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Dinghy

505

dinghy

A high-powered planing dinghy from the 1950s that still holds its own against modern skiffs on a reach.

LOA
5.05
M
YEAR DESIGNED
1954
DESIGNER
John Westell
One-Design Sails

Sails For This Class

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Technical Data

Specifications

LOA
5.05
M
Beam
1.88
M
Draft
1.4
M
Hull Weight
127
KG
Crew Min
2
Crew Max
2
Year Designed
1954
Mainsail Area
12.3
M²
Jib Area
4.94
M²
Spinnaker Area
27
M²
Class Profile

Class Facts & History

Category
Dinghy
Type
dinghy
Designer
John Westell
Class Association
International 505 Class Association

History

John Westell developed the 505 in the UK from his earlier Coronet design, entering it in a 1953 trial for a new French national dinghy. It didn't win that trial but earned International Yacht Racing Union recognition in 1955 on its own merits, and around 9,000 boats have been built since.

Sailing Characteristics

A big rig, wide trapezing platform and generous spinnaker make the 505 genuinely quick, it starts planing upwind in around 10 knots and carries that speed downwind with the kite up. It's a physical boat that suits fit crews who enjoy sailing on the edge.

Racing Context

World Championships alternate between Europe and the rest of the world, with established fleets in the UK, Germany, the US, Australia and Poland among the roughly 18 countries that race the class.

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