Firefly

Fleet Captain: Olivia Smith

We have six Club Fireflies, numbered 1 to 6, which can be used by Club members.

Usually raced by a crew of two, the optimum weight is between 110 - 150kg (17.5 - 23.5 stones). This is lighter than our other club classes, and is very suitable for an adult with a small junior crew, or two small adults.

Designed by Uffa Fox in 1946, the one-design Firefly was originally constructed from three layers of hot moulded wooden ply. This means that each hull is very light, strong and durable. Wooden boats more than 40 years old regularly win club events, open meetings and the national championships.

Now completely updated for the 21st century, new boats are built by Ovington Boats in glass reinforced plastic. The class is growing both in the UK and USA with the latest sail number over F4000.
It continues to attract large open meeting (30+) and national championship entries (70+).

Fireflys are first class tactical fleet racing boats and also universally recognised as the best team racing boats because they handle so well, which is why they are used by many universities and schools in the UK and USA for this purpose.

It can also be sailed singlehanded and was the first Olympic singlehanded class in 1948, with Paul Elvstrom winning the gold medal.