Annapolis, MD - Farr Yacht Design is pleased to announce the launch of design #605, the world's first ORC GP42.

The Farr GP42 project "Roma" began in October 2005 with ORC's announcement of this new class. Excited by the success of the TP52 class and the growing interest in Box-Rule boats, Filippo Faruffini contracted Farr Yacht Design to develop design #605 to be built at Latini Marine, outside of Rome, Italy. After the initial sea trial Filippo had this to say about his new Farr GP42 Roma; "It is really fun and fast! I think Farr Yacht Design did a very good job with this boat. We are looking forward to racing in Valencia."

Paolo Semeraro of Bank Sails Italy, the sail designer involved with this project, offered his first impressions "The boat looks nice, powerful, easy to steer and very good maneuverability. Particularly impressive is the performance in light winds, in 9-11 knots of true wind speed sailing upwind at over 7 knots and downwind at 9 knots!" You can view more comments, photos and videos at the Bank Sails Italy website: www.bankssails.it

Antonio Latini of Latini Marine is very pleased with the construction of Roma and the success with which this boat fit the ORC GP42 rule. "The keel fin and bulb are at maximum weight and the hull and deck are light, we are pleased to see this boat finish so close to the design numbers from Farr Yacht Design."

Jim Schmicker of Farr Yacht Design commented; "Latini Marine has done a fantastic job building this boat. With very efficient structures it has met with our weight targets beautifully. The crew is very excited about the performance and I look forward to sailing on her in Valencia."

The ORC GP42 Level-Class Rule develops a boat with light displacement, simple fractional rig with non-overlapping jibs, no running backstays and generous sail area. The result is a boat with great performances at a relatively affordable price. This rule allows owners and sailors to compete and enjoy grand-prix racing in the boat of their choice without time allowance or handicaps; just fun, fast, and exciting sailing.

Latini Marine will host an official presentation of the ORC GP42 at the Valencia Yachting Club, July 1st at 7:00 pm. Jim Schmicker, Senior Naval Architect at Farr Yacht Design will be in attendance to speak about this new design. Visit the Roma GP42 website to learn more about this boat: www.romagp42.it