Farr 55 – Hollywood Boulevard

Launched in late 2008 as Living Doll, she was built for speed and a clear-air advantage over the current batch of 50 to 52-footers racing. With a large presence of TP52s optimised for competing in many IRC fleets, the goal was to design a boat that could race in the same class faster with a relatively better handicap. Farr designed a 55-foot IRC racer; the 55-foot length produces the desired performance leap, and moderate increases in displacement, draft and sail area limit the increase in handicap.

The hull was developed using the knowledge gained from extensive CFD research on Volvo 70s and GP42s. A unique feature that has a large impact on the hull design is the twin rudder steering arrangement. The twin rudders generate much less stern up force, allowing the bow to be finer forward for less drag in waves and chop. Because the stern lifts less at high speeds, the effective sailing length can be maximised over more of the speed range without incurring handling problems in extreme conditions. Ease of handling in reaching and running conditions was a prime driver in our design process as we worked to ensure that the boat is just as dynamic as the smaller and marginally lighter TP52s that it competes against.

With many wins and podium spots, including winning Skandia Geelong week, Hamilton Island Race Week, Airlie Beach race week, Sydney to Southport yacht race and 2nd in the 2011 Sydney to Hobart yacht Race.

From 2019 to 2023, Hollywood Boulevard didn't race. In 2023, the boat underwent a mini refit, with the mast serviced, Lightspeed carbon standing rigging fitted, all hydraulic rams serviced, and all hardware serviced.