Proven from Sydney Hobart to Tahiti Named Dimension-Polyant cloth Designed in Geelong, shipped worldwide Talk to a sailmaker
A$US$ Get a quote
Kraken Favicon
QUOTE
Quote
Go
Browse all 1,200+ boats →
Dinghy

420

dinghy

The two-person trainer that bridges Optimist and Olympic racing, still the most raced dinghy of its size in the world.

LOA
4.2
M
YEAR DESIGNED
1959
DESIGNER
Christian Maury
One-Design Sails

Sails For This Class

Showing all 6 results

Technical Data

Specifications

LOA
4.2
M
Beam
1.63
M
Draft
0.965
M
Hull Weight
80
KG
Crew Min
2
Crew Max
2
Year Designed
1959
Mainsail Area
7.45
M²
Jib Area
2.8
M²
Spinnaker Area
8.83
M²
Class Profile

Class Facts & History

Category
Dinghy
Type
dinghy
Designer
Christian Maury
Class Association
International 420 Class Association

History

Christian Maury designed the 420 in France in 1959 as a lighter, more affordable step up from single-handed dinghies. It picked up momentum through the 1960s and 70s as schools and youth programs adopted it, and it became a World Sailing International Class in 1973.

Sailing Characteristics

With a single trapeze and symmetric spinnaker, the 420 teaches proper crew coordination without punishing small mistakes the way faster boats do. It's forgiving enough for beginners but still planes and carries way when sailed well, which is why it's the standard pathway boat into 470 and skiff sailing.

Racing Context

World and European Championships run every year, and the class has strong fleets in France, Italy, the UK, the US and Australia, largely through school, club and university programs.

Not Sure This Is Your Exact Boat?

Browse the full range of one-design classes we build sails for, or get in touch and we'll help you find the right rig.

Browse All Classes