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Flying Eleven
Designer: E. Maxwell Smith/John Mckellar  ·  Builder: Dinghy Sports (Aus)  ·  First built: 1964
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About the Flying Eleven

Originally designed by E. Maxwell Smith and John McKellar in 1964, this Australian centerboard dinghy has established itself as a versatile small boat ideal for recreational sailing and sailing instruction. Built by Dinghy Sports in fiberglass construction, the Flying Eleven combines durability with relatively lightweight handling at 85 pounds displacement. The fractional sloop rig configuration provides balanced sail handling characteristics, while the centerboard design allows for shallow water exploration and easy launching from beaches or ramps. With its modest beam and compact 11.25-foot length, this dinghy responds well to single-handed sailing yet accommodates two crew members comfortably for day sailing adventures. The boat's sail area-to-displacement ratio of 75.33 indicates spirited performance in moderate conditions, making it well-suited for coastal waters, protected bays, and lake sailing. Its capsize screening formula of 4.27 reflects typical small dinghy characteristics, emphasizing the importance of appropriate seamanship and weather awareness. The Flying Eleven appeals particularly to sailing schools, yacht clubs seeking trainer fleets, and recreational sailors wanting an affordable entry into the sport. Its straightforward rigging and forgiving handling characteristics make it an excellent choice for developing sailing skills while still providing enjoyable sailing for experienced sailors in lighter conditions.

Core Dimensions
LOA (Length Overall) 11.25 ft / 3.43 m
Beam 4.69 ft / 1.43 m
Displacement 85.00 lb / 39 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 91.00 ft² / 8.45 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer E. Maxwell Smith/John McKellar
Builder Dinghy Sports (AUS)
First Built 1964
Associations Flying Eleven Dinghy (Australia)
Owner Reviews

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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
43.4
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
1.66
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. 4.14 kn
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. 0.96 pounds/inch
How It Compares

vs. Comet Od Uk, Penguin, Topper

This boat Similar boats
Dimensions
LOA
Flying Eleven ★
11.3 ft
Comet Od Uk
11.3 ft
Penguin
11.4 ft
Topper
11.2 ft
Beam
Flying Eleven ★
4.7 ft
Comet Od Uk
4.5 ft
Penguin
4.7 ft
Topper
3.9 ft
Displacement
Flying Eleven ★
85 lbs
Comet Od Uk
110 lbs
Penguin
140 lbs
Topper
99 lbs
Sail Area
Flying Eleven ★
91 sq ft
Comet Od Uk
70 sq ft
Penguin
Topper
Performance
Comfort Ratio (higher = more comfortable offshore)
Flying Eleven ★
1.7
Comet Od Uk
2.3
Penguin
2.7
Topper
2.5
Displacement / Length (lower = lighter)
Flying Eleven ★
43
Comet Od Uk
54
Penguin
68
Topper
51
Hull Speed
Flying Eleven ★
4.1 kts
Comet Od Uk
4.2 kts
Penguin
4.2 kts
Topper
4.1 kts
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