club 470 sailboat

Performance

Accomodation.

Report error

Tell us what's wrong

We do our best to fix any errors in boatpedia. thanks for the help.

Published on October 25th, 2021 | by Editor

470 Class: Optimistic about its future

Published on October 25th, 2021 by Editor -->

There are some one design classes, such as the Star and Finn, which can make the transition when their boat is no longer used in the Olympics. Their history, popularity, and core constituent can carry on the torch. But for the 470 Class, their status seems less secure.

While the 470 Class has nearly 60 years of history, its commitment to Olympic-level competition puts a lot of eggs in one basket.

Excessive kinetics are now the norm, requiring elite fitness for peak performance. And now the class will have its boat used in the new Mixed Two Person Dinghy event for Paris 2024, thus impacting its current male and female division participation.

However, 470 Class President Andreas Kosmatopoulos remains optimistic in this report to class members:

A new Olympic era has begun for the 470 class. Merging two Olympic disciplines into one has created the exciting Mixed Dinghy Event for 2024 and beyond. Strong and immediate competition has already provided new challenges and great opportunities for our many recently-formed teams.

Olympics The Tokyo Olympic Games was a triumph for the 470 Class. The quality of the fleet was impressive. The best-ever 470 Olympians, Hannah Mills from Great Britain and Mathew Belcher from Australia, received their third Olympic medal each, both with two gold and one silver. Incredible!

As a former double-handed sailor, the images I most cherished were the reactions at the last race’s finish line at the Europeans, Worlds, and Olympics — that last hug with your teammate knowing that the journey had now come to a close.

Olympic Gold and Silver medals in the women’s class were won by boats built over three years ago — proving the impressive durability and quality of the 470 Olympic equipment. Juniors aged 16th and 17th years old competed at the Tokyo Olympic Games, a lifetime opportunity achieved by their skills and the existence of the 470 dinghy! Rules We have received many messages regarding the Oscar flag (kinetics rule), compasses (with tactical features), and other concerns. We are fully aware of the necessity of change and the impact those decisions will have on your future preparations. We respect that time is limited and want to work with you for the best outcome.

According to our constitution there is a specific procedure that we must follow in order to decide and validate any and all potential class changes. Soon we will announce an online Extraordinary General Assembly Meeting. Should changes be adopted, those items will then need to be approved by World Sailing in the coming year. Meanwhile, any changes will become public knowledge so that you may craft your training accordingly.

We are working hard and carefully in order to provide equal opportunities and a fair environment to all the sailors and coaches who wish to express their voice. A survey will be released soon but please continue to send your thoughts, comments, and suggestions to the 470 Management Committee at [email protected] . All topics appreciated!

And, as ever, please also work with and through your MNAs. We look forward to your recommendations and proposals. This is truly a world-wide effort.

Vision With the 470 we have a powerful global tool. The International 470 Class Association will focus on world-wide development and support for teams from emerging nations. This includes an emphasis on equipment, coaching, and participation opportunities.

Our strategy is very much centered on a wider expansion of the 470 class and the attraction of youth to sailing. We are encouraged by many ongoing discussions with our stakeholders. Together we will strengthen our class and create new partnerships and synergies.

I wish you all fair winds.

Editor’s note : The problem with asking class constituents what they want is the consensus does not include the voice of people who quit the class. Additionally, the loudest voices tend to be those at the top of the fleet, and their desires tend not to be in line with participants down the rank that create the foundation for any enduring class.

Paris 2024 Olympic Sailing Program Men’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 7 Women’s One Person Dinghy – ILCA 6 Mixed Two Person Dinghy – 470 Men’s Skiff – 49er Women’s Skiff – 49erFx Men’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class Women’s Kiteboard – Formula Kite Class Men’s Windsurfing – iQFoil Women’s Windsurfing – iQFoil Mixed Multihull – Nacra 17

Venue: Marseille, France Dates: July 26-August 11

Details: https://www.paris2024.org/en/the-olympic-games-paris-2024/

Tags: 470 , Andreas Kosmatopoulos , Paris 2024 Games

Related Posts

America One Racing Performance Report →

Daniela Moroz: Must fix flawed system →

Olympic Sailing returns to Long Beach →

Haunting memory from 1984 Olympics →

© 2024 Scuttlebutt Sailing News. Inbox Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved. made by VSSL Agency .

• Privacy Statement
• Advertise With Us

Get Your Sailing News Fix!

Your download by email.

