Wildfire Information, Review, Specs

The Wildfire's origins trace back to a design year of 1952 by Ian Proctor, a period when fiberglass was still a revolutionary material in boat construction. It was one of the early models produced by Gmach & Co. Ltd. (J. L. Gmach & Co.), a pioneering British builder known for its foresight in adopting glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) for small craft production. Gmach & Co. Ltd., based in Fordingbridge, Hampshire, was at the forefront of this material revolution in the UK, aiming to leverage fiberglass for durable, low-maintenance, and high-performance boats. Production of the Wildfire, as indicated by available data, began around 1968, though earlier Gmach models existed. Some models were also built by the American yard O'Day Corp., with Ian Proctor collaborating with George O'Day on the design.

A defining feature of the Wildfire's design is its hollow daggerboard, which functions as a lifting keel. Ballast, in the form of small bags of lead shot, is lowered into this daggerboard, allowing the boat to transition from a shallow-draft dinghy to a more stable keelboat. This clever design was intended to bridge the gap between a pure racing dinghy and a slightly larger, more substantial craft like a Flying Fifteen, offering the ability to launch from most slipways while retaining the stability of a keelboat. The Wildfire's lines are noted to be reminiscent of other successful Proctor designs, such as the Kestrel.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a light-displacement vessel at 620 pounds, the Wildfire is designed for agile and responsive sailing. Its maximum hull speed is calculated at approximately 5.19 knots. The innovative lifting keel, which can be ballasted, allows for versatile performance, offering the shallow-water access of a dinghy combined with enhanced stability when the keel is fully deployed and ballasted. Owners and enthusiasts describe the Wildfire as a "pleasing boat to sail," noting its potentially "speedy hull design". Its lightweight nature and fractional sloop rig suggest it would be lively in lighter airs, while the ballasted keel would provide the necessary stability to stand up to more wind. Given its size, the traditional performance ratios (Sail Area to Displacement, Ballast to Displacement, Displacement to Length) are less applicable in interpreting its qualitative sailing characteristics.

Accommodations and Layout

Due to its compact size, with a length overall of just under 17 feet, the Wildfire is primarily an open keelboat or a large sailing dinghy, and as such, it does not feature enclosed accommodations in the conventional sense. There is no specified maximum headroom, reflecting its design as a day sailor or an open recreational boat. The layout is focused on an open cockpit for sailing, with space for crew and potentially minimal storage for gear. Any interior space would be limited to a small cuddy or bow area suitable only for stowing equipment, rather than providing living quarters.

Owner's Perspectives

Discussions among owners and enthusiasts, particularly within groups like the Classic and Vintage Racing Dinghy Association (CVRDA), reveal a collective appreciation for the Wildfire's unique design. While some early observations suggested it "didn't excite the sailing very much and soon faded" in its initial market, owners consistently acknowledge its "very clever design". Many existing Wildfires are older models, and owners often engage in restoration and refurbishment projects, indicating a dedicated community. Despite its age, some owners report "no serious issues" with the boat, highlighting its fundamental soundness. The innovative ballasted daggerboard system is a frequently discussed and defining characteristic among those who sail or restore the Wildfire.