I cant recall all the details but the 49er is a SMOD "box boat". Had only one sail maker. When they changed makers the old sails were given a limited time before becoming non class legal. this may have changed..
But the box idea.. SMOD class open one box idea, main lobby guy was Bethwaite.. Its now a Olympic ideal...
As for females in Ts.. Didnt Elvstrom sail with his daughter in one olympics?