of wind conditions which would make handicap calculations easier. 

1st Farr race of 2014 Season

So finally got a bit of downtime from the cruiser conversion to get the boat back out the box and go for a blast. Well I say blast more of a plod round the cans. Let's just say I was a bit rusty!! Poor start and light winds = not a chance. I still have to tweek the rig and I am now looking into a light wind stiff mast for light to medium conditions verse more tweeks to the ctec. I think for my weight the mast option might be the best one. 

As the cruiser comes to near completion I can look forward to Farr tweaking. Not a bad way to waste time!!!

GoPro Got!

So I bit the bullet and bought one. What a cleaver bit of kit for such a small bit of kit! You have many different settings 1080p down to 720, stacks of frame rates and even recording in raw!! So lots of different things to play with. Looking online it seems most used setting is 1080p so I will go with that and shot some films and go from there.

Looking forward getting some video's skiing in a couple of weeks and then some Farr sailing video's during the summer for the UK website and my blog.

It would be great o hear from people who have any tips so I can get quality films 1st time.

Nearly forgot Open sailing events on the horizon!

I now know why Blackwater Sailing Club got club of the year 2014. I spoke to them about the possibility of having an open sail (not an official open meeting) . The club were really happy to discuss the idea and are very supportive of the project and have agreed to let us come and sail with the medium handicap fleet!

This will be a great opportunity for us to get a better idea of PY numbers (a questions frequently asked at the dinghy show). It will also allow us to see how quick the boats are against each other or how rusty or sailing has become during the winter!!!!! 

Looking forward to it. all we need to do is confirm a date and we are GO GO GO!

Humm could be a GoPro moment!!!!! (that's a positive for an action camera!!!!)

All I can say is watch this space if you want more info on the 1st open meeting where we go round a course in salt water!

GoPro or not to GoPro!!!!

Humm what to do. Need to get some more footage of the boat so do I buy a camera for the boat or not?

the Go Pro seems the obvious answer and after watching loads of video's comparing camera's I just don't know.

god I hate decisions.

Do I get one and then I can use it for Skiing video's, coaching and personal sailing or will I get bored of watching the same angle and the same old stuff. Is it just a toy or a worthwhile investment?????????

answers on a postcard to .........

UK Farr Professional build price released

for all of you out there who have busy jobs but you still want to go sailing and have been following the UK Farr developments of this Blog I can now say a price has been sorted for a boat ready to go. Butler boats have got a boat for everyone's pocket! the idea is for you to be able to choose what you want to fit your budget. you can go all shiny and black with carbon extras or just stay traditional with a metal stick if you need to stay within a budget.

Visit the website to find out more or contact Dave Butler through the butler boats website
http://www.butlerboats.biz/

Here is the advert to make you start thinking  hum yes it is possible!!!

with not long now till the light changes and time to go sailing and get wet!

Dinghy Show 2014

So been a while since I last put anything on the Blog as its been winter and apart from stripping the cruiser out and coaching sailing I have not had time for any sailing.

So as the season approaches its must be time for the Dinghy show and this year the Farr will be there again (after missing out in 2013) on the Butler Boat stand.

It is quite a moment as this will be the 1st UK professionally built Farr in the UK. All the pictures I have seen look great and I can't wait to see the boat up front and personal.

So if your bored and have nothing planned on Saturday how about a trip to see Daryl (the UK Farr Father), Dave Barker (the UK's 1st home builder) Ben (soon to be a UK Farr owner and me at the show.

Due to getting a new job and having a mad 1st week in my new role I can only do the Saturday but I know that many of the others will be there on Both days.

Hope to see you there

UK Farr Development continues

Well Dave is good to his word again. he promised to get onto "Project Farr" after recovery from an injury and my god he has been busy. The 1st UK Farr is out the mould and is very light indeed 28kg! I know that there is still the floor and foredeck to add + paint and varnish but the boat I think the will then still come in under weight.

