Open 5.70 Information, Review, Specs

History and Design

The Open 5.70's journey began with its production starting in 2002. It was brought to life by the vision of French naval architect Jean-Marie Finot, a designer known for his passion and innovative approach to sailboat design. Finot's philosophy for the "Open" class, including the 5.70, was to create small, performance-oriented keelboats that prioritize speed, ease of handling, and an engaging sailing experience. The primary goal was to provide a stable platform that could still deliver the exhilarating "surfing" capabilities associated with lighter craft.

The original builder, Phileas Boats in Rochefort, France, was instrumental in bringing Finot's design to fruition. In the United States, Open Sailing Inc., established in 2008 by Jerome and Nik Vale, built upon the groundwork of Sailing Sportboats to actively promote these Finot-designed sportboats. Their efforts were crucial in introducing and supporting the Open 5.70 within the North American sailing community, fostering a dedicated one-design racing class., 25] The Open 5.70 has undergone some changes since its initial production, indicating a continuous effort to refine the design.

Sailing Performance and Handling

The Open 5.70 is renowned for its thrilling sailing performance, designed for both competitive one-design racing and spirited recreational sailing. Its fractional sloop rig, combined with a reported sail area of 289 square feet, ensures lively performance. The boat is particularly noted for its large asymmetrical spinnaker, approximately 378 square feet, which allows for impressive downwind speeds, capable of exceeding 18 knots.

Owners and reviewers consistently praise the Open 5.70 for its responsive and balanced handling. It is described as a boat that turns easily and relaunches quickly, maintaining stiffness even in a strong breeze. Despite its small size, its keelboat design provides a stable platform, and it is explicitly stated to be unsinkable and difficult to capsize, offering a sense of security even during high-performance maneuvers. The inclusion of a lifting keel is a significant design feature, offering two draft settings (1.75m/5.74' or 1.45m/4.76'). This lifting keel provides the advantage of improved performance when lowered and easy access to shallow waters, and simplified trailering and storage when raised. While some owners note that lighter winds can be a struggle, the boat truly shines in a breeze, making for an excellent sailing experience.

Accommodations and Layout

As a dedicated sportboat, the Open 5.70 prioritizes on-deck performance and open cockpit space over extensive interior accommodations. The cabin, with limited headroom (around 1.05m or 3.44 ft), is best described as a compact storage volume rather than a living space. It is typically very basic, lacking amenities such as berths or dedicated ventilation, which are characteristic of pure cruisers.

While the standard configuration is sparse, some owners have made modifications, such as adding a small toilet or LED cabin lights for limited overnight use. However, the primary focus of the Open 5.70's design remains on its spacious deck and great handling, providing ample room for crew movement and sail management during active sailing. The hull is constructed from solid fiberglass, indicative of robust build quality for its intended high-performance use.

Owner's Perspectives

Owners of the Open 5.70 frequently commend its solid construction and high-quality build, often describing it as "tank-like" in its durability. The boat is widely appreciated for its ability to deliver an exciting and fun sailing experience, particularly for experienced sailors and racers seeking a blast without the complexities of larger vessels. Its design as a strict one-design class is also a significant draw, emphasizing sailor skill and strategic racing., 26]

A recurring theme in owner discussions revolves around its performance in varying wind conditions, with many agreeing that the boat truly excels in a breeze, offering excellent sailing. In lighter winds, some owners note it can be a struggle, though this is a common characteristic of many performance-oriented designs. There have been discussions among owners regarding its PHRF rating, as sportboats like the Open 5.70 can sometimes present challenges for traditional rating systems. While the boats are generally well-regarded for their robust construction, some forum discussions have touched upon potential modifications, such as a masthead rig, to further enhance speed characteristics. Overall, the consensus points to a highly enjoyable and well-built sportboat that delivers on its promise of accessible, high-performance sailing.