• Your Name...
• Your Email... *
• Name This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

USA 470 Class Association

Upcoming events.

We have a lot of amazing news to relay here. The Triple Crown is back, but with FIVE event stages for 2024. 

Note: In order to compete in the US Nationals, North Americans, and Oakcliff Triple-Crown, World Championships, European Championships, and any international regatta, you must be a current and paid member of the USA 470 Class Association.

• AMERICA'S CUP
• CLASSIFIEDS
• NEWSLETTERS
• SUBMIT NEWS

470 World Championship 2024 at Club Nàutic S'Arenal - Opening Ceremony

Related Articles

Harnessing technical, tactical and athletic performance, all in one package. 

Since our first build in 1993, a Mackay built 470 has helped produce Olympic glory and world champion sailors year on year.

Find out more in the Features section below

Specifications

Hull Length                            4.7

Beam Length                        1.7

Mainsail Area                       9.45 m2

Headsail Area                       3.59 m2

Spinnaker Area                    12.16 m2

Boat Weight                          120 kg

Number of Trapeze             Single

Year of status                        1969

Type                                       Centreboard Boat

No. of Crew                           2

Opt Crew Weight                 110 - 145

Hull Material                         GRP

The 470 is a double handed, mixed crew Olympic yacht.

470 Class Association website :  http://www.470.org/

The 470 is a light and narrow boat (length 4.7m and beam 1.7m with a weight of 120kg), that responds easily and immediately to body movement. 

The skipper is normally smaller and lighter (1.65m to 1.8m and 55kg to 65kg) and the crew is taller (1.75m to 1.85m yet only 65kg -75kg). The crew's build lets him or her hang far out on the trapeze to keep the boat level in all conditions.

Since our first build in 1993, a Mackay built 470 has helped produce Olympic glory and world champion sailors year on year. Over the years we have refined our knowledge on what makes this boat go fast.

Our boats have a reputation for high strength and stiffness . We focus on these two areas so that the boat will hold high rig tension and not flex in the bow and mid sections.

It also means that the tune of the boat will not change through a season of racing so that the rig tensions and mast bends will not alter as the season progresses.

In 2018 we produced a new mould which we believe is the ultimate for a mixed crew combination heading to Paris 2024.

The mould is designed to maximise the energy from body pumping while also making the boat easy to sail. It was designed with help from sailors, Nathan Wilmont and Jo Aleh, who worked alongside our navel architect, Kevin Trotter.

Part of the success with our latest design comes from adding a little bouyancy in the back of the boat which will make it easier to steer in waves and easier to catch small waves downwind. Bouyancy is also added in the front to balance the changes in the stern.

All of the ribs on our boats are vacuum clamped foam with chopped mat and uni-directional rovings on top. We obtain extra strength from the rigidity of the foam itself.

The construction techniques we use give greater longevity and therefore eliminate the need to replace the boat every year or two. We believe that our construction techniques are as advanced as allowed by the rules.

The building process also involves a considerable amount of custom workmanship. We concentrate on building fewer boats but of a very high quality. We have placed the greatest importance on workmanship,  care and attention to detail.

International 470 Class History

In 1963, French architect Andre Cornu designed the two-handed centerboard boat as a modern high performance fiberglass planing dinghy which could be sailed by anyone. And the craft so influenced European sailing that the 470 is directly credited with drawing new sailors to the sport during the 1960s and '70s.

The 470 has been an Olympic class boat since 1976. It is sailed today for both family recreation and superior competition by more than 30,000 sailors in 42 countries worldwide. 

In 1988, women officially entered Olympic sailing competition with the first-ever 470 Women's event. This boat is especially well-suited to women's competition because of its light weight, maneuverability and light crew weight requirement.

Click here to view more information on the history of the 470.

470: Recent Success for Mackay Boats

470: The history of its success

Can mackay's customise the layout of the boat.

Yes. Nearly all 470 are customised to suit your own preferences.

What can be customised?

We offer options for most control systems on the boats. Go to our 470 order form to see the options available. International 470 Package - Mackay Boats - NZL

Can you do other fitout options not on the list?

Yes. Many teams send us pictures with their own personal systems for us to copy.

What fitout options do the top crews choose?

All teams have something slightly different, but generally most top teams choose the continuous rig tension system (Option c) , the 4:1 up  with 2:1 down centreboard system (Option a) and the carbon jib brackets. These are the only 2 systems that most top teams have in common.

