The International 470 remains one of the world’s most technically demanding Olympic sailing classes. Success in the 470 isn’t just about rig setup, sail shape, or foils, —it’s about perfecting the art of teamwork, especially the precise synchronisation of skipper and crew during body pumping.
Why Change?
While the fundamental rules around body pumping haven’t changed, the techniques most teams use have evolved dramatically over the past few Olympic cycles. Today’s body pumping and downwind kinetics are more powerful and efficient, pushing both sailors and boats to new limits. Sailors now demand hulls that are more stable and forgiving, allowing them to focus their energy on body movement rather than constant fine-tuning.
Recognising this shift, Mackay Boats have worked on refining their proven design. The result is the M10; a hull designed to enable teams to maximise speed through advanced body pumping.
What’s New in the M10?
1. Hull Shape Optimised for Pumping
The M10 features increased volume in both the bow and stern, providing greater stability and balance to better suit more aggressive downwind and upwind sailing. The midsection retains the proven, efficient lines of Mackay’s previous 470s, ensuring familiar handling and speed.
2. Fairer, Faster Bow
Significant effort went into refining the bow for a fairer, cleaner hull shape, helping the boat slice through waves with less resistance—especially important when the boat is driven hard by skilled crews.
3. All-New Deck and Cockpit
The deck has been redesigned and the cockpit is now wider; with the gunwales higher amidships, addressing sailor feedback for a drier ride. Improved foredeck aerodynamics also help reduce drag and enhance speed.
4. Maximum Dimensions for Maximum Performance
Staying true to Mackay’s philosophy, the M10 is built to the absolute maximum waterline length and deck width allowed. On the M10, the maximum deck width extends further aft, enabling the skipper to contribute even more to righting moment—critical when driving the boat with powerful body movements.
More Than a Hull—A Platform for Teamwork
Body pumping in the International 470 is a highly technical and physical skill, involving rapid, rhythmic movements to generate speed by flexing the sail leech. With the 470’s lightweight (120 kg) and highly responsive hull, every movement counts. The M10 is meticulously tuned to translate your physical effort directly into forward speed, upwind or downwind, enabling teams to reach their full potential.