Darren wrote:
I'm interested in purchasing a 470 dinghy and although I've sailed a
bit, I'm not sure whether this type of boat is what I'm looking for.
Can anybody tell me anything or point to a website about this type of
sailing boat?


http://www.470.org/

http://www.arrowsails.co.uk/gbr470/boat.htm


I know it is a racing boat but do you need a crew to sail it or can
you sail it (comfortably) by one person? Can you sail it slow or is it
always fast?


Depends on the wind

A good sailor can singlehand a 470, but it's better with crew. If you
singlehand one often, especially in tight quarters or wind above 10mph,
you'll get to be a good sailor yourself.

As for "always fast" I think the 470 has a good rig for depowering, but
there are limits. You could get a set of daysailing/hi wind sails that
would make the boat less squirrelly... in fact one thing to beware of is
that if you buy an old clapped-out racing boat, the sails will be shot
and *will* need to be replaced before the boat will sail decently.

Hope this helps. The 470 is a great boat.

Fresh Breezes- Doug King