First look
showing no signs of deterioration even in the harsh Middle East
environment, the positive impression has remained. However,
while not a household name, Far East Boats is certainly not new
to production boat building. Recognized as one of the biggest
boat builder in China, Shanghai Far East Boats was founded
in 2002 and is the biggest Optimist builder in the world, with
additional license to build International 420. By creating a
technology-based build, and then combining with aftermarket
fittings, the best of East and West is combined in this series of
pocket racers, which will certainly not leave you out of pocket!Simonis-Voogd
drew the raked
bow and flared
stern to create a
great one design
class racerLength overall
Waterline
Beam
Draft Max
Displacement
Sail Area
(Downwind)
Sail Area (Upwind)
IRC Handicap
Guide price:Class site:
Dealer:
Te l
Web:8.55 metres
8.07 metres
2.75 metres
1.7 metres
1.36 tons
115m244m2
1.057
AED 175,000, on the water, including sails,
delivery, etchttp://www.fareast28r.com
Omia Yachts
+971 50 456 0979
http://www.omiayachts.comSpecifications Far East 28R
the 28R proved itself to be fun to sail both in class and mixed
fleet situations, and quick for crews to adapt to, with a relatively
simple symmetrical spinnaker layout on a retractable bowsprit
and roller furl headsail. Buying in quality fittings rather than
compromising cord performance has all the deck gear provided
by Harken and Spinlock, with Selden aluminium spars. Helming
proves an enjoyable experience, with the cockpit-centred
mainsheet controllable from the tiller extension. However,
while the whole package includes a suite of Far East sailcloth,
I would suggest changing this out for racing for a better cut,
something also admitted to by designer Maarten Voogd,
who raced in the 28R class at the China Cup, so it was good
opportunity to hear his thoughts after its first big outing: “We
will be changing a few things before I finalise the one design
rules for the class, including fitting hanked jibs, higher spec sails
and probably reducing the boom height,” explained the Dutch
designer. “But we’ll keep this lightweight, high performance
yacht still easy to rig and handle.”
In addition to on-water performance, in the flat-packed
modern world of the international market, attention has also
been made to the most effective shipping of the vessel from
its manufacturing base in China, resulting in a boat that is not
only a great trailer sailor, but can also be easily shipped in a
container. With a deck-stepped mast and a 1.7m lifting keel
T-shaped carbon fin with lead bulb, the whole displacement
comes in at a modest 1.3 tons due to its lightweight vacuum
infused polyester/foam-core sandwich hull construction.
I remember, a few years ago now, when one of my members
called me saying his new yacht was arriving from China, “it’s
not flat-packed is it?” I joked. “Well actually yes,” quipped
the reply. “It’s coming in a container this afternoon.” True to
word, the container arrived, and in a few short hours, the 26ft
cruiser was taken from the container, keel assembled, mast
rigged and slipped for the first time. This was my introduction
to Far East Boats, and with that model still racing well and40
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