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Sailboat Specifications

Fireball

Fractional Sloop · Centerboard Dinghy

Designed by Peter Milne · First built 1962

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LOA 16.17 ft  ·  Beam 4.42 ft  ·  Displacement 170.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 123.00 ft²  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Centerboard Dinghy
About the Fireball Sailboat

Originally designed in the 1960s by Peter Milne, this spirited two-person dinghy has earned a devoted following among racing enthusiasts worldwide. The Fireball's distinctive trapeze-rigged design allows the crew to harness maximum power from its generous sail plan, making it an exhilarating choice for competitive sailing. Built for speed and responsiveness, this high-performance dinghy demands skill and athleticism from its crew. The boat's planning hull and modern rig configuration deliver impressive acceleration and top-end speed, particularly appealing to sailors who crave the intensity of fleet racing. Its design philosophy emphasizes pure sailing performance over comfort, with every element focused on extracting maximum speed from prevailing conditions. The Fireball has maintained a strong presence in club racing circuits and regional championships across multiple countries. Its reputation centers on providing an accessible entry point into high-performance dinghy sailing while offering enough complexity to challenge experienced racers. The boat's active class association ensures consistent rules and competitive sailing opportunities. This dinghy suits sailors seeking adrenaline-pumping performance sailing rather than leisurely coastal cruising, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to develop advanced boat handling skills in a competitive environment.

Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 16.17 ft / 4.93 m
LWL (Waterline Length) 13.25 ft / 4.04 m
Beam 4.42 ft / 1.35 m
Max Draft 4.00 ft / 1.22 m
Displacement 170.00 lb / 77 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 123.00 ft² / 11.43 m²
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction Wood or FG, single chine
Designer Peter Milne
First Built 1962
Related Sailboats 490 · 49Er · Hornet · Contender · M 16 Scow
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Fireball's sail area to displacement ratio?

The Fireball has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 64.17. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the Fireball's comfort ratio?

The Fireball has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.57. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the Fireball safe for offshore sailing?

The Fireball has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.19. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the Fireball?

The theoretical hull speed of the Fireball is 4.88 knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a Fireball weigh?

The Fireball has a displacement of 170.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 16.17 ft.

Who designed the Fireball?

The Fireball was designed by Peter Milne, first built in 1962.