The Firebird is aggressively canvassed for its weight.
Hull Speed
The theoretical displacement-mode speed limit — determined by waterline length, not engine or sail power.
6.7 kts
A displacement hull pushes a bow wave whose speed is limited by the waterline length.
With a waterline of 25.0′, the Firebird tops out around 6.7 knots in displacement mode — after that, the bow wave outruns the hull and resistance climbs steeply.
1.34 × √25.0′ LWL = 6.7 kts
Performance Ratios
Racing handicap, sail-carrying power, stability and comfort — and what each one actually tells you about a day on the water.
SA / Displacement
61.2
Performance-oriented — carries a lot of canvas for its weight.
Hull Speed
6.7kts
Estimated Speed by Wind
Rough boat speed estimates at different true wind speeds and points of sail — derived from hull speed, SA/D, and displacement, not measured polars.
| Point of Sail | 6 kts TWS | 10 kts TWS | 15 kts TWS | 20 kts TWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Close-hauled40–50° | 3.2 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
| Close Reach60° | 3.8 | 4.8 | 5.4 | 5.6 |
| Beam Reach90° | 4.7 | 5.9 | 6.6 | 6.7 |
| Broad Reach120–135° | 4.3 | 5.5 | 6.1 | 6.4 |
| Run150–180° | 3.5 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 5.1 |
These are simplified estimates based on hull speed (6.7 kts),
SA/D (61.2), and empirical efficiency curves — not instrument-measured
polars. Real-world speed varies with sea state, bottom condition, sail trim, and current.
Speeds in gold approach hull speed;
bold gold means near or at hull speed.
Wind Range & Comfort Envelope
Estimated wind ranges for comfortable sailing on the Firebird — based on sail area, ballast, and displacement characteristics.
Ghosting
0–5 kts
Light air, motor-sailing likely. Need patience and a light genoa.
Sweet Spot
5–16 kts
Comfortable under full sail. Best speed-to-comfort ratio.
Time to Reef
16–24 kts
Time to shorten sail. Reef the main, swap to a working jib.
Heavy Weather
24+ kts
Storm conditions. Storm jib or bare poles. Seek shelter if coastal.
How It Compares
Side-by-side with the boats most often cross-shopped against the Firebird.
| Firebird | Code 8 Racing | Didi 26 | Dragonfly 800 | J80 | My Cat | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | ||||||
| LOA | 26.3 | 26.3 | 26.3 | 26.3 | 26.3 | 26.1 |
| LWL | 25.0 | 26.3 | 24.8 | 24.9 | 22.0 | 21.3 |
| Beam | 17.3 | 8.5 | 8.1 | 19.9 | 8.3 | 18.5 |
| Displacement | 1 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Ballast | — | 1 | 959 | — | 1 | — |
| Sail Area | 382 | 423 | 352 | 377 | 338 | 405 |
| Performance | ||||||
| SA/Disp | 61.2 | 40.3 | 33.3 | 33.5 | 26.7 | 47.7 |
| Bal/Disp | — | 57.6 | 43.5 | — | 48.3 | — |
| Comfort | — | 7.5 | 8.3 | — | 11.6 | — |
| Capsize | — | 2.61 | 2.49 | — | 2.32 | — |
| Hull Speed | — | 6.9 | 6.7 | — | 6.3 | — |