[1][2] The design was built by Alpha Marine in New Zealand, Chantier Mallard in France and by North Star Yachts in Canada, starting in 1976.

It has a fractional sloop rig, a raked stem, a reverse transom, a skeg-mounted rudder controlled by a tiller and a fixed fin keel.

The galley is located on the port side amidships and is equipped with a two-burner stove and a sink.

[1][2][13] 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.