The Firefly was designed as a low cost one design racing boat almost 60 years ago. To ensure that it is still true to its designer the National Firefly Association is always working to ensure that it is still a one design class. Hear are some notes that will help you with any technical questions you might have.

Technical Secretary - This role is to ensure that all boats are legal and conform to the rules. As well as helping out owners with modifications and rule related questions. The current Technical Secretary is Nigel Wakefield 07970 710776
So please contact Nigel if you have any questions. The other place to get advice is on the chat page as the questions will be viewed by a lot more people. So post a message and see what answers you get. If you have a question you can bet at least 50% of the fleet have had the same question at some point!

Rules - The rules cover every aspect of the Firefly no matter how old or new. Every boat must conform to the rules to take part in Firefly Events. The latest rules are downloadable from the Links section of the Firefly website or the RYA website.

Measurement Certificate - To prove that your boat conforms to the rules you must have a measurement certificate in your name. To get hold of one contact the RYA and they will issue you one for a small fee. If you buy a new boat from Rondar they will issue you with a completed Measurement Form and builder’s receipt. This you send to the RYA and they will issue you with a Measurement Certificate.
If you have any modifications done to your boat re-deck, new centreboard case, new rudder, compete rebuild etc it must be measured by an RYA approved measurer. They will measure your boat and fill out a new Measurement Form and you send it of to the RYA with your original Measurement Certificate. Then the RYA will issue you with a valid and up to date certificate.

Measurers - These are people selected by the National Firefly Association and the RYA as persons who can measure your Firefly. If you need to have your boat or any part measured contact your nearest measurer and arrange to meet and to have your boat measured. It is the boat owner’s responsibility to get the boat to the measurer or cover the measurer’s expenses as they are volunteers.
The current measurers are:

It is a responsible job that requires skill and accuracy to understand the rules. If you are interested in becoming a measurer please contact Nigel Wakefield to have a chat about the role.

Boats - There are two sources of Firefly one is Rondar Raceboats who are the only approved class builder. Their website is www.rondarboats.com contact them for details on a new boat. The other source is second hand boats. The best place to find one is on the Firefly Chat Pages in the For Sale and Wanted Section. Otherwise have a look at Yachts and Yachting, Dinghy Trader or Ebay has been known to have a Firefly or two for sale!

Sails - To keep the one design, Fireflies have only one sail maker this keeps the costs down and everyone on the same performance. So if you buy a new suit of sails you know that your sails are identical to the fastest boat in the fleet.
The maker is Hyde’s the best place to buy them is through the National Firefly Association as this will save you money and also generate money for the National Firefly Association. Delivery is the same if ordered direct from Hydes. If you are a member of the NFA you get a further £15 discount!
To buy sails through the NFA at a discount, contact Will Mason 020 8255 5547 willmason@blueyonder.co.uk.

Spars - These are all made by Selden (used to be known as Procter) and use the same design. The Firefly mast and Boom are what is known as “C” section. If you ask any chandler who sells Selden they will be able to supply you with a Firefly mast or boom of the current design. For Selden stockists look at http://www.seldenmast.co.uk/
If you have an older mast most likely it is no longer in production. So to buy a new replacement is not possible the best way to get your hands on one is via the chat page as people often have them lying around in gardens or sailing clubs and are keen to get rid of them. You can always upgrade to the current version very easily with minimal alterations.

Foils - If you need a new rudder most rudder manufactures can make a new rudder for you. The NFA have an arrangement with Alan Powell (ex Quicksilver Foils) who will build you one to your spec i.e. lifting/foxed/laminated etc. You get a £20 discount if you are an NFA member. To contact Alan 01844 201243 alan.powell@which.net
If you need a new centreplate either try to locate a second hand one via the chat page or for a new one via Rondar.

I hope this has covered most technical aspects of the Firefly if in doubt please do not hesitate to ask Nigel or any member of the Committee and I am sure they will be able to help.