The Far Harbour 39 (FH39) is sure to raise a few eyebrows when it debuts at the Newport International Boat Show next week.

Designed by Bob Perry, the FH39 is the first cruising yacht designed to be container-shipped, meaning that it can be transported economically to cruising destinations around the world.

The yacht is aimed at the dream-rich, time-poor sailor. There is no need to take weeks off to do long offshore passages: after a stint in one cruising ground, owners can have the boat hauled and shipped to their next destination at a fraction of what it would cost to ship a yacht or pay a delivery crew. The boat is designed to load into a standard high cube container that measures 40 feet by 8 feet, and the FH 39 can be loaded and unloaded using standard boatyard equipment. Because the FH 39’s hull effectively utilizes the container’s space, the need for bracing and support is minimal.

The first production models will be available in early 2007. For more information on the Far Harbour 39 visit their web site at www.containeryachts.com