Fireball

Designed in 1962 by Peter Milne, the International Fireball is a class that is characterized by the responsive, eminently tunable gear that accompanies its strictly one-design hull and sail plans. It combines an unusual scow design-including symmetric spinnaker and chined hull-with a single trapeze. Approximately 15,000 boats have been built, and the boat is raced worldwide. The boat planes in as little as eight knots of wind and is easily controlled past 35 knots. Although there are manufacturers in England, Switzerland, and Australia, many Fireballs are home-built. Since the trapeze and sails require skillful adjustment rather than plain strength, and can be tuned for different sailor weights, the boat lends itself to sailing and racing that is inclusive with respect to age and gender. The Fireball is an International Sailing Federation (ISAF) International Centreboard Class Association. For more information, read the Fireball Wikipedia article.