About

Julian Bethwaite’s 49er is a high-performance sailing ski that was designed for Olympic-level competition. The boat was introduced in 1998 and quickly became one of the most popular and successful Olympic classes, winning numerous medals at the Summer Games.

The 49er is a double-handed boat that is sailed by a male and female crew. The boat is lightweight and fast, with a hull length of 4.9 meters and a sail area of around 23 square meters. The boat is designed for sailing in a variety of conditions, including wind speeds ranging from 5 to 25 knots.

One of the key features of the 49er is its stability and maneuverability. The boat is designed with a wide hull and a shallow draft, which allows it to sail in a variety of water conditions and perform tight maneuvers. The boat also has a trapeze system, which allows the crew to hike out and reduce drag, increasing speed and agility.

The 49er has been widely popular in the sailing community, with many national teams and clubs around the world using the boat for training and competition. The boat has also been used in various other racing events, including the World Match Racing Tour and the Red Bull Youth America’s Cup.

Julian Bethwaite’s 49er is a testament to his innovative design skills and his passion for sailing. The boat has proven to be a successful and popular choice for elite sailors and has helped to promote the sport of sailing around the world.