Front Runner Information, Review, Specs

Sailing Performance & Handling

The Front Runner is defined by its exceptional power-to-weight ratio and its ability to plane in relatively light air. With a Displacement/Length (D/L) ratio of approximately 41 and a Sail Area/Displacement (SA/D) ratio of 43.97, the boat is categorized as an ultra-light racer. These figures, as interpreted by renowned naval architect Robert Perry for Boats.com, indicate a boat that is extremely responsive and capable of "blasting off on a plane with very little effort."

Handling is further enhanced by a low-profile, 3-point fractional sloop rig and a retractable bowsprit designed to carry a 325-square-foot asymmetrical spinnaker. The hull features a sharp entry that transitions to hard-bilged after sections and a wide, open transom, providing the necessary form stability to manage its 202 square feet of upwind sail area. The swinging keel (lifting keel) provides a deep draft of 4 feet 6 inches for upwind tracking, which can be retracted to just a few inches for beaching or trailering.

Popular Mentions & Media

The Front Runner maintains a dedicated following in the Mid-Atlantic region, specifically within the Fishing Bay Yacht Club community. It is the centerpiece of the "Front Runner Cup," a perpetual trophy awarded annually at the club’s One-Design Regatta. The model received significant editorial attention from Robert Perry in Sailing Magazine, where it was praised for its "forgiving personality" combined with high speed potential, famously noted for flying past 27-foot cruisers while on a plane.

Known Issues & Buyer’s Checklist

As a specialized, small-batch production dinghy, the Front Runner has a few specific technical areas that prospective owners should inspect:

• Keel Pivot & Trunk: The swinging keel mechanism and its pivot bolt should be inspected for wear or play. Because 90% of the centerboard trunk is housed below the cockpit sole, leaks in this area can be difficult to access and repair.
• Deck Core Integrity: Built using fiberglass with potential core materials (often balsa or foam), older hulls should be checked for "soft spots," particularly around high-load areas like the mast step and chainplates.
• Rigging Tension: The low-profile fractional rig relies on high tension for optimal performance. Inspect the forestay and shroud attachment points for any signs of stress cracking in the fiberglass.
• Foils: The kick-up rudder and the lifting keel are prone to "chatter" if the bushings or mounting hardware have worn down over years of racing.

Community & Resources

The primary hub for this model is the Fishing Bay Yacht Club (FBYC) in Deltaville, Virginia, which has hosted an active one-design fleet for the class since 1997. Technical documentation and class rules are maintained through the club's fleet pages. Owners and enthusiasts often rely on the collective knowledge of the FBYC members, who have seen the majority of the total production run pass through their docks.

The Verdict

Pros:

• Exceptional Speed: High SA/D ratio ensures planing performance even in moderate winds.
• User-Friendly: The 7-foot beam provides enough stability that a trapeze is unnecessary, making it accessible for older sailors or families.
• Massive Cockpit: At 11 feet long, the cockpit comfortably accommodates four adults for day cruising.
• Easily Trailered: The lifting keel and kick-up rudder make it an ideal "ramp-launch" boat.

Cons:

• Rarity: With only ~30 boats built, finding one for sale outside of the Virginia/Maryland area is difficult.
• Wet Ride: Like most high-performance dinghies, the low freeboard and high speeds result in a wet experience in choppy conditions.
• Niche Support: Technical support is largely localized to a single sailing club.