Five Farr 1020 yachts have entered the inaugural Kawau Race Week, highlighting the design’s ongoing suitability for mixed format coastal racing.
As a first time event, Kawau Race Week presents an unknown test for competitors. Racing around Kawau and surrounding islands introduces a demanding mix of conditions, with a single lap involving sailing in all four directions. Crews can expect shifting wind angles, variable pressure, and strong tidal influence close to the shoreline. With courses ranging from 10 to 14 nautical miles and both clockwise and anticlockwise options, success will favour boats that are balanced, predictable, and easy to sail well across a wide range of conditions.
That profile matches the Farr 1020’s strengths. Designed by Bruce Farr and built in New Zealand, the Farr 1020 has long been recognised as an all round performer rather than a specialist. Its ability to sail efficiently upwind, reach strongly, and remain manageable as conditions change has kept the design relevant across decades of club and coastal racing.
Among the entries is Share Delight, owned by Mike and Sheryl Lanigan since 1996. One of the most actively sailed Farr 1020s in the country, Share Delight has competed extensively in class racing, National Championships, and coastal sailing, reflecting the design’s durability and depth of use.
Starmaker arrives with recent offshore and shorthanded form, having won the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic on handicap. Co-owned by Matt and Kim Krogstad and Roger Hudson, the Farr 1020 was purchased just over a year ago and has since been developed into a competitive racing platform. The programme has focused on SSANZ racing, Gold Cup events, and the Farr 1020 Nationals, building consistency across multiple formats ahead of Kawau Race Week.
Starmaker arrives with recent offshore and shorthanded form, having won the 2025 PIC Coastal Classic on handicap. Owned by Matt and Kim Krogstad, the Farr 1020 was purchased just over a year ago and has since been developed into a competitive racing platform. The programme has focused on SSANZ racing, Gold Cup events, and the Farr 1020 Nationals, building consistency across multiple formats ahead of Kawau Race Week.
They are joined by Duncan Leach with Near & Farr, Miles Addy with Aquiline, and Sam Frost with Farrari, completing a compact but representative Farr 1020 group. The appearance of multiple Farr 1020s at the start line points to a design that continues to attract owners looking for versatility, durability, and honest performance.
Design and specifications
The Farr 1020 measures just over 10.3 metres overall, with a 3.2 metre beam and a draught of approximately 1.7 metres. Displacement is around 3.7 tonnes, carrying more than 1.4 tonnes of lead in a fixed fin keel. A fractional sloop rig delivers a powerful but manageable sail plan. Built in GRP by McDell Marine Ltd and Sea Nymph Boats, the yachts adhere to strict one design standards, ensuring consistency and close racing across the fleet.
Leave a Reply