The design was built by Alpha Marine in New Zealand, Chantier Mallard in France and by North Star Yachts in Canada, starting in 1976. A total of 76 boats were built by Alpha and Mallard, but it is now out of production. The moulds used by North Star came from Alpha in New Zealand, but without royalties paid to the designer.[1][2][7][8][9][10]
The boat has a draft of 4.67 ft (1.42 m) with the standard keel.[1][2]
The design has sleeping accommodation for five people, with a double "V"-berth in the bow cabin, a straight settee in the main cabin and two quarter berths aft. The galley is located on the port side amidships and is equipped with a two-burner stove and a sink. The head is located in the bow cabin on the port side under the "V"-berth.[1][2]
For sailing downwind the design may be equipped with a symmetrical spinnaker.[1][2]
The design has a hull speed of 5.93 kn (10.98 km/h).[2]
Variants
Farr 727
This model was built by Alpha and Mallard. It displaces 2,690 lb (1,220 kg) and carries 1,080 lb (490 kg) of ballast. It has a sail area of 235 sq ft (21.8 m2).[1][2]
North Star 727
This model was built by North Star. It displaces 2,700 lb (1,225 kg) and carries 900 lb (408 kg) of ballast. It has a sail area of 240 sq ft (22 m2).[3][4]
Operational history
The boat is supported by an active class club that organizes racing events, the Quarter Ton Class.[11][12]
During the JOG Tasman Cup on 15 April 1983, four boats sunk, including the Farr 727 Waikikamukau. One of the four crew members drowned in the sinking, due to the rapid filling of the boat and being tethered to the hull.[14]