How to do a gelcoat repair?

Small gel coat repairs are relatively easy to do. 

What is Gelcoat made up of?

Gelcoat is a polyester product that is cured by using a catalyst called MEKP. (Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide)

MEKP is a dangerous substance and should be treated as such when using, being very careful not to get any on your skin or in your eyes.

How can I get the catalyst - MERK?

We cannot ship MEKP so you will always need to buy it separately from your local marine store or fibreglass manufacturer.

How much MERK do I need?

The amount of Catalyst varies depending on the conditions you are using it in, but around 2%-3% will always work.

It is best to use a small syringe or dropper to get the required catalyst rate.

If you have mixed 100gm of gelcoat, then you are aiming for 2ml of catalyst.

What are the Gelcoat colours?

Gelcoats colours are not always a 100% perfect match.

Colour will vary depending on the depth of the repair and the batch.

470  White-  LS30    White PA 337

470  Grey- Grey RAL 7035

Blue = is supplier by Nuplex who have their own code which is not an international code

Does Mackay Boats supply gelcoat?

We supply a small tin (of each relevant colour) with each new boat.

Order additional gelcoat from our store, although it cannot be shipped by courier.

How do I do gelcoat repairs?

Doing gelcoat repairs is an art that improves with experience.

Making sure the surface is prepared well and keyed up is critical.

Overfill and then sanding back is a slow and time-consuming process.

Be very careful not to scratch the boat around the repair.

You shouldn’t sand the original surface around the repair with any paper coarser than 600grit.

Mask around the repair to protect the boat.

You can initially use a file or 150g to take the high parts off the filling, but don't use the coarse paper for too long or you will end up with scratches in the finished repair.

Once you have it fair with 600g, you can work your way through the sandpaper grades until you finish with 1500grit before cutting and polishing.

We would typically use 600g, then 800g or 1000g, then 1200g, then finally 1500g.

How do you fit a mylar gasket to a 470?

Please watch a demonstration:  Fitting a mylar gasket

470 Tuning Tips

Are you sure you want to change currency.

BRIGGS CUNNINGHAM: American Racing Tradition TALE OF AN AMERICAN SPORTSMAN

The america's cup, the america’s cup – 1958, text by kane rogers.

View photographer Cory Silken’s “Yacht Columbia – America’s Cup Winner 1958” gallery here .

Click here to read “The America’s Cup: An Insider’s View,” by Bob Bavier.

Prior to 1958, the last defense of the America’s Cup had been in 1937, by the J-Class yacht Ranger , owned by Harold S. “Mike” Vanderbilt. The J-Class rules prescribing a vessel of some 120 feet in length were promoted by Vanderbilt and others for the defense planned for 1958, but economic concerns and the desire among aspiring competitors to employ smaller dual-purpose yachts won the day. The New York Yacht Club settled on the twelve-meter class rules, reducing the length of the average vessel to around sixty-five feet. Harry Sears, then the club’s commodore, formed a syndicate to build the ship and asked Briggs to join to help with finances.

Although building and racing his cars had long been Briggs’ primary field of endeavor, he had never stopped sailing, and he agreed to join the effort. Sailing legend Cornelius Shields was appointed as the team’s skipper but, when he suffered a heart attack, Sears asked Cunningham to take Shields’ place.

As a member of five East Coast yacht clubs, with almost thirty years’ experience racing several different classes of vessel, Briggs was a solid choice to lead. The one thing he lacked was experience with the starting strategy required by the head-to-head style of America’s Cup competition. Shields, a master of this type of racing, was happy to impart his knowledge to Cunningham, who proved an able student.

Unfortunately, as skipper it was Briggs who had to inform Shields that he could not remain a member of the crew; if he suffered an attack during competition and had to be taken to the hospital, it would leave them a man short and result in their disqualification. It was a tough moment for both men, but it was also characteristic of both to do what was best for the team.

The eliminations for the American side would prove to be more exciting than the final races. Four twelve-metre yachts, Easterner , Weatherly , Vim and Columbia , survived two months of run-offs to compete in the final eight-day round of match races to determine the defender of the America’s Cup. Of the four contenders, only the Vim had raced previously, but the nineteen-year-old vessel was so completely refitted as to be virtually brand new. The Easterner and Weatherly had been hurriedly completed and neither was fully prepared to compete, although the Weatherly would successfully defend the Cup in 1962.

