Faurby 999 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The story of the Faurby 999 begins in 1976, marking the inaugural year of Faurby Yachts in Lunderskov, Southern Denmark. The designer, Niels Peter Faurby himself, conceived the 999 as an IOR 3/4 Ton racer, a designation that speaks to its performance-oriented design while still offering capabilities for comfortable cruising. Faurby's overarching philosophy, from its very beginning, was to create yachts of the highest quality, distinguished by exceptional craftsmanship and a commitment to individual customization rather than typical mass production methods, 4]. This ethos meant that each Faurby 999 was likely built to a discerning standard, reflecting the builder's dedication to handcrafted sailing vessels. While there is no widely publicized information about significant variations or different "Marks" during its production run, the consistent focus on custom builds suggests that individual boats may exhibit unique features chosen by their original owners.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Faurby 999's design, featuring a fin keel and a skeg-hung rudder, contributes to its commendable sailing performance and handling characteristics. With a sail area to displacement ratio (SA/D) of approximately 16.5, the 999 presents a balanced sail plan, suggesting good performance across a range of wind conditions without being overly sensitive in light airs or overpowered in heavy gusts.

A standout characteristic of the Faurby 999 is its impressive stability, evidenced by a high ballast to displacement ratio of around 0.49. This indicates a very stiff boat, capable of standing up to significant wind and maintaining an upright stance, offering a secure and comfortable motion in a seaway. The displacement to length ratio (D/L) of approximately 241 places the Faurby 999 firmly in the moderate-to-heavy displacement category for a performance cruiser of its size. This ratio, combined with its IOR heritage, points to a vessel that combines solid seakeeping abilities with a lively and rewarding sailing experience. Anecdotal evidence suggests the Faurby 999 possesses particularly good sailing qualities and is often described as a sleek yacht, balancing its performance aspirations with seaworthiness.

Accommodations and Layout

While specific detailed layouts can vary due to Faurby's custom-build philosophy, the Faurby 999 typically offered a well-appointed interior designed for comfortable cruising. Information from contemporary reviews and brochures indicates a focus on well-finished, practical living spaces. Owners often praise the "cozy saloon" (Gemühtlicher Salon), suggesting a welcoming central living area. Given Faurby's reputation for high-quality marine plywood structures and meticulous joinery, the interior would have featured exquisite wood trim and a luxurious finish. Although the exact maximum headroom is not consistently documented, the overall design would have aimed to maximize usable space below deck, providing practical accommodations for its crew, including sleeping berths, a galley, and a head, consistent with a capable cruiser of its size.