Home/ Boats/ Laserperformance/ 49Er
Sailboat Specifications

49Er

Fractional Sloop · Centerboard Dinghy

Designed by Julian Bethwaite · Built by Laserperformance · First built 1999

+ Add to Compare
LOA 16.00 ft  ·  Beam 6.33 ft  ·  Displacement 270.00 lb  ·  Sail Area 229  ·  Fractional Sloop  ·  Centerboard Dinghy
About the 49Er Sailboat

Originally developed as a high-performance skiff for Olympic competition, this dynamic sailboat represents the pinnacle of modern racing design. Built for speed and agility, the 49er features an ultralight hull construction combined with an asymmetric spinnaker and trapeze system that allows crews to maximize boat performance in a wide range of conditions. Racing sailors will immediately recognize the boat's distinctive characteristics: its sleek, narrow beam and minimal wetted surface area translate to explosive acceleration and impressive top speeds. The demanding nature of this craft requires athletic crews with advanced sailing skills, as proper weight distribution and timing are crucial for optimal performance. Twin trapeze systems enable both crew members to hike out simultaneously, keeping the boat flat and powered up in stronger winds. While primarily designed for competitive racing, the 49er has gained recognition in sailing clubs worldwide as the ultimate platform for developing high-performance sailing skills. Its responsive handling teaches sailors precision boat control and tactical awareness that transfers well to other racing classes. The boat's reputation for durability and consistent performance has made it a fixture in sailing programs seeking to train competitive sailors at the highest level.

Videos
Dimensions & Specifications
LOA (Length Overall) 16.00 ft / 4.88 m
Beam 6.33 ft / 1.93 m
Max Draft 4.92 ft / 1.50 m
Displacement 270.00 lb / 122 kg
Sail Area (Reported) 229
Design & Construction
Hull Type Centerboard Dinghy
Rigging Type Fractional Sloop
Construction FG
Designer Julian Bethwaite
Builder LaserPerformance
First Built 1999
Related Sailboats 49Erfx · Contender · Fireball · Hornet · 490
Owner Reviews

No owner reviews yet — be the first to share your experience with this boat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 49Er's sail area to displacement ratio?

The 49Er has a Sail Area to Displacement ratio (SA/D) of 87.79. Values between 14–18 are typical cruising sailboats; 18–22 is cruiser/racer; over 22 is performance racing.

What is the 49Er's comfort ratio?

The 49Er has a Ted Brewer Comfort Ratio of 2.48. A ratio over 30 indicates good offshore comfort; over 40 is very comfortable offshore.

Is the 49Er safe for offshore sailing?

The 49Er has a Capsize Screening Formula value of 3.92. Values under 2.0 are considered acceptable for offshore sailing; under 1.8 is ideal.

What is the hull speed of the 49Er?

The theoretical hull speed of the 49Er is 4.94 kn knots, calculated from its waterline length.

How much does a 49Er weigh?

The 49Er has a displacement of 270.00 lb and a length overall (LOA) of 16.00 ft.

Who designed the 49Er?

The 49Er was designed by Julian Bethwaite, first built in 1999.