The Definitive Racer Cruiser

Some boats have high quality throughout. Others might be thought of as truly competitive racers. And, of course, there is the ubiquitous designation “performance cruiser.” Still others promise offshore ready. Very few can lay claim to all of those. Firefly does. She’s listed at $499,000.

Firefly is a Morris 45, designed by Chuck Paine and built by the renowned Morris Yachts in 2000. The current owner had very high expectations that the boat would excel at both cruising and racing, and Firefly did not disappoint. As a family cruiser she circumnavigated Vancouver Island and sailed deep into the Pacific Northwest cruising grounds many times. While she has a powerful rig, Firefly is fully equipped to cruise shorthanded, with electric main halyard and mainsheet winches and a windlass. Below decks, Chuck Paine assembled a 45-footer that offers privacy, comfort and plenty of accessible storage. The aft cabin spans the boat’s beam, and there is an adjacent head and shower. The forward cabin has a separate head. Ample salon, navigation and galley areas make long-term cruising a comfortable option.

Firefly was first to finish, and second overall in the 2018 Vic-Maui Race. She received a new inventory of North sails plus numerous upgrades prior to the start. New topsides paint and varnish inside and out make Firefly
turnkey in spring 2020.

A very fortunate sailor will end up racing and cruising Firefly.

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