Sailing
To
Windward the speed and height of the Firefly 850 Sports
is quite outstanding, usually pointing noticeably higher
than most of the rest of the fleet. It ideal conditions,
10 knots of boat speed and tacking through 80 degrees
or less can be expected. On a beam reech the Firefly will
attain speeds greater than wind speed.
When
the spinnaker is set is when the boat really takes off.
Reeching and running speeds of 20 knots plus can be maintained.
On
all points of sail the Firefly 850 Sports is pleasure
to sail. Often the helm can be let go of, with the boat
continuing to track in a straight line. Another pleasing
attribute is the bows up attitude that the boat sails
at even when pushed hard under spinnaker. This is an important
safety feature and one that is usually lacking on similar
catamarans.
Recommended
auxiliary power is a 6hp 4 stroke outboard long shaft
on a lifting bracket.
New
Zealand Multihull Yacht Club 8.5m Open Rule
There
is also the option of a shorter rig to conform to the
air draft requirement of 12.5m of NZMYC 8.5 m Open Rule.
This rig is 1.4m shorter and carries approximately 10%
less sail area.
