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New Fireball Builder

Posted by CAN 14835 on 4/24/2009, 6:40 pm
65.93.166.189

BURGESS FIREBALL DINGHIES

New Fireball dinghies will be available from South African builder, Burgess Fireballs during May 2009.

The vision of Burgess Fireballs is to supply high tech, competitive boats to both local and foreign sailors which offer excellent value for money.

Considerable time and expense has been invested in the development and construction of a plug and moulds. Over the past 16 months considerable input has been provided by top South African sailors, Fireball International, a fibreglass construction expert on the Shosholoza project, an aeronautical engineer, an industrial designer and many others.

Our standard Fireball hull and deck will be foam sandwich FRP with vacuum infused vinyl ester resin. The latest materials and technology will be used for this process. We have enlisted the services of an expert with 22 years experience in the construction FRP boats who will oversee the construction of boats.

Kevlar may be requested for certain areas in the hull at an additional cost. Spars will be Selden/Proctor and will be supplied by Superspars. Mast will be M7 plus, boom will be B10 cutaway and a tapered spinnaker pole. Fittings will be Harken throughout and sails will be supplied by North Sails, Cape Town using the UK pattern which I understand Tim Rush has had a hand in designing.

Burgess will also supply the rudder and centre board. We are presently testing what may be described as a somewhat radical foil shape for the centreboard which was designed by an aeronautical engineer who happens to be a Fireball enthusiast. We will use this shape if it proves successful or we will go back to a more traditional foil shape.

We expect to begin trials on our proving piece late in April and plan on moulding our first boat for a local client sometime during May. There has been considerable interest and excitement amongst local sailors, many of whom have provided valuable input in the design of certain aspects of the cockpit.

We are currently reviewing prices and negotiating with suppliers in order to introduce our product at a very favourable, discounted price. We expect this introductory offer to be in the region of Ł7 000 for a boat with the above spec.

For a quote in your own currency and for any further enquiries please contact Russell Burgess. We will also quote on bare hulls and boats with your own spec. Enquiries for bulk orders and distribution rights will also be considered.

burgessyacht@gmail.com

+27 21 8511468 or +27 82 494 1624