Exciting times ahead, the i420 is here on the Bay.
Please consider trying out the International 420 this winter/spring/summer. https://www.usi420.org/
This is a great option for many youth sailors; the i420 is optimized for great sailing performance with a light, optimized hull, tapered spar, optimized foils, more rig tuning options, and an open rule on sails (sailors are free to choose any sail maker who builds class-legal sails). Sailors can learn a great deal with this platform!
As its name suggests, the i420 also offers the potential for international competition, and the international class website is a great place to visit to learn more about this: http://www.420sailing.org/
In fact, the boat is quite popular in Europe and around the world, and is the default standard boat for the 
doublehanded Youth Sailing World Championship each year. This is a nice potential outlet (like the Optimist Class offers), for sailors who seek to continue their competition level to the world stage. This, however, is NOT a requirement. There are enough i420 events right here on the east coast USA to allow for a GREAT experience.
Why sail the i420? The i420 offers great learning potential for youth sailors with it’s tuning options.
Also, the boat simply sails really well while still offering tactical sailing and learning opportunities. It is FUN, FAST, and stable.
The class also attracts some of the top sailors around the USA, and the world.
Why isn’t this class bigger right now in the USA? Over the years, the class has developed a reputation of being expensive, and also somewhat exclusive. There is a perception that to excel in the class, a team must train constantly and at almost a professional level. Our program seeks to de-mystify this idea, encourage and afford youth sailors the opportunity to sail this boat, enjoy it, and take advantage of the learning opportunities it provides, and of course to have fun.
SailiDesign has made a commitment to the class, and we are excited to announce our professional partnership with Mackay Boats in New Zealand (first container just left Friday headed to Florida!!!) and a world-level Sail maker (announcement soon) along with our used Marketplace, to find affordable competitive boats at all levels. You don’t need to be a pro to sail this boat; you just need to love great sailing!
First, competitive i420’s are actually NOT expensive, and there are boats on the market right now that are quite reasonable.
Second, this year alone there are 4 “major” events on the east coast of the USA, and we hope to add more, right here in the Chesapeake Bay! In fact, between now and February, there are 3 excellent i420 regattas scheduled in Florida!!
The hope is to have this i420 program move into the realm and oversight of CBOT over time, as we continue to develop the Chesapeake Bay Youth Sailing Team.
JOIN OUR MAILING LIST: https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/s1d-i420-team
Sign up for Training Sessions: https://forms.gle/eyjyYNxBTG1n9A9C8
Reply to this note if you’d like to be added to our group email list, or please sign up below with the Google form link.
Our plan is to set up a training schedule, occasionally after school, but also on targeted weekends where the weather looks good.
Sail1Design Youth Sailing Team 