Uffa Fox

Uffa Fox (1898–1972) was a British naval architect, sailor, and innovator who revolutionized small-boat sailing by pioneering planing dinghies with hard-chine plywood hulls.
Born in Cowes, he designed over 50 iconic boats, including the International 14 (Avenger, 1928), National 12, Firefly (1948 Olympic class), Flying Fifteen, Albacore, and Duckling.
Partnering with Fairey Marine, he popularized hot-moulded plywood construction, making fast, affordable boats accessible to youth and amateurs.
During WWII, his Airborne Lifeboat saved over 100 airmen, earning him an OBE.
A charismatic author and racer, Fox’s mantra — “light enough to plane, cheap enough for a boy to own” — shaped modern dinghy sailing. His designs remain active in clubs and regattas worldwide.
Legacy: The father of performance dinghy sailing. ⛵