Flying Tiger 10 M Information, Review, Specs

The Flying Tiger 10 M's story began in 2005, stemming from a collaborative effort involving designer Robert Perry, boatbuilder Bill Steven, and input from online sailing forums, shaping what was initially envisioned as the "Anarchy 30 concept boat." The primary goal was to create an affordable, dead-simple, one-design club racer. Xiamen Hansheng Yacht Building Co. Ltd., known for its versatile manufacturing capabilities and commitment to quality and international standards, took on the production, building at least 110 units of the model. The company's ethos, as a pivotal builder and supplier in the marine sector, allowed for the construction of a vessel designed to exacting specifications. The hull construction typically features cored fiberglass, with a single-skin fiberglass cabin top. While early models experienced some initial rigging and hardware issues, the fundamental design proved to be sound, leading to a focus on its racing potential.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Flying Tiger 10 M is unequivocally designed for performance, a fact reflected in its key performance ratios. With a high Sail Area to Displacement Ratio (SA/D) of approximately 32.22, the boat is exceptionally powerful, indicating excellent acceleration and light-air speed, though it will require skilled handling to depower effectively in stronger winds. Its Ballast to Displacement Ratio (B/D) of about 43.85% is relatively high for a lightweight racer, suggesting good initial stability and the ability to stand up to its generous sail plan. Furthermore, a very low Displacement to Length Ratio (D/L) of roughly 156.9 confirms its identity as a lightweight, performance-oriented racing machine rather than a heavy cruiser.

Anecdotal evidence from sailors consistently describes the Flying Tiger 10 M as a "high-performance" and "fast" sportboat, often utilized in competitive racing circuits. It features a fractional sloop rig, typically equipped with a main, jib, and an asymmetrical spinnaker, enabling exhilarating downwind speeds. Some examples have been outfitted with full carbon masts and booms, further enhancing their racing capabilities. Owners note that the boat is well-balanced and performs smoothly on the water, capable of being sailed effectively with a crew of 4-5.

Accommodations and Layout

Consistent with its design philosophy as a stripped-down club racer, the Flying Tiger 10 M features a relatively bare and simple interior. While specific details on headroom and precise layouts are not widely documented, the emphasis is clearly on functionality for racing rather than luxurious cruising amenities. Despite its minimalist approach, the interior is large enough to allow for overnighting, offering basic accommodations for a crew on multi-day race events or weekend excursions. The design prioritizes an open cockpit and light displacement, suggesting that internal volume is maximized for utility rather than extensive comforts.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Flying Tiger 10 M are largely drawn to its performance characteristics and its identity as an affordable one-design racer. Early in its production run, some owners noted issues with the initial construction quality, particularly concerning rigging and hardware, which sometimes required attention to make the boat race-ready. Common discussions among owners have included topics like engine size and, in some instances, concerns regarding the keel's trailing edge pulling back against the keel box. Despite these early challenges, the overall sentiment points to a boat that delivers on its promise of high-performance sailing. Many owners actively participate in one-design racing and discuss optimal sail configurations, such as the longevity and performance of 3Di sails. The Flying Tiger 10 M is generally regarded as a spirited and exciting boat for those prioritizing speed and competitive sailing.