If you want to check out the progress please have a look at the link below and you can also get involved with the UK Farr association forum on what colour the 1st boat should be. personally in true cherub style I would go with Gun metal grey for the outside and floor and Lambo green for the side tanks and foredeck! If anyone has seen my rebuild of the Italian Bistro Cherub "Monkey Magic" you will know that bright in my book is always best! 

I have included a few snaps of the old beast for those interested.

     
Man looking back what a sexy looking boat. A little bit like the RS900 but as I built mine before there one I can say it was all my own doing!

Anyway getting back to the Farr here are the links to Y&Y site where the thread is
http://www.yachtsandyachting.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=11267&PID=1357451#1357451

UK site thread
http://www.uk3-7class.org/forum.html#/20131217/what-colour-for-butler-boats-demo-boat-3491389/

Get involved and your colour scheme might be the one Dave chooses!!!

Butler Boats are getting their teeth into the Farr!!!

Evening all.

sorry for lack of activity something called a "Job" keeps getting in the way!!!!

Just a quick update. Butler has his teeth well and truly sunk into the Farr.

http://www.butlerboats.biz/

check it out. The 1st one is in the mould!!!

I know there must be a couple of people who have looked at the plans and will look at this and say it does not look like the plans. True but you must remember

1) This is "work in progress"
2) Dave is not building them to the plans more a mould which apparently is a modern way of doing things!

Anyway I am very excited that it is coming together finally!!

Other exciting news ADM sails have finished my sail!!!! Unfortunately due to the "job" thing I have had not had time to stop in and get it.  Thankfully I know Andy well so he knows I'm good for the money!!!!!

We are also in the process of getting a class association together! So the class can grow and become great!!!!

I know there is a bit of noise regarding the class. If you are thinking about getting one or want to find out more drop me a line and I will give you more info.

Bye for now!!!!!

Farr 1st meeting 16th Nov 2013

Well finally it happened we all got or lives sorted out and arranged a meet. Venue: Hull, yes Hull! I didn't really know what to expect as Ben Brown and myself got in the T5 to drive up on Friday night, loaded with sailing kit for artic conditions and a few tins to relax with when we finally got there (I think this was so Ben could get off to sleep quicker and not listen to the Z's kicking out from me!!!). 

The reason for the meet was two fold

1) Get everyone together to talk all things Farr, this included myself (Ex cherub crew and owner of Monkey Magic and Subtle knife), ben brown (ex Cherub helm, Owner of Loco Perro ,helm of subtle Knife and fellow Essex boy, Dave Baker (the other Farr owner in the UK and RS300 sailor), Daryl the Farr Farther (original importer of the boat and ex cherub crew of Loco) and Dave Butler of "Butler Boats" who is based in Hull.
2) To finally get the two boats out on the same bit of water!

The journey up was actually OK. it has been a while since I have seen Ben what with family and the fact although we work about a stones throw from each other work has seemed to get in the way as it always does. HTC Navigation got us there in just under 4 hours, which I didn't think was bad considering we were towing and traffic was slow for a period of the journey! We found "The Boat shed" Dave's workshop with ease and I must say what a cool place to work. It is I think, an old grain mill and Dave has been busy knocking through to make the workshop as big as it can be (it is surprising how many boats and moulds a place can hold if you are cleaver with your storage space!)

A few beers down in the van and suddenly it was about 1am!!!! Not bad for Friday night as I normally don't see it past 12!

Saturday morning and we were up early at 8:30 and met Dave's workman (there is only the two of them there but talking to them they don't hang around and seem to have a very well organised system which means they can meet orders and get a hull built in about two weeks! Dave Barker and Daryl arrived while Ben and I were out foraging for food (a full fry up at only £4.95, Sweet!!!).

We then spent the best part of the next hour and a half talking all things Farr which included the following:
1) Kite or no kite
2) Control line set up
3) Gantry or no gantry
4) Hull make up (wood, GRP, GRP hull, Wood cockpit etc.)

