PLEASE NOTE THIS IS A PREVIOUS MODEL
The hull that started it all! In 1960, following a sail from Japan to the US, Charlie Britton commissioned the legendary firm of Sparkman & Stephens to design a 27 ft auxiliary sailboat to be built out of the then new material, fiberglass. The design was brought to Douglass and Mcleod Plastic Corporation, who at the time was building Thistles, Highlanders and Flying Scotts out of FRP in Grande River OH. The boat was designated the Tartan, in keeping with D&Ms Scottish heritage.
The Tartan 27 had a very successful racing season in 1961 winning the “off soundings” race that fall, shocking the sailing community that such a small yacht could go so fast. The boat was an immediate success by any measuring stick with over 130 hulls built in the first three years of production. By the end of 1976, 648 hulls were launched.
Normally rigged as a sloop, she was also offered as a Yawl, however only 25 or so were rigged as such. The majority of T27s were powered with the nearly indestructible Atomic 4. Like any successful production boat, the Tartan 27 underwent several changes throughout her production run. In 1967 the ballast was changed from external to internal and increased by 400 lbs. In 1973 the cockpit was lengthened, the bridgedeck raised and the interior changed to teak.
Today with oldest boats approaching 60 years old, the Tartan 27 has cemented its place as a truly classic yacht. Excellent as a daysailor, Wednesday night racer, or a blue water pocket cruiser, the T27 will do what ever you ask of it. The T27 is an incredibly well-balanced boat. Many owners claim that in moderate winds, she will steer herself to weather faster than they can!
