We ask top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest yachts of our times. This month Francesca Clapcich nominates the 49er FX dinghy\u201cI did my last Olympic campaign on the 49erFX in Rio, 2016. Actually, that was the first Olympic Games where the 49er was also a women\u2019s class, so we were a bit the pioneers of that era,\u201d recalls Clapcich, who finished fifth at Rio representing Italy with Giulia Conti.
\nThe 49er was introduced as a women\u2019s skiff class, with the FX rig giving lighter crews a shorter mast and reduced sail plan on the 49er platform.
\n\u201cThe boat is really amazing. It\u2019s a double-handed boat with a double trapeze, and extremely physical. The physical preparation is a massive key to be able to sail the boat at the best of its performance,\u201d says Clapcich.
\n\u201cOverall, I really enjoyed that year sailing with Giulia in the 49er. I really enjoy pushing myself in the gym, and pushing the boat on the water, always trying to make perfect manoeuvres around the course.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s never easy. The level of the class was really high. It\u2019s a really special boat.\u201d
\nMake sure you check out our full list of\u00a0Coolest boats.
\nPhoto: Sailing Energy
\n49er FX stats rating
\nTop speed: 25 knots
\nLOA: 4.99m\/16ft 4\u00bdin
\nLaunched: 2012
\nBerths: 0
\nPrice: \u20ac30-35,000
\nAdrenalin factor: 85%
\nFrancesca Clapcich
\nFrancesca Clapcich is an Italian sailor who twice competed at the Olympic Games, in the Laser Radial in 2012, and 49erFX in 2016. She sailed for the US team American Magic in the Puig Women\u2019s America\u2019s Cup in 2024, and won the 2022\/23 The Ocean Race with 11th Hour Racing. She is now campaigning for the 2028 Vend\u00e9e Globe.<\/p>\n
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We ask top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest yachts of our times. This month Francesca Clapcich nominates the 49er FX dinghy\u201cI did my last Olympic campaign on the 49erFX in Rio, 2016. Actually, that was the … <\/p>\n