SR 27 Information, Review, Specs

The creation of the C&C SR 27 in 1992 marked a specific chapter in the long and often tumultuous history of C&C Yachts. Following its acquisition by Hong Kong-based magnates Anthony Koo and Frank Chow in 1992, the company, rebranded as C&C Yachts International, aimed to revitalize its product line. During this period, C&C focused on producing new models, including the Glenn Henderson-designed SR range of sport boats. C&C Yachts had a long-standing reputation for pioneering advanced construction techniques, including the use of balsa-cored fiberglass hulls and later BPA epoxy hulls, to achieve lightweight and stiff structures, a philosophy likely applied to the SR 27.

Designer Glenn Henderson aimed for the SR 27 to represent an evolution in sport boat design, described as a "next step" from models like the Santa Cruz 27 and Express 27. His design philosophy for the SR 27 likely emphasized a lighter displacement, more powerful sail plan, and refined foils and hull shape to enhance performance. The production run of the SR 27 was notably short and limited, with only eight boats built before the C&C factory in Niagara-on-the-Lake suffered a devastating fire in 1994, leading to its closure in 1996.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The C&C SR 27, classified as a racing sailboat and a sport boat, was designed for spirited performance. With a length overall of 27.5 feet and a waterline length of 24.0 feet, coupled with a relatively light displacement of 3,750 pounds, the boat was engineered for speed and agility. Its fractional sloop rig suggests a design focused on responsiveness and ease of trimming for performance. A key feature is its lifting keel, allowing for a variable draft from a minimum of 1.5 feet to a maximum of 5.92 feet, which provides flexibility for shallow water access while offering deeper draft for improved upwind performance. The hull speed is calculated at 6.56 knots, indicating its potential for quick passages. While specific anecdotal handling descriptions are scarce due to its limited production, its design as a "sport boat" by Glenn Henderson implies a lively feel, keen responsiveness to helm input, and the ability to perform well in competitive settings.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its designation as a "sport boat" and "racing sailboat" and its compact dimensions, the interior accommodations of the C&C SR 27 are inherently minimalist, prioritizing performance over extensive cruising comfort. Detailed descriptions or diagrams of the interior layout are not readily available, likely owing to the very limited number of units produced. Information suggests that the boat, like many in its category, would offer basic amenities sufficient for day-sailing or short-distance racing, rather than the comprehensive living spaces found in traditional cruisers. Its design likely focused on maximizing cockpit space and sail handling efficiency, with interior volume secondary.

Owner's Perspectives

Due to the extremely limited production run of only eight units, gathering collective owner perspectives on the C&C SR 27 proves challenging. Information from those few owners indicates difficulty in finding other owners or detailed tuning information for the boat. This scarcity of feedback makes it impossible to synthesize widely reported strengths or common maintenance issues, as would be possible for more mass-produced models. The enduring quality of C&C builds is generally well-regarded, but specific owner experiences for the SR 27 remain largely undocumented in public forums.