Passion and commitment are the two driving forces behind the Farr 40, one of the most competitive and successful classes of yachts worldwide, where Corinthian owners measure themselves against the best. There is no doubt that the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship is the most closely fought One Design event in the world. The rules of the Farr 40 class require that the owner, or a family member, helm the boat, and they can’t be “pros”. This, combined with the maximum allotment of four professional sailors in the 10-person crew, guarantees a fair level of play for all: with identical boats, it all comes down to skill, determination, training and teamwork.
The 16th edition of the Rolex Farr 40 World Championship was hosted by the New York Yacht Club at its magnificent Newport clubhouse Harbour Court, which overlooks one of the most historic sailing venues in the USA. Looking at the list of 15 entries from eight countries - Australia, Denmark, Germany, Italy, Monaco, Mexico, Turkey and the USA - and the line-up of world-class tacticians with an endless list of America’s Cup, Volvo Ocean Race and Olympic titles, it was impossible to select a favourite. Given the varied conditions that ranged from light breeze, to stronger winds, rain, fog and sunshine, no one among the fleet could really claim a definite advantage.
After four days of intense competition over ten windward/leeward races, it was a tiebreaker that determined the winner of the 2013 Rolex Farr 40 World Championship: Alberto Rossi and his all-Italian crew on Enfant Terrible. The Italians earned their title thanks to a greater number of wins in the series, ahead of Kevin McNeil’s Nightshift (USA). Jim Richardson and Barking Mad (USA), a three-time winner of the World Championship, finished in third three points behind the leaders. Chicago architect Helmut Jahn, defending world champion with Flash Gordon 6 (USA), finished fourth.
Every day of the 2013 Rolex Farr 40 World Championship unfolded with a different twist and the crews had lots of stories to share once back on shore.