1 A keel is being modified!!!

That's a big issue in a one-design class!!!! What was that keel like before it was modified? Was it not legal, and what should happen to the results of the boat in question? If it was legal yesterday, why is this keel being modified? Who knows about this? Isn't this a one-design class? Isn't this against all class rules?

2 An "odd shaped keel" has been acknowledged!!!

There had been some dock rumors that had been of concern to all of us racing "stock boats". This is supposed to be a one-design class! How is this possible?

3 What is the position of Farr International on this? The Farr 40 class is compromised. We need strong and decisive action and an in-depth investigation.

4 What is the history on this whole situation as this particular email says that they know? The word "history" has a lot of implications. Are there other parts of that particular boat that are at issue. Are there other boats in a similar situation? Is this proper to the boats made by the new manufacturer? How could these boats have passed measurement before? Do we have a same issues with rigs and other parts of boats? Is there a whole "sub-culture" in the Farr 40 class of illegal optimizations? (Note that the word "history is used in that particular email...)

5 What is the penalty from having changed the keel in the first place? If we want to ensure the continuation of the Farr 40 class as one-design, when rules are broken, there has to be consequences, past and future.6 Is this change being done under the covers? Or should every owner know about it? Is there anything else that all owners should know about? What do we not know that could be happening with certain boats?

I have attached that particular email.

Here is that email:

Hello All,

Just an update from Anderson's Boatyard in SF. Jim Anderson and an associate from the factory have arrived and started the modification to the odd shaped keel. It was explained to me by the boat captain of the yacht that this is a
warranty issue. He also thanked me and Mr. Kahn for helping with this issue? I have no knowledge of Mr. Kahn's involvement in this issue.I did explain to the boat captain my involvement up to this point: After numerous phone calls from clients and a visual inspection by one of my team members; it appeared there was an odd shaped keel. I contacted Andrew Williams and inquired if he had any information concerning an odd shaped keel. He acknowledged the odd shaped keel, gave my the history behind it and declared it legal at the time of his last inspection. I visited the yacht and did a measurement of the keel for reference. I'll be monitoring the progress of the modification and am looking forward to an end to this issue.

Here is further expanation:

Dear all.

Will try and set my part of the record straight. Was asked to come out and check Samba in Marina Del Ray.
Arrived May 1, checked the keel, boat length and BAS. Eric and John K were worried that they had short boat with a fat keel.
The fin templates fit well and the keel was a good amount above max depth. I found the keel to have a thicker aft leading edge than normal between 8.5mm and 6mm. The Farr40 keel drawings show the keel fin trailing edge being 4.5mm. Based on the text of the rule 4.5 +2+2= 8.5mm the keel is in. However I did not like the 8.5mm “look”. (See photos)


On my return to Rhode Island, I talked with Jim Anderson and Eric so that the keel fin trailing edge may be bought back into the Farr40 “look”. This work will be done by Waterline Systems July in the San Fran area.

The keel placement was generally good. Boat length is fine. BAS was found 2mm over which was corrected May 1.

My thoughts on what’s been going on.

Samba have been clever and getting the boat deliver in 03 allowing them 03 sail buttons. Maybe Waterline Systems were rushed and the paint / filler was damage on the trip to Florida. The keel is thick, any sanding one would quickly fine steel. (this is when Eric called me and started to complain explaining that the keel maybe thick and that the class rules did not allow him to touch the steel).

To grind steel special tools are needed, a DA and sand paper from the stock room a not going to do the work.

The keel would needed to be laid on its side, a grid marked out some index holes drilled. When heavy grinding wheels the smell and noise would have gone on for days to gain a few mils. After Waterlines System have completed the work will go back out and check for class compliance.

Hope this helps

And the response from a concerned boat owner:

Thanks for sharing Andrew.... Now we know that the boat is Samba Pa Ti and that indeed it is being "optimized"..... We probably all need to know and understand what else is happening and how this all fits in the rules. Andrew we understand your remark: "Samba have been clever and getting the boat deliver in 03 allowing them 03 sail buttons..." That in itself is another issue.

So the keel fit in the templates, was delivered.... Yet it is being changed because non-optimal???? Are you taking the position that class rules allow any Farr 40 to "optimize" within the templates????

Let us get this correct and can you confirm:

1. The keel of Samba Pa Ti was the delivered standard, Farr 40 keel and fit within the templates like any other Farr 40?
2. Months after the boat had raced and won every regatta on the West Coast, the "look didn't seem right" and the boat is being modified in what appears to be against every class rule?
3. Someone authorized taking the keep off and grinding the keel? Is this still a Farr 40? (Was it before?) Are other Farr 40s modifying their foils or other parts of their boats?
4. How does this play in the Farr 40 rules?

There are a lot more questions to be answered. This is very serious and potentially extremely damaging for the Farr 40
class.

Much ado about nothing? We'll see how this one develops.