The VO60, VO70 and VO65 cabinet — nine editions of the Volvo Ocean Race
Naval architecture firm founded in 1981 in Auckland (New Zealand) byBruce Farr andRussell Bowler, then relocated to Annapolis (Maryland, United States) the same year. Farr and Bowler have since retired. The firm is now led byBritton Ward (Principal), following a transition managed by Patrick Shaughnessy and Jim Schmicker.
Farr Yacht Design designs racing and cruiser-racer sailboats from 25 to 125 feet, both custom and production. The firm is known for its light-displacement yachts, fractional rigs, wide sterns and flat hulls.
Offshore racing: nine editions of the Volvo Ocean Race
The firm has designed 40 boats for the Volvo Ocean Race / Whitbread, involved in nine editions. Three successive classes by Farr:
- VO60 — Whitbread / Volvo Ocean Race from 1993-94 to 2001-02.
- VO70 — Volvo Ocean Race 2005-06, 2008-09 and 2011-12.
- VO65 — one-design class launched in 2012, used in the 2014-15 and 2017-18 editions; built by a consortium including Green Marine (UK), Decision (CH), Persico (IT) and Multiplast (FR).
IMOCA and Vendée Globe
Farr notably designedFoncia (formerly Finistère Mer Vent, FRA 01), winner of the 2008-2009 Vendée Globe skippered by Michel Desjoyeaux. The boat was later modified by VPLP / Guillaume Verdier.
America's Cup
Successful campaigns: Team New Zealand (1987-1992), Tag Heuer (1995), Young America (2000), BMW Oracle Racing (2003-2007), and more recently American Magic in the AC37 (Barcelona, 2024).
Production sailboats: Bénéteau and Bavaria
Over 25-year partnership with Bénéteau, starting with the First 45F5 in 1989, followed by the First 35, First 40, First 40.7 and 47.7. The firm also designed models for Bavaria Yachtbau.
