Hoek Design in the Netherlands has announced the launch of Firefly, the first in an exciting new series of F-class one designs. Combining the spirit of the J-class with the performance of a maxi racer, the design brief for these race classics called for the smallest sized vessel that could beat a J on the water in both light and heavy winds.

With long overhangs and sleek lines, Firefly’s exterior styling is similar to Js such as Svea. A sweeping sheer with a flush deck and moderate deck camber echoes the look of yachts that were developed in the early 1930s. Below the waterline, however, she is more comparable to a modern maxi racer with a high aspect ratio, T-style fin keel with a lead bulb. The combination of a 5.2 m draft with a 3D-tonne lead bulb and carbon high aspect ratio spade rudder is exceptionally powerful. Nonetheless, Firefly can be effortlessly steered with two fingers.

The deck layout is comparable to a modern maxi with a large open cockpit and separate cockpit for the helmsman. On deck and in the interior, the yacht is developed as a pure sailing machine with a minimalist interior.

www.hoekdesign.com