Which Farr 43? Drake's Prayer, Kurtsey's old IOR boat? I haven't sailed her but I have done a couple of short races on the other Farr 43/44s, Wild Oats and Madeline's Daughter.

The little sister, the design 136 IOR one tonner, has done things like the singlehanded round the world race and finished, but it's not an ideal shorthander. For example Madeline's Daughter, lost her mast one day just because someone didn't ease the topmast backstay (not the runner) at a top mark. I've met a couple who spent many years cruising a similar boat, the Joubert 42 Accanito, and they loved it. They are tweaky boats, though.

There is also Snake Oil, which is another Farr 43 that sailed out from the US with a cut down rig. She was for sale in Oz a while back. None of these boats is going to be super-fast by modern standards. For example another mid '80s Farr 43 (Switchblade) is rated 1.083 on IRC, which is roughly in the Sydney 36/Beneteau 40.7/Beneteau 40 range.

Great bargain, but the Sigma 41s seem to be about 8% slower than the IOR Farr 43s; closer to the Northshore 38. Whether that is "FAST" like the OP wants is hard to know.

sirgallivant said..
Are we beeing duped again?
The re is something not round here!

Come on SirG. The sailing forum on Seabreeze has developed somewhat of a reputation as a "Brains Trust".

We are bound to get the "Do Drop Inners" seeking a quick answer to their problem. Don't be too suspicious.

US,
There's a Sydney /BH 41 about to get listed in Brisbane that is under your budget price . Well maintained, PM if interested. No association to the boat , I just know the owner .

Yara said..
Fast and solo blue water sailing will probably put you in the very expensive price range.

Yarra, I would be interested in which expensive fast blue water solo boats you have in mind ?
A

usdivers said..
Well guys, as I am getting closer to retirement, it is about time to sell my Cole 23, and get something bigger. I am looking for something that is fast, seaworthy, and able to outfit for solo blue-water sailing. My purchase budget will be around 100K.

Looking for advise from sailors that have actual experience in the boat they are recommending. Currently looking at the Farr 43, there are a few around circa 85, and from what I remember they were very fast. However, not sure if they could be setup for solo or would be a good blue water boat.

Love to hear from everyone!.

You need to ask the key question
What draft can I live with.

As to other matters why get an old IOR boat when you get a BH 41 when there are about the beast racer cruisers ever made.
Great layout and cockpit with speed to burn and masthead rig

Ah that's a shame to hear. It's a great boat for the money and the trip across the Pacific is the some of best sailing you can get.

:)
might know of a good x41 that will be up for sale by June Andy!

andy59 said..
That x41 will be a nice and racey/cruisey boat Shaggy. Not in the same league as the Pogo though.
I'm happy and most importantly my wife's happy on the x442 just can't get over how many comfy places there are to sit

Andy, I'm jealous, an x442?
Swoon.