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Firefly
Designer: Uffa Fox  ·  Builder: Fairey Marine (Uk)  ·  First built: 1946
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About the Firefly

Originally designed as a nimble single-handed dinghy, the Firefly represents a classic approach to small boat sailing that has captured enthusiasts for decades. This compact sailboat earned its reputation through elegant simplicity and responsive handling characteristics that make it an excellent choice for both learning sailors and experienced skippers seeking pure sailing enjoyment. Built for coastal waters and protected bays, the Firefly excels in day sailing and informal racing scenarios. Its lightweight construction and efficient sail plan deliver spirited performance in moderate conditions, while remaining manageable for solo operation. The boat's forgiving nature makes it particularly well-suited for sailing schools and yacht clubs developing new sailors. The design emphasizes traditional sailing fundamentals without unnecessary complexity. Clean lines and straightforward rigging allow sailors to focus on boat handling skills and wind awareness rather than managing complicated systems. Many sailing programs have adopted the Firefly specifically for its ability to teach proper technique while providing genuine sailing excitement. While not intended for extended cruising or challenging offshore conditions, the Firefly delivers authentic small boat sailing experiences that remind sailors why they fell in love with the sport initially.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 12.00 ft / 3.66 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 11.75 ft / 3.58 m
Beam 4.67 ft / 1.42 m
Max Draft 4.25 ft / 1.30 m
Displacement 260.00 lb / 118 kg
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood (hot molded)/FG
Designer Uffa Fox
Builder Fairey Marine (UK)
First Built 1946
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Performance Ratios
Displacement/Length Displacement to Length ratio measures how heavy a boat is relative to its waterline length. Lower values mean a lighter, faster boat.
Under 100 — Ultralight racer100–200 — Light cruiser/racer200–300 — Moderate cruiser300–400 — Heavy cruiserOver 400 — Very heavy
71.55
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. 1.18 pounds/inch
Rig Dimensions
I (Foretriangle Height) 0.83 ft / 0.25 m
P (Mainsail Luff) 68.00 ft² / 6.32 m²
E (Mainsail Foot) 71.55
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