470 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The genesis of the 470 class dates back to 1963, when French designer André Cornu conceived a modern, high-performance fiberglass planing dinghy intended to appeal to a broad spectrum of sailors. Cornu's vision was to create a boat that was both competitive and accessible, leading to a design characterized by its 4.70-meter (approximately 15.42 feet) length, from which it derives its name. The production of the 470 commenced in 1963 and has continued extensively, establishing it as one of the most widely sailed dinghy classes globally, active in over 60 countries.

Fountaine Pajot, a company founded in 1976 by regatta competitor Jean-François Fountaine, played a significant role in the 470's production history. Following their initial success with the 505 dinghy, Fountaine Pajot expanded its operations and began building 420 and 470 dinghies at a new facility in Aigrefeuille, opened in 1978. This period marked Fountaine Pajot's early commitment to performance sailing craft before their eventual pivot to become a leading builder of cruising catamarans. As a strict one-design class, the 470 maintains tightly controlled specifications, ensuring that competition is based on skill rather than equipment variations.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The 470 is renowned for its dynamic sailing performance, primarily due to its lightweight construction (displacing only 269 lbs) and efficient planing hull form. Its fractional sloop rig, combined with a large spinnaker and a trapeze for the crew, enables it to achieve high speeds, particularly off-wind. With a hull speed of 5.12 knots, the 470 is designed to plane readily, offering an exhilarating experience for its two-person crew. The centerboard, with a minimum draft of 0.5 feet and a maximum draft of 3.17 feet, allows for versatility in various wind conditions and water depths, while contributing to its upwind performance and maneuverability.

Handling the 470 demands precise teamwork and athleticism from both the skipper and crew. The boat's responsive nature requires effective cooperation to maximize speed and maintain control, particularly during high-speed maneuvers and in challenging conditions. Key features like a fast-tacking two-car mainsail system and controls that allow the skipper to adjust the vang from either side contribute to its high-performance handling. The 470's design ensures it is a demanding yet rewarding boat to sail, suitable for competitive sailors of varying body weights.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated two-person racing dinghy, the 470 is engineered purely for performance and competition, offering no interior accommodations or amenities typically found on larger cruising sailboats. Its design prioritizes a functional and efficient cockpit layout that facilitates optimal crew movement and control. The open cockpit provides ample space for the skipper and crew to manage the intricate network of lines for the main, jib, and spinnaker, as well as the trapeze wire. Deck fittings and control systems are meticulously placed to ensure quick adjustments and efficient boat handling during races. The focus remains entirely on ergonomics for racing, with all elements designed to contribute to the boat's speed and the crew's ability to extract maximum performance.