When we went off for a sail at the local lake (not the biggest place to sail and with a disappointing 8-9mph it was not going to be the place were we were going to get footage of the boat at its best but all that said and done we all managed to get out on the wire and at times the boats even got a wriggle on! Footage taken and boat swapping done we then headed in for a chat about the two boats. Dave's boat has a slightly different set up from mine which includes rear horse and off the boom mainsheet apposed to my centre mainsheet arrangement and the fact he has a gantry and much stiffer mast and a heaver sail cloth ment the boats did sail very differently but as the footage we took will show you the boats were still similar speeds.

Dave butler was very eager to hear from Dave, Ben and I about our sails and we gave him a number of things to think about as regards to the way forward. Although no firm plans have been set by Butler I am sure that the boat will end up with everything in place to hold a pole and kite which a sailor can then add to the boat once they have mastered the art of sailing the boat. This will give another dimension to the boat and one I feel will slow the movement out of the boat onto faster single handed craft like the Musto Skiff or RS700. I have sailed the boat in about 20-25knts and let just say it bites if your not careful! Although the boat will probably come ready to upgrade there are no plans in the first year or two of the boat being produced professionally here in the UK to race with a kite. I personally think this is a great idea as it gives people time to get the most out of the boat before wanting more and going all out! This will also mean it appeals to a wider audience, not a bad thing when bringing a new class into the UK sailing scene! it would then be up to the association (made up of those who buy the boat to decide the development of the class). As a trainer of cadets I see this boat having a great future within the cadet section. It has everything a young sailor needs to develop.

• It's is light and easy to manage on the shore.
• A sail plan that is not too extreme but has grunt due to the fully battened main and light spars.
• An easy and quick set up time and with the opportunity to develop skills with a small asymmetric which will improve the performance of the boat but be small enough to make it good round the cans in club racing. (In a breeze it can be a bit of an animal but still one which can be tamed and it is very reliant on consistent balance, trim and sail setting to get the best speed. the biggest bonus it does not travel at warp speed so time can be had making the right tactical decisions on the race course!) 

Saying all this the boat is not just suited to the young. I sail one and I am by no means young and I can see some dad's out there who would want to sail it!

Dave plans to see the boat in a variety of stages from all done and ready to go to what ever the buyer wants. Bare hull only, Hull and spars but not set up. This then allows the people who has always wanted to build a boat but has not got the time for the whole project to still get his or her hand sticky!!!! 

Anyway enough of me and my thoughts (oh and by the way this blog is my on option and I have not completed any true market research apart from asking older cadets what type of sailing they want to do and having the question asked to me by more than a few parents "which boat should I buy next?").

Here is a short video of the sailing so you can get a feel for the UK Farr 3.7. If you then want to see it in big winds have a look a the NZ footage which is all over Youtube with and without kites. you can then make up your own mind!   

 

 

Full video can be found at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Wc4009GGbc

Farr development for UK class

So I have just got off the phone to fellow Cherub chum Ben Brown to make final arrangements for the 1st UK meeting in Hull this coming weekend. The idea is to go and meet the builder Dave Butler along with the other UK made Farr of Dave Baker, have a sail with both boats look at the developments Butler has been doing and hopefully get some footage of both boats together. Very exciting stuff as this is the 1st real steps to getting the class up and running in the UK. After sailing the boat for 1\2 of this season I know that this boat does have a market in the UK and I really hope that having the chance to get together and discuss all things Farr related the UK boat will be one which is appealing to a number of different sailors in the UK. I hope to keep a bit of a video diary on the weekend so people can get an idea of how it all went.

Keep an eye on this space as I hope to keep updating the progress of the project. If it interests you get in touch through the blog.

Pimp my Trailer.com!!!!!

Well as winter approaches and I had half term I decided to make a start on the trailer renovations! The trailer is a real wonder and someone in NZ obviously spent a lot of time making it and let just say the weather in the UK is slightly less wetter and therefore the paint of the wood had started to lift in places and it just looked a bit sad for itself! So a couple of days sanding and painting and it looks good as new. 