Columbia benefited from a strong syndicate whose membership included Harry Sears, Olin Stephens, the designer of the Vim , and Cornelius Shields, Jr., who occasionally spelled Briggs as skipper. The competition finally narrowed to Vim and Columbia , which prevailed by virtue of her ability to better handle rough seas and strong winds.

The British challenger, Sceptre , entered by the Royal Yacht Squadron and skippered by Graham Mann, was a quite rotund 68,000 pounds compared to the svelte Columbia at 57,000 pounds, and the event was decided in four straight wins by the Americans.

During the post-race celebrations, Briggs located a pay phone and called Alfred Momo at Watkins Glen, where Ed Crawford had just won the main race. As Briggs was returning to join his crew, a reporter approached and commented, “Briggs, that was a fine race!” to which Briggs, still with the Glen on his mind, replied, “That’s what I just heard. I wish I could have seen it.”

Website Disclaimer

Please read the disclaimer prior to entering this website. You may access it by clicking here .

•  Print This Page
•  Text Size
•  Scroll To Top

Welcome to the MC Sailing Association

Upcoming Events

2024 regatta results.

“HISTORY OF THE SCOW”  Film Proposal Woody Woodruff has been sailing scows a long time and is using his talents as a film producer to make a documentary film on scows:  The Project    Donate Here

© MC Sailing Association, Inc. 2024. All Rights Reserved.

2024 470 LATVIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP CONCLUDED IN ENGURE

KEIJU OKADA / MIHO YOSHIOKA WINNERS OF 2024 470 JAPAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

LARA VADLAU AND LUKAS MAEHR PUT IN THE PERFORMANCE OF THEIR LIVES TO WIN GOLD IN THE MIXED DINGHY

Schedule of 2025 470 class championships.

• All featured news

KINGS OF THE LIGHT WIND: LARA VADLAU AND LUKAS MAEHR, OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS!

BRITISH WOMEN’S AND YOUTH AMERICA’S CUP SQUADS UNVEILED

JONATHAN MARTINETTI AND HIS TEAM WON THE 2023 LIGHTNING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

EX 470 SAILORS WIN 1ST & 2ND TRANSAT JACQUES VABRE CLASS 40

• All notices
• Now-Upcoming
• Featured events
• All results
• 470 Championships Complete Results Archive
• Sailing World Rankings
• 470 Championship Organization Plan
• World Cup Series
• Bid for a 470 Championship
• The 470 at the Olympics
• 470 Olympic Medallists - 1976 to Date
• Sailors in TOKYO 2020 Olympics
• World Championship
• Junior World Championship
• Open European Championship
• Junior European Championship
• Master’s Cup
• African Championship
• North American Championship
• South American Championship
• Asian Championship
• Oceania Championship
• The First 470
• Why Sail the 470?
• About the 470
• Management Committee
• 470 Committees
• 470 Class Membership
• Advertise on the 470 Website
• Make a Payment
• 470 General Assembly Meetings
• 470 Class Documents
• Constitution and By-Laws
• 470 Great Book
• Useful links
• 470 Support & Development Program 2018-2024
• 470 ICA SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR 2024
• André Cornu Grant
• 470 Athlete and Coach Clinics
• Financial Support Programmes
• You Can Help Programme
• 420 and 470 Joint Programmes
• 470 Race Officials Programme

470 Tuning Guides and Boat Preparation

• All About Measurement
• 470 Class Rules
• Buy 470 Sail Stickers
• 470 Aerodynamics
• 470 Equipment Manufacturers
• 470 Class Measurers
• Equipment Used at 470 Championships
• List of suppliers

2021 Worlds Vilamoura POR

2019 Worlds Enoshima JPN

• All photo galleries

2024 Europeans Cannes FRA

Allianz Sailing World Championships The Hague NED

2021 Europeans Vilamoura POR

• All video galleries
• News + Views
• Youth Pathway
• 470 IN 2024
• Why Sail 470?

