Designed by John P. Fillip and launched in 1969, this compact 13.67-foot dinghy became a popular choice for recreational sailors and sailing instruction programs. With its distinctive lateen rig and lightweight 130-pound fiberglass construction, the Starfish offers an accessible entry point into the world of sailing while delivering surprisingly engaging performance on the water. The boat's shallow 2.33-foot draft and centerboard configuration make it ideal for exploring protected waters, small lakes, and coastal areas where launching from beaches or shallow ramps is necessary. Its modest beam of 4 feet keeps the boat easily trailerable, while the 82 square feet of sail area provides sufficient power for spirited sailing in moderate conditions. Fillip Manufacturing produced approximately 4,000 units over the model's 36-year production run, testament to its enduring appeal among sailing enthusiasts. The Starfish excels as a day sailor and training platform, offering stable handling characteristics that build confidence in new sailors while remaining entertaining for experienced helmsmen. Its simple rigging and manageable size make it particularly suitable for single-handed sailing, weekend adventures, and sailing programs where ease of handling and durability are paramount considerations.
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What is the Starfish's sail area to displacement ratio?
The Starfish has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 51.15. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the Starfish's comfort ratio?
The Starfish has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.46. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the Starfish safe for offshore sailing?
The Starfish has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.16. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the Starfish?
The theoretical hull speed of the Starfish is 4.74 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a Starfish weigh?
The Starfish has a displacement of 130.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 13.67 ft.
Who designed the Starfish?
The Starfish was designed by John P. Fillip, first built in 1969.