There are plenty of boats out there all ready, I can hear you say. Well yes and no. I feel that the single handed trapeze segment is under provided for. Especially for individuals from 50kg > 75kg. Although boats like the RS600 and Musto Skiff claim to provide for the lighter sailor. In practice this isn't really delivered.
Often the lighter sailor is a youth, and whilst it is certainly possible to sail either of the two boats mentioned, certainly in the case of the Musto, the skill level required easily out strips the accumulated time on the water for all but the most highly talented youngster. And this is if you believe that someone of 50kg would be at all competitive or indeed able to handle the Musto in strong breeze.The same is true ( less so ) for the 600. Its round transom and the requirement for heavy, wide wings and smaller rig combine awkwardly for the smaller sailor. Add these issues to a large proportion of sailing venues in the UK; shifty restricted inland water, and you have boats that are very challenging to sail. And when the wind really pipes up, the smaller sailor can really struggle.
But what about the International Contender? Well, I think it is well known that the Contender is a fabulous sea boat. But it's heavy and is required to have so much mast rake that the boom ends up on the deck to be competitive. Requiring limbo dancing skills of the highest order. This I think isn't that much fun, especially if your sailing in more restricted water where tacking often is needed.So to my view, the Farr 3.7 provides a great solution for lightweight sailors, especially youth sailors looking for a trapeze helm trainer. Or just lightweight sailors of either sex not wanting such a physical sailing experience. The Farr 3.7 provides fast exciting sailing that is within the reach of the majority and not the minority. On all types of water and in all conditions. One that provides for home building and, although One Design in nature, allows enough freedom for the thinking sailor. In short, as Bruce Farr's strap line goes, I think..."it's the best by Farr".
