Rob Goddard has offered places onboard his Farr 40 ‘Farrfalina’ to Volvo RYA Keelboat team members wishing to compete at the Farr 40 European championships in Hyeres this September. This offer, which has been taken up by Alex Taylor, Ed Hill, Gemma Farrel, John Clifton, Johnny Blackburn and Nick Gibbons, comes in the wake of a successful summer season where Volvo RYA Keelboat sailors have had the opportunity to compete on a wide variety of boats ranging from Farr 52s to 1720s and 6 Metres.

Goddard had intended to bring ‘Farrfalina’ straight back to the UK for Skandia Cowes Week but whilst there was a chance to do more top quality racing in the Farr fleet, he decided to leave the boat in the Mediterranean for the European championships.

Goddard commented: “The fact that these excellent young sailors are available to me through the Volvo RYA Keelboat Programme gives me the opportunity to sail again in probably the best one design yacht fleet in the world. It also gives some of the keelboat sailors, who are all keen to gain extra experience, the opportunity to learn from the occasion – it is a real bonus for all.”

‘Farrfalina’ is partly sponsored by CADHireUK, a computer aided design rental and sales company. Although the crew is not finalised, it is known that UK Sails Ltd sailmaker John Brinkers will have the role of tactician onboard and Farrfalina will be sailing with the latest Ultra sails from UK Sails.