FARR 11 S Sail Configuration Guide

Overview

The FARR 11 S is a high-performance grand-prix racing yacht designed by Farr Yacht Design and built by Premier Composites. Engineered for maximum speed and efficiency, it targets the elite racing circuit with a focus on planing performance and advanced keel technology.

Rig Specifications & Performance Analysis

• Mainsail Configuration: A P/E ratio of 2.66 indicates a high-aspect rig designed for maximum lift and efficiency upwind.
• Foretriangle Design: The I/J ratio of 3.76 is exceptionally high, specifically optimized for high-aspect, non-overlapping working jibs.
• Sail Area: 66m² total upwind area provides a massive power-to-weight ratio for an 11.13m hull.
• Performance: This is a dedicated racing platform where rig tension and sail shape control are critical for performance.

Popular Sail Configurations

• Mainsail: Most common configurations utilize a square-top design to maximize the high-aspect P/E ratio.
• Headsail: High-performance blade jibs are the standard, utilizing the tall foretriangle for tight sheeting angles.

Key Characteristics

• High-Aspect Mainsail: The 2.66 P/E ratio delivers superior aerodynamic efficiency and pointing ability.
• Blade Jib Optimization: The 3.76 I/J ratio supports narrow, efficient headsails that excel in upwind transitions.
• Deep Draft Stability: A 2.70m draft provides the necessary leverage to carry the 66m² upwind sail plan.
• Planing Hull Dynamics: Designed for early transition to planing speeds in moderate breeze.

Sailing Considerations

• High power-to-weight ratio requires an experienced crew and proactive sail trimming.
• Minimal sail overlap simplifies tacking but demands precise helming to maintain momentum.
• Performance expectations include double-digit speeds in reaching and downwind conditions.

Sailmaking Recommendations

For the FARR 11 S, we recommend SurgeX membrane sails as the optimal choice for most sailors. SurgeX uses continuous fiber construction where fibers are laid along load paths and embedded in a thin membrane, providing superior shape retention compared to traditional Dacron while being more affordable than premium laminates. The continuous fiber structure means less stretch over time, maintaining the designed sail shape for years.

For racing applications, specify a lightweight SurgeX configuration with minimal base weight to maximize performance and reduce aloft weight. While this boat is rarely used for cruising, if a delivery or shorthanded configuration is needed, add a taffeta protective layer on both sides to enhance UV resistance and abrasion protection. Based on the 2.66 P/E ratio, a load-path fiber layout aligned with the leech and luff works best. A typical inventory includes a square-top mainsail, a J2 medium-heavy jib, and an A2 asymm spinnaker. With 66m² of sail area, plan to reef around 16 knots to maintain optimal heel angles.

Conclusion

The FARR 11 S is an uncompromising racing machine that thrives with high-aspect, modern sail plans. Explore sail options for FARR 11 S to unlock its full grand-prix potential.