The shape of the 2.4mR resembles that of larger boats that adhere to the metre rule, such as the 12-metre boat that was sailed at the America’s Cup and at the Olympics. First developed in Sweden at the beginning of the 1980s, there were initially several designs for the 2.4mR, one of which was by Peter Norlin. Norlin then created the MkII and MkIII. The Norlin MkIII proved to be versatile in all weather conditions, and it rapidly became the most commercially available 2.4mR.

All the controls are displayed in front of the helmsperson; each trim control within easy reach. The sailor can steer using either hands or feet. The sailor’s weight is close to the centre of gravity, therefore size and fitness level of the sailor have a negligible impact on speed. In other words, the 2.4mR can be considered the most inclusive sailing boat available today, making all competitors virtually equal on the water regardless of their age, physical strength or gender. The great demands on the individual are entirely down to pure sailing skills, with an emphasis on strategy, sail trim and speed.

Thanks to its singular qualities, the 2.4mR quickly became one of the fastest-growing keelboat classes of all time. It attained international status in 1992, when annual World Championships began attracting large fleets of 2.4mR each year. When sailing became a full-medal sport at the Paralympics in 2000, the Norlin MkIII was selected as the single-handed class. The 2015 Open World Championship in Rauma, Finland attracted 102 competitors from 15 nations.