Trailer as it was (Spinlock Decals)

Trailer after a little tickle (Bye bye decals!)

Inside of trailer after the during tickling

 

Also I have been playing around with a hard top for the trailer so to decrease the frost and wet getting into the boat. A simple job or so I thought right up to the point where all the bits of Ply I had found in a skip were not the right length!!! So instead of it being easy it became a bit of a headache. Below is the work in progress!

 

Working out the jigsaw!!!!

 

 

1st two sections made

 

 

Back bits after painting

 

More sections post fitting and painting.

 

So I went down tonight to fit it all together and it is a tight fit but it does fit!!!!!  Happy days. Now I just need the cover to go back over the top and another little job will be done. Then I can get on with the boat tickling!!!!

 

 

 

 

  

New Sail

Got my new sail on order ADM sails a local sail maker has stepped up to the task of getting the Farr even faster (well as fast as I can go!).

Initial design is done and soon it will be up the mast and then GPS time trials shall begin!!!!

Pictures to come as and when its up the mast

Farr Roofing

Today I started on the winter storage which entails building a box roof for the trailer. Due to the boat being wooden I really wanted to make the boat dry and keep the frost out. A seemly easy design has become a lot more difficult due to the fact the wood I had been storing at work had been borrowed cut and used resulting in there being bits to work with and not much more. The result is that progress is slow. Luckily the boat is at present in the members workshop at the club so it is nice and dry. Work will continue next week and hopefully it will be closer to completion. Pictures below to show the progress.

Dyer Cup Disaster!!

Well all I can say is that my wind dance must of been rubbish! If any of you were on the East coast this weekend you will know what I mean. Both Saturday and Sunday were both beautiful days with the sun gleaming over the water but there was no bloody wind so in the end I ditched any thoughts of going racing and had the family round for sunday dinner! 

I did however take a little look at what is happening with the cherubs and did see my old boat Subtle Knife. She looked very funky with her upgraded T foil arrangement and it did get be thinking what little mods I could do to my boat over the winter!!!! Then I decided that I need to get the essentials done before anyhting else. The winter tinker list is below:

Paint Trailer again
Build a winter rood for the trailer box
Get new sail made ready for next season
Change the mast arrangement to have T terminals in the mast to reduce wear.
Alter the Lowers arrangement to give the mast a bit more stiffness and power.
Tickle the foils
Sand and varnish the foredeck
Replace Progrip where it is worn.

Quite enough for the timebeing I feel without putting a snout on it and a 21sq kite!!!!!! 

Dyer Cup Farr style

After a couple of weekends of being committee boat for an Opie open Eastern qualifier with Snipe helm Iain Marshall and then big boat sailing on an X yacht 332 in big sea and 35-45 knots I finally have the opportunity to once again focus on 12ft dinghy sailing. Next weekend is one of the clubs biggest sailing races where they mix everything together, fast handicap, medium handicap and cruisers all on the same start line. Thinking ahead I know that there are a couple of things I will need to do if I am to stand a chance. Here is my pre race to do list.
 
1) Do a great wind dance before the event to make sure it blows it tits off!
2) Do another wind dance and ask for slightly less than this weekend, not being picky but 18-20knots would be great!
3) Don't have a skin full prior to event as after extensive research in this area over a number of years I can say that this has not work particularly well especially when making tactical decisions!
4) Get out early and look at the course to see which end is best and all other pre race start stuff.
5) Nail the start and that's the big one. With the smaller sail plan that a lot of other boats and with a little less pointing ability I will need to be at the front with fresh breeze to get going as then once wiring and planning upwind I can hold my own.  As the boat does not have a kite the boat is relatively quick upwind this is the key to success!!!

The only issue at present is getting my silly injury out of the way. I am currently suffering with heel pain or plantar fascia. Basically you heel feels like you have trodden on a plug!!
Bloody hurts in the morning, gets better in the day and hurts again in the evening. Stretching seems to help but apparently it can be with you for a year or so.

Well I'll keep you updated after the race.