The International 5.5 Metre Class is consistently presenting new designs to the race meetings, bringing an additional attraction to competition, next to wind & waves, crew, sails and equipment.
As our rating rules do permit certain changes to existing hulls, some boats get into the hands of boatbuilders to achieve that particular competitive edge. The most recent example is 5.5 SUI 222, which underwent a major hull modification in 2011:
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| 5.5 SUI 222 being modified in 2011 (c) C. Wilke |
Recent races do reconfirm the excellent work done, with Jürg Menzi & Crew on SUI 222 winning the Easter Regatta on the Lake of Thun and the Coupe de la Harpe on the Lake of Geneva. We do look forward to be seeing boat & crew in many race meetings during this year, in front rankings.
The promotional project to build a new 5.5m and to finalize it during the Hamburg boatshow, thus generating PR-coverage for the Class, will be postponed to 2012.
All of those having considered the possiblity to go for a used Modern boat this year, are invited to contact the Class for information about the boats currently on offer.
During the next weeks we do have several National 5.5m Championships on offer, with Switzerland reaching near 20 boats on the Lake of Neuchatel, the French Association is inviting to come to Brest waters, the German Class Association is celebrating the 10th anniversary on Flensburg Fjord & at Shores, Gardens & the FSC and our Norwegian friends are holding their Nationals during Hankø Race Week. As mentioned in an earlier Newsletter: Please do visit your neighbours!
Thank you for travelling and do enjoy the races!
Yours,
Kaspar
