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Flash
 ·  Builder: Koma Boats  ·  First built: 1974
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About the Flash

Originally designed as a single-handed racing dinghy, the Flash represents a classic example of British small boat design philosophy from the mid-20th century. This nimble sailboat gained popularity among sailing clubs and training programs for its responsive handling characteristics and forgiving nature, making it an excellent platform for developing sailing skills. Built with a traditional clinker-planked hull construction, the Flash exhibits the classic lines that define its era. The boat's moderate beam and well-balanced sail plan create a stable yet exciting sailing experience, particularly appealing to sailors transitioning from basic trainers to more performance-oriented dinghies. Its design emphasizes tactical sailing over pure speed, rewarding good technique and boat handling over athletic prowess. The Flash found its niche in club racing and sailing instruction, where its predictable behavior and durability made it a favorite among sailing instructors and racing fleets. While not as widely recognized as some contemporary designs, the Flash maintained a loyal following in certain regions, particularly where traditional wooden boat construction was valued. Today, these boats are cherished by enthusiasts who appreciate classic dinghy sailing and the craftsmanship of traditional boatbuilding methods.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 13.08 ft / 3.99 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 12.16 ft / 3.71 m
Beam 4.83 ft / 1.47 m
Max Draft 3.33 ft / 1.01 m
Min Draft 0.33 ft / 0.10 m
Displacement 130.00 lb / 59 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 100.00 ft² / 9.29 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Dbrd. Dinghy
Rigging Type Cat (unstayed)
Construction FG
Builder Koma Boats
First Built 1974
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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
62.38
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
1.98
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
3.81
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. 4.67
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. 209.86
How It Compares

vs. Enterprise Int, International Fj, Lark 13

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Flash ★
13.1 ft
Enterprise Int
13.3 ft
International Fj
13.2 ft
Lark 13
13.3 ft
LWL
Flash ★
12.2 ft
Enterprise Int
International Fj
12.3 ft
Lark 13
12.8 ft
Beam
Flash ★
4.8 ft
Enterprise Int
5.3 ft
International Fj
5.3 ft
Lark 13
5.5 ft
Displacement
Flash ★
130 lbs
Enterprise Int
200 lbs
International Fj
165 lbs
Lark 13
185 lbs
Sail Area
Flash ★
100 sq ft
Enterprise Int
International Fj
104 sq ft
Lark 13
120 sq ft
Performance
SA / Displacement (higher = more powerful)
Flash ★
62.4
Enterprise Int
International Fj
55.4
Lark 13
59.2
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Flash ★
2.0
Enterprise Int
2.8
International Fj
2.2
Lark 13
2.3
Capsize Screening (lower = safer)
Flash ★
3.81
Enterprise Int
International Fj
3.83
Lark 13
3.86
Hull Speed
Flash ★
4.7 kts
Enterprise Int
4.5 kts
International Fj
4.7 kts
Lark 13
4.8 kts
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