49er
The 49er is a newer one-design class of small sailing dinghy with an overall length of 4.8 meters or 16 feet. It is a double handed twin trapeze boat, meaning that it is sailed by a helm and a crew, the helm making many tactical decisions, as well as steering, and the crew doing most of the sail control.
The design, by Julian Bethwaite, the son of Frank Bethwaite, (the designer of the popular Tasar and Laser 2 classes), is revolutionary. The boat is experiencing an increase in popularity due to its selection as an Olympic class starting with the Sydney Olympics of 2000.
The 49er is the most acrobatic and spectacular of the Olympic Class boats. It is the lightest, and has one of the biggest sail areas. The 49er can be a sailor’s dream or nightmare: some despise it, some don’t understand it, some can’t tame it.- Luca Modena, second in the 49er class at Italy’s 2004 Olympic Trials
49er Team
49er Racing History
Nov 2008- Ovington Inland Regatta, RYA National Ranking Event- 3rd place
Oct 2008- Sail for Gold Regatta- 14th overall
Aug 2008- British National Championships- 3rd place
June 2008- Kiel Week- 2nd overall in Silver Fleet
Delta Lloyd Regatta- 28th overall
Mar 2008- 39th Trofeo SAR Princess Sofia Mapfre- Gold Fleet
Feb 2008- World Championships- 52nd place
Nov 2007- Selected for Skandia Team GBR Olympic Development Squad
49er Inland Championship- 3rd place
Oct 2007- RYA National Ranking Event- 4th place
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