an Arshin is 0.7112 meters
so...
27.9 meters = 38.95 Arshins
Sorry 'bout that... '-)
I just learned about Arshins (and I bet you just learned about Varas)
One Vara = 33.33 inches AKA a "Spanish Yard". Texas land surveys that date back to Mexican (or even Rebublic of Texas) times are in Varas.
FWIW, I'm an engineer, too... ;-}