: Designed for "adrenalin-pumping fun," it flies nearly 2,400 sq. ft. of sail downwind and is capable of full hydroplaning. Manageability

These boats are infamous for keel-to-hull joint movement. Because the boat slams so hard offshore, the stainless steel keel bolts can elongate the holes in the hull grid. Rust streaks weeping from the keel sump in the bilge. Fix: Dropping the keel and rebedding ($10k–$15k).

The early 2000s were a dynamic time for yacht racing. The Farr 40 was the dominant force in big-boat one-design racing, but its cost and logistics (requiring a professional crew and a low-boy trailer for its keel) put it out of reach for many serious amateur sailors. At the same time, smaller sportsboats were fast but often lacked the offshore capability and class structure for grand-prix competition.