Skiff - 49er

The 49er was designed by Australian Julian BETHWAITE in 1995 as a progression on the latest developments within the Australian 18-foot Skiff class.

With the prospect of huge spectator appeal at the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, a new event was introduced, that of the high performance dinghy, and after trials held on Lake Garda in Italy in September 1996, the 49er was chosen to be the equipment used. The class was granted international status in 1999.

Carrying a mass of sail, twin trapezes, wings and a huge assymetric spinnaker, the boat is very much for the expert sailor, providing fast, exciting sailing for athletes and spectators alike. The 49er is an open class, available to both men and women, with competitive sailing offered in a weight range from 145kgs to 165kgs (combined crew weight).

Spinnakers in the colours of the national flags of competing athletes were used in Athens 2004.