Designed by André Cornu in 1963, this Olympic-class dinghy has established itself as one of sailing's premier high-performance racing boats. The 470's lightweight fiberglass construction and fractional sloop rig create an exceptionally responsive platform that rewards skilled crews with exhilarating performance. With its centerboard configuration and modest 269-pound displacement, the 470 planes easily in moderate winds, making it ideal for competitive fleet racing and sailing instruction at advanced levels. The boat's sail area-to-displacement ratio of 52.65 delivers impressive acceleration and speed, while the relatively deep draft of 3.17 feet provides solid upwind performance despite the light displacement. The 470 serves dual roles as both a serious racing machine and an excellent training platform for aspiring Olympic sailors. Its demanding handling characteristics require precise crew coordination, making it particularly suitable for experienced teams looking to hone their skills. The boat's narrow beam and responsive helm provide immediate feedback, helping sailors develop refined technique. While primarily designed for protected waters and coastal racing, the 470's robust construction has proven durable through decades of competitive sailing. Various builders have maintained consistent quality standards, ensuring the class remains competitive and accessible to sailing programs worldwide.
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- Based on asking prices — not actual sale prices, which are typically lower.
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What is the 470's sail area to displacement ratio?
The 470 has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 52.65. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.
What is the 470's comfort ratio?
The 470 has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.89. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.
Is the 470 safe for offshore sailing?
The 470 has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.41. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.
What is the hull speed of the 470?
The theoretical hull speed of the 470 is 5.12 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.
How much does a 470 weigh?
The 470 has a displacement of 269.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 15.42 ft.
How much does a used 470 cost?
Based on 1 recent market listings, used 470 sailboats typically sell for between $2,500 and $2,500, with a median asking price of $2,500. Price varies significantly based on year, condition, location, and included equipment.
Who designed the 470?
The 470 was designed by André Cornu, first built in 1963.