Two Person Dinghy Men & Women - 470

The 470 was designed in 1963 by Andre CORNU (FRA) as a modern fibreglass planing dinghy with trapeze and spinnaker.

In 1969 the class was given international status and has been on the Olympic programme since 1976, sailing initially as an open event. 

The 470 was the first dinghy of the modern Olympic era, could accommodate light and medium weight crews and be sailed as effectively by men as women. 

In 1984, Cathy FOSTER (GBR) became not only the first woman to helm a boat in an open event at the modern Games, but the first women in history to win a race at the Olympics. 

In 1988, the  IYRU (now ISAF) created the first women's only event and selected the 470.  In parallel a men's double-handed dinghy event was created, also using the 470. A technical and tactical boat, the 470 is popular around the world. World and contintental championships take place annually.