49er Sailboats - Sailing and Crash Videos

Above are some videos of the 49er sailboat in action.

The first video is what not to do, a collection of spectacular 49er crashes.

The second and third sailing videos have some great footage of 49ers racing.

The 49er sailboat is a one-design class of sailing dinghy. It is a double handed twin trapeze boat, meaning that it is sailed by a helm and a crew. The boat is 16 feet overall, and is designed is by Julian Bethwaite, who is the son of Frank Bethwaite, designer of the Tasar and Laser 2 classes. The boat is increasing in popularity due to its selection as an Olympic class starting in 2000.

It's always great to see these speedy little dinghys racing around the bay.

These are more questions than comments. I am inexperienced except for Sunfish sailing but going faster seems like a good idea to a former powerboat guy. How is the safety record of the 49er compared to catamarans like the Tornado? Are these boats similar to the ones called 18 foot skiffs in the movie 'Wind' ?
Do I have to be young and skinny to sail one? ;-)

Anybody can sail a 49er sailboat.  The trick is getting it back upright once you have capsized it.  I would suggest wearing a good PFD and learning in area where you would not mind swimming

Let us know how it goes! 

AWESOME!

READ MORE ABOUT 49er sailboats at:

• Olympic Sailing - the 49er Class
• or here: 49er