2002 was a year of challenges for Farr Yacht Design and our newest IMS design was no different. Production builder MTorres of Spain approached us late in 2002 to design a second generation IMS boat for the IMS 600 Class, which is very active in the Mediterranean. Having not designed a pure IMS racing yacht at 41 feet for quite some time, it was another challenge that the team at Farr Yacht Design accepted without hesitation.

With a number of boats racing in the Class, our first task was to establish who was being successful and why. Our next task was to develop a formula for victory. An IMS 600 Class yacht must rate between a GPH 595 and 615. The client also wished for a boat that could easily move into faster classes with a minimum of change and so it was decided that our target rating for the yacht would be GPH 595.

In order to achieve this, we have drawn upon our successes in larger IMS yachts and created a hull shape that is narrower with less displacement than most in the Class. We have also designed a taller rig and larger sail plan. These features should give our new IMS 600 design (D. 534) a clear starting line advantage and produce good speed downwind especially in the more moderate conditions found in the Mediterranean.

The rig will have swept back spreaders, a large mainsail and non-overlapping headsails. No running backstays will be needed and the cockpit area will feature twin wheels and an enclosed transom.

The interior of the yacht will meet IMS minimum requirements and will be suitable for extended family cruising with an enclosed stateroom aft, enclosed head forward, full navigation station and full galley. Additional cruising options will be offered by the builder.

Production will continue with new builder M Torres. For more information please contact Juan Moreno at jmoreno@mtorres.es or T. 34 968 551 388.

At the same time this design began, a production builder in Russia (Non Commercial Partnership 40 Feet) contacted our office and commissioned the same IMS 600 design. The builder has claimed this will be Russia’s first production racing yacht and 10 confirmed orders have been placed to date. For more information please visit www.scskif.com.

PHOTOS Click to enlarge.