{"product_id":"morris-45-firefly","title":"Morris 45 Firefly","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen sailors, designers and builders dream of the ideal cruiser racer, it’s very likely it would be very much like, if not exactly like, \u003cem\u003eFirefly\u003c\/em\u003e. Construction and finish is first-rate, from the longitudinal stringers to the bookshelves positioned strategically throughout.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDesigned by Chuck Paine as simply a fast, moderate displacement boat, she features none of the dubious characteristics associated with a designer trying to exploit a handicapping system. Naval architect Jim Taylor designed the deep bulb keel, which combined with the long waterline, carbon rudder and carbon rig is responsible for \u003cem\u003eFirefly\u003c\/em\u003e’s freight train performance to windward. Cracked off, Firefly’s powerful aft sections easily driven shape ensure excellent average speeds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA sail area\/displacement of 21.36 and displacement\/length of 148 indicate the ample power available for light wind. Some interior components are designed to be removed for racing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2018 Vic-Maui race featured atypical and challenging conditions, ranging from light winds and frequent close reaching to the exhilarating run in to Hawaii. \u003cem\u003eFirefly\u003c\/em\u003e led throughout, only losing on the overall handicap win by three hours. Brad Baker of Swiftsure Yachts, onboard as navigator, felt confident that had there been a few more miles of hard running, \u003cem\u003eFirefly\u003c\/em\u003e might have taken the handicap win as well as first to finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFirefly\u003c\/em\u003e is well known in racing circles. She won the Down East Race Week, shortly after launch, competed at Cowes Week and won Antigua Race Week convincingly. Combined with her recent performance on the West Coast, \u003cem\u003eFirefly\u003c\/em\u003e has proven able to hold her own just about anywhere under any handicapping system.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOn the cruising side, \u003cem\u003eFirefly\u003c\/em\u003e is comfortable both under way and at anchor. Utilizing a working jib and cruising main, she provides fast and easy passages. Electric halyard and main winches ease putting the main up trimming, and the non-overlapping headsail loads are easily managed by the large primary winches. In fact, oversized racing gear makes cruising under sail manageable by virtually any family crew. The windlass makes anchoring straightforward and simple.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe layout works well for a family or two couple cruising with well separated sleeping cabins fore and aft, each with their own head and shower.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone stepping aboard will be struck immediately by the quality of the workmanship. Both racing and cruising sailors will immediately appreciate the top of the line sail handling gear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eFirefly\u003c\/em\u003e is, in fact, what a cruiser racer can and should be. She has been professionally, meticulously maintained throughout her life. And since she was thoroughly and expertly prepared for the 2018 Vic-Maui Race, including a new North racing sail inventory, she is fully ready to compete or head off for serious cruising.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNorth Sails 3Di Inventory (2018)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNew B \u0026amp; G Zeus² Instrument package\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNew LPU topsides paint (2020)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNew varnish above and below decks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOffshore Spars carbon mast and boom, painted white above decks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eUpdated deck hardware\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Swiftsure Yachts","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47757801357475,"sku":null,"price":425000.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0747\/6271\/5299\/files\/Firefly-photo-Vashon-race-1s.jpg?v=1781013626","url":"https:\/\/swiftsureyachts.com\/products\/morris-45-firefly","provider":"Swiftsure Yachts","version":"1.0","type":"link"}