Designed by Julian Bethwaite, the 49er is an evolution of the International 14's and Aussie 18's. The hump-less drag curve has been refined and works better on the 49er than on the 18's due to its length/weight ratios. The boat has very fine lines forward - meaning that the slap and thud that is normally associated with going to windward at speed is removed. The 49er is controllable over 20 knots and benefits from easy handling, even in the most highly competitive races and tough conditions.

It's hard to imagine that a boat that looks so up to date as the 49er has been around for a decade already. Almost a thousand boats later, it has become a modern design classic. Dave Hall comments: 'The 49er is the boat by which all others are judged, and it has changed the face of sailing. It has brought skiff sailing to everyone. We've got boats that match today's era, they look appropriate for the 21st century, and they bring high-performance thrills for low cost and very little maintenance.

Mainsheet System
The 49er has a floating block that can be raised or lowered depending on wind conditions. To avoid sheeting out in heavy air, raising the block opens the leech by pulling the boom towards the centerline rather than downwards. In lighter wind, lowering the block closes the leech and creates an efficient sail shape.

Vang/Gnav
The double-ended 8:1 vang allows adjustment from either side of the boat. A 2:1 gnav (which pushes boom down instead of pulling it down like a vang), which makes it easier for the crew to move under the boom.

Spinnaker Launcher and Retrieval System

The starboard lead of this powerful T2 spinnaker system raises the sail quickly. The port lead pops the cleat and pulls the spinnaker back into the sock.