49er

Open Doublehanded High Performance Dinghy

This Australian designed 16-foot double-trapeze skiff is high-tech and ultra-fast. Retractable wings spread to nine feet and allow the crew to leverage their weight in order to keep the dinghy from heeling over too far. With a huge sail area for such a small boat -- 639 sq. feet -- the 49er can sail faster than the speed of wind.

The relationship between skipper and crew is critical on the 49er, perhaps more so than on any other Olympic boat. Going so fast on the edge of control means that one slip can mean a flip. The boat attracts competitors looking for speed and excitement. Made of fiberglass and carbon fiber to be strong and light, the 49er weighs 275 pounds when fully rigged. The 49er appeals to sailors who like to live life on the edge.

Visit the web page for the International 49er Class at: www.49er.org

*Thanks to the US Sailing Association