[1][2][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] The Firefly is a recreational sailing dinghy, initially built predominantly of hot-moulded plywood, glassfibre construction was authorized by the class starting in 1965.

[1][2][15] The design has a fractional sloop rig, a plumb stem and transom, a transom-hung rudder controlled by a tiller and a retractable centreboard.

[1][2] The boat has a draft of 4.25 ft (1.30 m) with the centreboard extended and 10 in (25 cm) with it retracted, allowing operation in shallow water, beaching or ground transportation on a trailer.

[19][20][21] The first four production boats built by Fairey were purchased by the commodore of the Itchenor Sailing Club, Sir Geoffrey Loules and named Fe, Fi, Fo and Fum.

The Olympic sailing events that year were held at Torbay and the gold medal was won by Danish sailor, Paul Elvstrøm.