Due to the elegant low profile of the hull, limited freeboard is an issue aboard beautiful boats. The price is that you can hardly stand upright in the cabin. So sailors of classy Skerry Cruisers or Skärgårdskryssare know this price well. You only change clothes when the sliding hatch is open. Or you have a boat with a cabin structure permitting to cook, to brush your teeth, use the bathroom and shower. Firefly solves this better by being simply long enough, this time 115 feet (ca. 35 m).
Firefly as J-Class alternative
Dutch naval architect André Hoek is specialised in Spirit of Tradition yachts, further in optimising and redesigning J-Class yachts. This boat is the result of a study that compared fifteen concepts with different lengths, widths and displacements, sail areas and drafts. The result was Firefly with the elegance and power of a vintage America’s Cupper from the 1930ties. Flat-sided, with a distinctively stretched bow and stern section. With a third of the displacement, powered by two thirds of the sails of a J-Class and slightly shorter. With a U-shaped flat underwater hull instead of a deep V-shaped one, a T-keel, stretched keel and rudder profiles. A formula-free creation following the legendary Cupper of the 1930s — realized with the yacht construction possibilities of our time.
Rarely consequent economy class
As the interior photos show, there are 43 feet (ca. 13 m) of walk-in living space with a nav. Station, pantry, a separate toilet, and washroom, clothes lockers with fabric doors, and a dozen folding berths in the foreship. The deck’s beams remained visible, as did drains and cables. A rarely seen economy class. The America’s Cuppers off Newport in the 1930s had that ambience.
Deep keel and water ballast
As narrow and lightweight boats soon lie on their sides in windy conditions, half of the displacement comes as lead in the long, T-shaped keel at a depth of no less than 5 m. In addition, 5 tons of water ballast under the windward edge help. The water is supposedly pumped onto the side in two minutes. The technology for this is installed in the engine room under the large cockpit.
Deck covered with Western Red Cedar – Photo Joep Niesink
On deck, Firefly comes beautifully simple with a toe rail instead of a railing and covered with Western Red Cedar planks. The cockpit is reminiscent of the ergonomics of modern racing boats. The sail carrying ratio of 6.2 is impressive and suits the Mediterranean with its light thermal breeze.
The 9/10th rigged mast offers plenty of headsail area and forgives a late backstay adjustment when tacking. The backstay not far above secures the mast.
With footrail instead of lifelines – Photo Joep Niesink
If the boat is a little longer, it comes with sufficient headroom and a reasonably low freeboard, without a disturbing superstructure. And, like the racing yachts of the 1930s, there is a sliding hatch console for the companionway.
Länge läuft. Firefly beim Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup Porto Cervo – Foto Carlo Baroncini
Photo at the top and interior shots by Joep Niesink. Updated June 29, 25. → Subscribe free Newsletter and you won’t miss future articles.
