470 vs Windmill
How do the 470 and Windmill compare? Below, their dimensions, displacement, sail area and the standard design ratios side by side, followed by a data-driven summary.
470 
Windmill | 470 | Windmill | |
|---|---|---|
| Length overall | 15.4 ft4.70 m | 15.5 ft4.72 m |
| Waterline length | 14.4 ft4.40 m | 14.5 ft4.42 m |
| Beam | 4.2 ft1.27 m | 4.8 ft1.45 m |
| Draft | 0.5 ft0.15 m | 4.2 ft1.27 m |
| Displacement | 265 lb120 kg | 198 lb90 kg |
| Ballast | —— | —— |
| Sail area | 137 ft²12.7 m² | 119 ft²11.1 m² |
| SA / Displacement | 53.13 | 56.05 |
| Displacement / Length | 39 | 29 |
| Comfort ratio | 4.1 | 2.6 |
| Capsize screening | 2.60 | 3.26 |
| Hull speed (kn) | 5.1 | 5.1 |
470 vs Windmill: the short version
- The 470 and Windmill are close in length (15.4 ft4.70 m vs 15.5 ft4.72 m ).
- The 470 is heavier, displacing about 34% more, which usually means a steadier but slower-to-accelerate hull.
- On sail area/displacement the Windmill carries the more powerful rig (56.0 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 3.26).
Ratios are guidelines computed from published specs; condition, layout and gear matter as much as the numbers.