470 vs Vanguard 15
How do the 470 and Vanguard 15 compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
470 
Vanguard 15 | 470 | Vanguard 15 | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 15.4 ft4.70 m | 15.3 ft4.65 m |
| Waterline length | 14.4 ft4.40 m | 15.0 ft4.57 m |
| Beam | 4.2 ft1.27 m | 5.5 ft1.68 m |
| Draft | 0.5 ft0.15 m | 3.4 ft1.04 m |
| Displacement | 265 lb120 kg | 200 lb91 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 137 ft²12.7 m² | 125 ft²11.6 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 53.13 | 58.48 |
| Displacement / Length | 39 | 26 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.1 | 2.1 |
| Capsize screening | 2.60 | 3.76 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.1 | 5.2 |
470 vs Vanguard 15: the short version
- The 470 and Vanguard 15 are close in length (15.4 ft4.70 m vs 15.3 ft4.65 m ).
- The 470 is heavier, displacing about 33% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Vanguard 15 carries the more powerful rig (58.5 vs 53.1), favouring lighter-air performance.
- The 470 scores higher on the Brewer comfort ratio, suggesting an easier motion in a seaway.
- By the capsize screening formula the 470 rates better for offshore work (2.60 vs 3.76).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.