The 470 Internationale has close partnerships with many sailmakers around the world. Here are a few tips from those who make 470 sails and boats to help you achieve the best performance from them. Click on the links below:

North Sails Japan Sail Tuning & Mast Setting Guide Part 1

North Sails Japan Sail & Rig tuning guide

North Sails Japan Sail Tuning & Mast Setting Guide Part 2

North Sails Tuning Guide

North Sails N14-L18 Quick Tuning Table

North Sails N13-L12 Quick Tuning Table

North Sails N13-L16 Quick Tuning Table

North Sails N12-L9B Quick Tuning Table

North Sails N10-L5H Quick Tuning Table

North Sails N10-L5 Quick Tuning Table

North Sails N9-L5 Quick Tuning Table

Zaoli R12 Tuning Guide

Zaoli R14 Tuning Guide

Zaoli R14 Mackay Tuning Guide

Zaoli R16 Mackay Tuning Guide

Olimpic Sails Tuning Guide

Quantum Sails Tuning Guide

Ullman Sails Tuning Guide

Ullman Sails Tuning Guide 1998

North Sails 470 Speed Guide By Sîme Fantela

Mackay Boat Layout

Rigging Guide - courtesy of the German National 470 Class Association

Sailors from near and far spend the holiday weekend at Perry Lake for annual Commodore’s Cup Regatta

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - The sun beat down on the water of Perry Lake as sailors prepared to race in the annual Commodore’s Cup Regatta.

For over 40 years now, Perry Lake regulars and sailors from neighboring states have looked forward to spending the unofficial end of summer participating in the cup, hosted by the Perry Yacht Club every Labor Day weekend.

“It’s the highlight of the year,” Perry Yacht Club Commodore Tina Breedlove emphasized.

Sailors have the opportunity to participate in a little friendly competition and enjoy each other’s company. It’s not just the race that keeps people coming back year after year though, it’s the camaraderie.

“It’s awesome because you don’t see them throughout the year,” longtime club member and Commodore’s Cup participant Sean Kalic said. “Then you remember them from previous years and you see them and rekindle old friendships and have a little sportsmanship on the water.”

It’s also a chance for some to return to their roots.

Jack Lischer grew up sailing on Perry Lake and despite traveling around to compete in some intense sailing competitions, he never misses the Commodore’s Cup.

“Racing with all the people that we’ve grown up with and kind of like, people I have raced against forever, and some idols,” Lischer said. “Coming out and racing with my sisters and my family, it’s what makes this one feel like a hometown and special race.”

The positivity of this event has put it on the map. Some first-timers decided to make the trip this year, including Evan Arter who hails from Tulsa, OK.

" The club here is amazing, the grounds, the set-up they got and the people are amazing,” Arter said.

Sailing requires the perfect amount of wind, and despite the lack of it during the first day of competition, participants managed to make the best of it and were excited to finish strong on day two.

“Today tested the sailors’ ability,” Breedlove said. “If you can sail in low winds, you can sail anything so today was a good day to test your abilities as a sailor.”

The Commodore’s Cup champion will be decided after the last day of competition, Sept. 1.

Copyright 2024 WIBW. All rights reserved.

Over 150 Ft. Riley soldiers ride to Historic Harley Davidson in the name of safety and camaraderie

Narcotics search warrant leads to arrest of three Topeka residents

Former Emporia police officer arrested on rape, human trafficking counts

Emergency crews respond to 3-vehicle crash Friday morning in North Topeka

Teen dies after electric scooter and truck collide early Thursday in Independence

One arrested Thursday in ‘potential shooter’ incident at Kickapoo Nation School

Kansas Supreme Court upholds convictions and sentencing in 2019 homicide case in Topeka

Friday forecast: Much cooler with spotty showers

Latest news.

Live Shot K State

Curtis Pitts receives the 2024 Prestigious Annual Predecessors Award

Shriners Parade

Gage Park Founders Fest brings Topekans outside

Local podcaster recognizes community leaders in ceremony

Roper Romp party brings back memories and fun to the Topeka community

Best of Paris 2024

Men's Kite Final | Sailing | Olympic Games Paris 2024

Mixed Dinghy Medal Race | Sailing | Olympic Games Paris 2024

Women's Kite Final | Sailing | Olympic Games Paris 2024

Men's Kite - Medal Series Finals | Sailig | Olympic Games Paris 2024

Men's Dinghy Medal Race | Sailing | Olympic Games Paris 2024

Paris 2024 had it all: Sporting drama, revered venues, singalongs... and Snoop Dogg

Austria’s Valentin Bontus takes men’s kite gold; first medal for Singapore at Paris 2024

Eleanor Aldridge of Great Britain wins historic first Olympic gold medal in women’s kite

Italy sail to back-to-back Olympic mixed multihull gold

Austria takes mixed dinghy sailing gold

Australia's Matt Wearn wins men's dinghy gold

Sailing - sport explainer presented by allianz, kite sailing, marseille marina, the pictogram, worldwide partners.