The low-down on the International 470 Dinghy

Darren wrote:
 > I'm interested in purchasing a 470 dinghy and although I've sailed a
 > bit, I'm not sure whether this type of boat is what I'm looking for.
 > Can anybody tell me anything or point to a website about this type of
 > sailing boat?
 >

<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.470.org/" target="_blank">http://www.470.org/</a>

<a style='text-decoration: underline;' href="http://www.arrowsails.co.uk/gbr470/boat.htm" target="_blank">http://www.arrowsails.co.uk/gbr470/boat.htm</a>


 > I know it is a racing boat but do you need a crew to sail it or can
 > you sail it (comfortably) by one person? Can you sail it slow or is it
 > always fast?
 >

Depends on the wind

A good sailor can singlehand a 470, but it's better with crew. If you
singlehand one often, especially in tight quarters or wind above 10mph,
you'll get to be a good sailor yourself.

As for "always fast" I think the 470 has a good rig for depowering, but
there are limits. You could get a set of daysailing/hi wind sails that
would make the boat less squirrelly... in fact one thing to beware of is
that if you buy an old clapped-out racing boat, the sails will be shot
and *will* need to be replaced before the boat will sail decently.

Hope this helps. The 470 is a great boat.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King<!-- ~MESSAGE_AFTER~ -->
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