Fast 42

Fast Yachts' Australian distributor David Jones reckons he knows his Fast 42 pretty well - and after delivering it from Durban, South Africa to Freemantle, so he should.

After 40-odd days at sea, three gales and a 60kt storm, David says the 42 can handle just about anything: "At one stage we were running before the storm doing 14kt with just the storm jib up."

Things were somewhat more benign when we took African Express out onto Port Phillip on a sunny Friday morning. Fortunately for us, a light seabreeze popped up early and we were able to take advantage of the light-air handling of this powerful cruiser-racer.

The Fast 42 comes with a choice of two keels - a 1.80m cruising keel or a 2.40m racing keel with a 1000kg bulb. David's 42, the first in the country, has the racing setup that we understand stiffens the boat and allows the crew to take full advantage of the 18.4m rig and 106sqm sail area.

During our sail we only got a light 10kt of breeze, but still the Fast 42 was happily charging along at around 6kt. David says that with a bit more wind it'll work high into the breeze at 7.5kt.

RACING HERITAGE
Although Fast Yachts are yet to gain a reputation here, they already have a pretty good race pedigree both in South Africa and around the world.

In this year's Cape to Rio race, Alex Schon and five crew took out the IRC division with their syndicated Fast 42 Baleka (which means "fast" in Zulu). Another 42, Investec, came in third. Fast 42s have also won regattas at Cowes Week as well as last year's Cape to Rio.

David Jones has only entered African Express in a limited number of races in Melbourne with mixed success.

"We haven't got a full suit of race sails yet," he told us. "But once we get up and running properly we should be competitive with the Sydney 38s and Beneteau 40.7s."

The 42 is a remarkably easy boat to sail. It powers up nicely, and although it carries a fairly large sail area, it's not heavy on the sheets and the twin wheels are light and very responsive.

Full instrumentation is duplicated on either side right in front of the helmsman giving wind and performance, while the 29hp Volvo's controls are located on the starboard side and the throttle is centrally mounted for easy access from either wheel.

The two wheels operate independently of each other, so if there is a problem with one it does not affect the other - a feature that David found handy during a passage from Queenscliff to Melbourne in a 35kt blow.

"The cable came off the starboard-side wheel and it was left freewheeling," he said. "But I just had to grab the other wheel and it was working fine." Obviously, there is also emergency tiller steering.

According to David, the Fast 42 is designed as an international boat with deck hardware supplied by Lewmar, instruments by Raymarine and winches by Andersen: "The boats are designed so that you can get servicing or parts anywhere in the world," he said.

BELOW DECKS
The Fast 42 has a three-cabin layout with large double cabins aft and another big cabin forward. The aft cabins have standing headroom and plenty of hanging space and stowage.

One thing I found curious was that there was no door separating the forward cabin from the main saloon - something that potential owners might want to address for privacy when cruising.

The roomy head and shower is on starboard between the forepeak double and the main bulkhead. Opposite is hanging space and more stowage.

The galley is amidships on port and has all you'd expect from a yacht of this size: a two-burner gimballed stove with sizeable oven, pressurised hot and cold water, heaps of storage and a big eutectic fridge under the central lounge.

The 42 comes standard with an inverter that gives 240V power at sea so you can run a microwave as well. Shorepower with automatic battery charging is also standard.

The construction of the interior fitout is Parabeam (a resin-impregnated sandwich laminate) with a cherrywood veneer. This saves on weight yet is durable. It helps the Fast 42 achieve an overall dry weight of just 5900kg.

One of the good things about these yachts is their access to things like engine, electrics and steering. Either side of the engine can be accessed by way of hatches from the aft cabins, and the front of the diesel can be accessed by removing the companionway steps.

Similarly, all the steering gear can be accessed from a large hatch on the transom, which is big enough to climb into should any work be needed on the steering or the optional autopilot.

COCKTAILS ANYONE?
Another great feature of this boat is the expansive cockpit. There are no sharp edges, and it's the perfect place for cocktails during the twilight race. Eight people would easily be accommodated in the cockpit itself, and the broad swim platform aft could take couple more.

The decks too are wide and provide very easy access forward. There is the option of a spray dodger, which might be a handy inclusion for cruising or ocean voyages.

The construction of Fast Yachts is handlaid GRP with the option of an epoxy extruded construction, plus a carbon-fibre rig if you want a real hotrod version. The standard rig is by Sparcraft, Capetown and offers a strong mast and boom that David Jones has proven can take some of the Southern Ocean's fury in its stride: "It's certainly a dependable rig," David said.

And just to prove it, he and his wife Kay will be cruising it to Tasmania over Christmas.

OPTIONS
The Fast 42 comes with an impressive array of standard equipment including the inverter, two Silva compasses, instruments, hot-water system, stereo, holding tank, and more. In fact, you would have little to add in order to go racing or cruising.

David has added an autopilot, race-spec keel (no extra charge) and a new No 1 genoa to African Express. Other options include the dodger, bimini, Profurl racing furler and larger 40hp Volvo engine.

One of the best things about these boats is their price. From $339k they are extremely competitive with all the imported yachts of this size.

They are strong, have a proven track record in some pretty tough company, and are a genuinely fun and easy boat to sail.

A bonus safari to Africa to watch over construction is a welcome addition to the package.