Flibustier Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Flibustier's story begins in 1957 with its introduction by the French builder La Prairie. The design came from the prolific pen of Jean-Jacques Herbulot, a naval architect celebrated for his innovative and often groundbreaking designs of small, robust, and easy-to-handle sailboats. Herbulot's philosophy consistently focused on creating seaworthy vessels that offered excellent performance without undue complexity, making sailing accessible to a wider demographic. While specific design goals for the Flibustier are not extensively detailed, it aligns with Herbulot's broader vision of practical and enjoyable dinghies.

During this era, La Prairie was establishing itself as a significant force in the European marine industry, known for its high-volume production of dinghies and small sailboats. Although the builder article states La Prairie's operational lifespan was between 1965 and 1978, the Flibustier's 1957 production start year indicates that La Prairie was active in boat manufacturing earlier than this period, or that the article refers to a specific corporate phase. La Prairie's manufacturing ethos, characterized by efficient production, aimed to provide affordable and accessible sailing craft, a perfect match for Herbulot's designs. The Flibustier was constructed with a solid fiberglass hull, a testament to the growing adoption of modern materials in recreational boat building during the mid-20th century.

Sailing Performance and Handling

As a centerboard dinghy with a length overall of just under 16 feet, the Flibustier is designed for agile performance and responsive handling. Weighing a mere 287 pounds, its lightweight hull, combined with a fractional sloop rig and a reported sail area of 129 square feet, suggests a boat capable of sprightly performance in light to moderate winds. The centerboard configuration allows for a minimum draft of 0.66 feet, enabling access to shallow waters, while its maximum draft of 3.94 feet when the board is fully extended provides enhanced upwind performance and stability.

Anecdotal reports from sailors often praise Herbulot designs for their excellent balance and predictable behavior, qualities that would certainly apply to the Flibustier. Its designation as a "Centerboard Dinghy" emphasizes its nature as a boat meant for active sailing, likely offering a direct and engaging feel at the tiller. The allowance of "1 trapeze permitted" further hints at its potential for spirited, performance-oriented sailing, especially in racing contexts. Its hull speed is calculated at 5.04 knots, indicating its potential for respectable speeds for a boat of its size.

Accommodations and Layout

Given its compact size, the Flibustier is fundamentally a daysailer or a very minimalist weekender, not typically offering extensive interior accommodations. As such, detailed specifications for maximum headroom are not applicable. The primary focus of its layout is an open cockpit suitable for active sailing. While a comprehensive interior layout beyond basic seating or storage is unlikely, the design prioritizes a functional and uncluttered space for crew movement and handling sails. Typically, small dinghies of this era would feature bench seating along the cockpit sides, with limited enclosed storage space for personal gear or safety equipment. The open nature of a dinghy like the Flibustier suggests excellent natural ventilation. The construction, with a solid fiberglass hull and deck, would contribute to a robust yet straightforward finish characteristic of high-volume, accessible boats from La Prairie.