The clean, flush deck layout keeps control systems below deck while the long, broad cockpit provides plenty of room for easy boat handling. Deck hardware and winches are generously sized and positioned for serious racing. Hiking  lines allow the crew to comfortably maximize hiking power without impeding spinnaker handling on the foredeck. A two-spreader carbon mast carries a generous square-head mainsail, twin running backstays, and a large asymmetric spinnaker flown from a fixed carbon bowsprit (removable for transport). The active forestay and mast tune are easily adjusted using an advanced rig control system actuated through cockpit-mounted hydraulics. The boat also features a below deck spinnaker launching and retrieval system for quick and easy sail handling to allow the real focus to be on sailing.

Under the water, the Farr 280 sports a fixed T-keel with lead bulb, GRP fin shell and steel fin spar for a low center of gravity, low maintenance, and one-design geometric repeatability. A high aspect rudder under the hull provides excellent grip and helm feel through a carbon rudderstock. The keel is easily removed for low-height transport.

The Farr 280 is built using E-glass reinforcement infused with epoxy resin. The hull and deck are constructed with Corecell. A 20 horsepower inboard diesel engine with saildrive provides easy and safe operation under power to make the beginning and end of the day hassle free.

The Farr 280 is envisioned from the beginning as a strict one design with rigorous manufacturing controls and pre-delivery check measurements. The one design class controls have been developed alongside the design, adhering to the principle of owner/drivers and limited professional crew.