Firefly

Spindrift was designed and built by Robin Wall in Qualicum Beach, British Columbia. Here's what he had to say about the design and the build:

"I was looking for a hull shape for an easily trailerable boat that yet would be large enough to accommodate two people for a couple of days and nights. Where we were in Qualicum Beach there were so many lakes, not to mention the sea near at hand, that this concept would give us the opportunity to visit many venues. With this in mind I started looking for study plans in Wooden Boat magazine.

"I came across a Cat boat plan for a 14ft hull. I could see the potential to having a lot of useable space in a hull with a broad beam, but decided that the hull was too short, so I increased the length by two feet and drew out a plan accordingly. My next step was to build a 1/5 scale model. My wife and I took it down to the Qualicum Estuary and sailed it there with a brick for ballast amidships. I had installed the double dagger board feature and to my delight found that she sailed very well (the model had a gaff rig by the way)."

Plan view:

"From this point on it was a question of building the real thing, which took me the best part of three years. The frame sections were drawn out full size on a sheet of 4x8 ply and then the frame pieces laid over that. I built a strong back out of 2x10 boards and after much fussing and levelling, mounted the sections upside down on the boards. Using battens, I adjusted them to give nice curves along the length of the hull. And then of course started to cover in the hull with ply.

"The mizzen was added to compensate for the marconi mainsail which was bought from a friend. Without it the boat would not tack. The boat lived well up to our expectations and sailed surprisingly well. My wife and I had five memorable years sailing about on Sproat Lake, where we would find a little deserted beach and anchor and sleep aboard. We also had some adventures on Comox Lake, and off Denman Island.

"I do not have proper plans for her. Sketches and drawings were made as required, otherwise I built her by eye. I have wondered whether plans would be worth drawing up and perhaps advertising in Wooden Boat. I really believe that it is a good design for the purpose intended. She is quite roomy for her size, can do about five knots in a good breeze, and is very stable."

Robin's unique pivoting dagger board:

Below: Robin and Mary aboard Spindrift on Sproat Lake, about 2001: