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Fairy One Design
Designer: Linton Hope  ·  Builder: J. Hilditch Carrickfergus  ·  First built: 1906
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About the Fairy One Design

Originally developed as a one-design racing class, this classic sailboat represents a piece of sailing heritage that continues to attract enthusiasts seeking traditional sailing experiences. The Fairy One Design was created to provide competitive fleet racing with identical boats, ensuring that sailing skill rather than equipment advantages determined race outcomes. Built for coastal waters and protected bays, these boats excel in day sailing and club racing environments. Their design emphasizes responsive handling characteristics that make them particularly rewarding for sailors who appreciate traditional sailing dynamics. The one-design concept means owners benefit from active racing fleets where available, creating opportunities for close, competitive sailing. The boat's construction reflects the era's emphasis on solid, straightforward boatbuilding techniques. While not designed for extended cruising or offshore passages, the Fairy One Design shines in its intended role as a spirited day sailer and racer. These boats tend to develop devoted followings in areas where fleets remain active, with owners appreciating both the competitive aspects and the connection to sailing's traditional roots. For sailors interested in classic one-design racing or those seeking an authentic traditional sailing experience, the Fairy One Design offers a distinctive blend of heritage and performance within its specialized niche.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 22.50 ft / 6.86 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
Beam 6.00 ft / 1.83 m
Max Draft 3.50 ft / 1.07 m
Displacement 3,827.00 lb / 1,736 kg
Ballast 1,650.00 lb / 748 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 235.00 ft² / 21.83 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Fin Keel
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood planked
Designer Linton Hope
Builder J. Hilditch Carrickfergus
First Built 1906
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Performance Ratios
SA/Displacement Sail Area to Displacement ratio measures how much sail power a boat has relative to its weight. Higher values mean more performance and speed.
Under 14 — Heavy cruiser, slow14–18 — Cruising sailboat18–22 — Cruiser/racerOver 22 — Performance racer
15.41
Comfort Ratio Ted Brewer's Comfort Ratio predicts how comfortable a boat will feel in offshore conditions. Higher values mean a steadier, more comfortable motion in a seaway.
Under 20 — Uncomfortably rough20–30 — Acceptable coastal30–40 — Good offshore comfortOver 40 — Very comfortable offshore
30.26
Capsize Screening Formula The USHS Capsize Screening Formula estimates offshore capsize risk. Lower is safer — values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing.
Under 2.0 — Safe for offshore2.0–2.2 — Borderline offshoreOver 2.2 — Coastal use recommended
1.54
Hull Speed Hull Speed is the theoretical maximum speed of a displacement hull, calculated from waterline length. Most cruising sailboats reach this speed in moderate conditions. 5.36
Pounds/Inch Immersion Pounds per Inch Immersion (PPI) tells you how much weight is needed to sink the boat one inch. Useful for calculating how additional gear and stores affect waterline. 343.02
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