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Designed by the French Andre Cornu as a boat that sailors of different weights and ages could use, this centerboard boat became an international class in 1969. It has been an Olympic doublehanded men's and women's class since 1976. Only in 1988 did the Games start to hold separate events for women and men in this formerly open class. The 470 planes easily and is best suited to more experienced sailors; skill is more important than athleticism. Measuring exactly 4.7 meters (15.5 ft.), the boat has large sails for its size, including a conventional spinnaker, and features a trapeze for the crew. In the U.S., the boat is most popular on the inland lakes of the upper Midwest. The 470 is an International Sailing Federation (ISAF) Olympic Class. For more information, read the 470 Wikipedia article.