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

All controls are displayed in front of the helmsperson, with 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, the 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 due 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 ever. It attained international status in 1992 when the annual World Championships began attracting large fleets of 2.4mR yearly. 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.