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The presentation of the International 5.5m Class to other sailors is a key element for growth. In Switzerland, 5.5m sailors from Zürich have initiated their participation in the local "Frühlingspreis" Regatta and could present a good number and variety of boats, to the interested public. While some forecasts had seen little wind, in the end this was counteracted by stormy weather gathering over Zürich Lake.
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Happy faces: The fun of the meeting dominated
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With the wind increasing, the anchor rope of the starting vessel got cut and in the end the races had to be called off. Once being there, some 5.5's took the chance to test the lake, though. Afterwords all met at the home of one of the participants, for a festive dinner, toasting to him with a big MERCI VIELMALS!
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Testing SUI 226: These boats are built for power
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We do wish the organizers good winds for next years' edition and do hope that in many other harbours similar local regattas will be used for promotional purposes.
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Promotion time: The new 5.5m banner, prominently placed
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So then, on to the next races!
Yours,
Kaspar
Kaspar Stubenrauch President Int'l. 5.5m Class
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France
The French fleet is waking up from its winter and working times: The racing season is starting very soon now! Several measurements were done by Guy-Rolland Perrin in March, the French boats are being better prepared and trimmed: Signs of a living fleet.
Within two weeks will be the first event of the French racing calendar; the French Open will be raced from Friday, May 18th to the 20th.
It will be held during the French Naval Academy "Grand Prix", which is welcoming around 170 one designs for the French National Championship. Among them in this major sailing event, the French 5.5's will have a nice fleet: It will be time to show everybody that a 50 years old 5.5 (and other youngers) can sail faster and closer to the wind than any kind of so-called "modern sport boat" (Longzte, J80, M34, "open" classes...). We are waiting for 5.5's from the neighbouring countries: Late entries would be welcome, do not worry about accommodation, etc... Everything is provided by the French Navy and you've got a free Thursday, 17th, to trim your boat! Let's have a look at www.gpen.fr ... The Sailing Instructions are already online!
 | | Give it a Chance: FRA 38 in Brest, 2011 |
The racing calendar is nearly full: From June to September races are scheduled nearly every two weeks; a good way for our 3 selected boats (FRA 19, FRA 46 and FRA 54) to trim before the Vintage Yachting Games, and the French 5.5's coming to next World's in Boltenhagen will come fit.
Last months saw some changes in the French fleet, who is welcoming two new members: FRA 48 has been sold and moved from the western point of Brittany to the Gulf of Morbihan, she will soon be part of the active racing fleet in southern Brittany. FRA 44 also have a new active owner; she's now leading the little but growing fleet of 5.5 in Arcachon (FRA 34, FRA 56 & FRA 44).
The "Trophée Christian Hauvette" is taking shape, to be given in memory of the late president of the French National 5.5m Class Association. The trophy will be a half model of the famous Kolly built beauty, "Stradivarius". It will be raced this year alongside with the "Coupe de Cornouailles" in Bénodet, on the 18th and 19th of August. It could be a very good opportunity to discover (or re-discover) this place before the Europeans 2013.
 | | French 5.5's upwind: FRA 38/46/51/19 during the previous "Grand Prix" at the Naval Academy |
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Germany
The German 5.5m Class Association will be racing their first regatta of the year in Berlin, next weekend. The "Willi Lehmann Preis" had been donated in 2007, to promote the class locally on Berlin waters and has been sailed in very nice locations, since.
 | | Berlin special: "Willi Lehmann Preis" |
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Italy
The Alpen Cup has been raced at the end of April, with an excellent performance of 5.5 SUI 226, the winning boat. As in all previous occasions, this regatta in Torbole is the Start-Up of our International racing events, with participants travelling long distance across Europe for a long & splendid weekend. A report and full results can be found in the News section of the International 5.5m Class website.
 | | SUI 226: Rolf, the Alpen Cup Winner, preparing for the next race |
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Switzerland
The next National 5.5m races in Switzerland are the ones on the Lake of Geneva, details can be found on the Swiss 5.5m Class Association website. With a good participation of Modern boats in the local races, a start has been made to again also attract Evolution boats. Owners are asked to make it a plan, to take it up with SUI 175, last years winner of the new National 5.5m Evolution trophy.
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The Shop
Coral Reef Sailing Apparel is The Source for Class Apparels and Team attires!
Support your Class by ordering from CRSA online store ~ 15% of the annual purchase amount is going back to the Class and you won't be disappointed by the quality of their products! - Thanks.
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