The 470 sailing boat is a popular two-person dinghy class used for racing and recreational sailing. It was designed in 1963 by French naval architect André Cornu and was chosen as the equipment for the men's and women's two-person dinghy events at the Olympic Games in 1976.
Here are some key features and characteristics of the 470 sailing boat:
1. Size and Dimensions: The 470 is approximately 4.7 meters (15.4 feet) long, hence the name. It has a beam (width) of 1.68 meters (5.5 feet) and a hull weight of around 120 kilograms (265 pounds).
2. Rigging: The boat features a two-mast rigging system, consisting of a mainmast and a jib mast. The mainsail is a fully battened sail, while the jib is a smaller sail set in front of the mast. The boat also has a spinnaker, a large, lightweight sail used for downwind sailing.
3. Crew: The 470 is sailed by a crew of two people, typically a skipper (helm) and a crew (crew). The skipper steers the boat and controls the mainsail, while the crew manages the jib and spinnaker.
4. Performance: The 470 is known for its excellent performance and versatility. It is a fast and responsive boat, capable of planing (sailing with the hull out of the water) in strong winds. Its design allows for exciting racing and tactical maneuvers.
5. Olympic Class: The 470 has been an Olympic class boat since 1976 and is still used in the Olympic Games today. It is highly regarded for its competitive nature and has produced many successful sailors and medalists.
6. International Class Association: The International 470 Class Association (I470CA) governs the class and promotes the boat's development and racing worldwide. It organizes international events, sets class rules, and ensures fair competition.
7. Accessibility: The 470 is sailed by both men and women, making it a gender-equal class. It is also popular among youth sailors as a stepping stone to higher-level racing.
8. Global Popularity: The 470 class is widely sailed around the world, with active fleets in many countries. It is known for its competitive racing scene and attracts sailors of various skill levels, from beginners to elite athletes.
Overall, the 470 sailing boat is a versatile and exciting dinghy class that offers thrilling racing and recreational sailing experiences for both men and women.
