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Early in March, 5.5m sailors from Sweden, Finland and Germany met in Stockholm, in order to find ways to increase racing activity in Northern Europe. The meeting was containing visits to boats, a joyful dinner and having a look around the big "Allt for Sjön" boatshow.
The first stop on the way brought us to SWE 46 (Ohlson 1962), beautifully restored by Mats Nelson.
 | | "Cirrus II" |
The group of visitors had a close look at details and craftsmanship.
 | | "Cockpit view" |
When looking at the sails, we came across this stamp:
 | | "Main from S-37" |
With the help of a lamp, we could detect the stitches of the old sailnumber of the Silver-medal winning Swedish Olympic participant "Rush VII", which is today sailing as GER 64 on the Lake of Starnberg. A quick phonecall to the owner and the sail was sold - and will be reunited with the boat after almost 50 years.
Then, the team drove on to SWE 33, which Peter Lundquist has brought back to mint racing condition.
 | | "Wooden detail" |
After an excellent lunch in Vaxholm and the visit to SWE 33, the team headed on to Saltsjöbaden, where SWE 54 is being restored at Sune Carlssons boatyard. Sune, who joined the visiting team in the afternoon, had built the boat in 1968 for Bobby Symonette and his son Leif is bringing it back to original condition, just in time for the 50th anniversary of the boatyard.
 | | "Full fledged restoration" |
During the visit Leif not only informed on the restoration, but also about future plans. We are very happy to hear, that he will be studying new designs and that he has plans to build a Modern 5.5m boat. With this information received the ball was played back, with a proposal for a World Championship on the Swedish East Coast, in 2015, adding to the list of existing proposals for Norway and Switzerland. The possible location can be Nynäshamn, details are being evaluated.
In the evening the team joined for dinner aboard "Mälardrottningen", the famous Hutton Yacht. If ever you happen to look for stylish accomodation aboard a Yacht while in Stockholm, this is the place to go. Perfectly located in midtown.
On Sunday we have had the pleasure to greet two famous Swedish 5.5m sailors, Peter Sundelin (1968 Gold Medalist), who presented his sailtraining project and Per Skoglund, who might want to offer you excellent rigs.
Right after the weekend, Anders Nordman proposed to repeat the Nordic meeting, suggesting to join up in Finland next year, at the time of the Helsinki boatshow, in 2014.
So, it is all about meeting with good friends; I do wish you lots of these meetings also in the racing season!
Yours,
Kaspar Stubenrauch
President
International 5.5 Class Association
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Australia
In March, the Australian 5.5m Fleet has been racing their National Championship, hosted by Vaucluse Yacht Club. While we do look forward to the race results and images, the International World of 5.5m sailing has gladly provided us with a result report - from Canada! Peter McDonald, currently living up North, sent in this report, informing the head of the Canadian 5.5's, John Lister:
"My boys just finished the Aussie 5.5m Nationals in the mighty "Pam". As you are a connoisseur of the traditional 5.5's, you would be pleased to know that "Pam", a near replica of your beautiful girl ("Nantoria") gave them a run for their money against some much younger, lighter boats. I think we had 10 boats turn up, but can scratch together 15 on a good day. She snatched the Silver Sup, pretty good for a 50 year old "Dinosaur" as she is often called, till of course we kick their ass. I am looking forward to sitting my backside down on her deck and driving her around Sydney harbour." Pete
Peter is planning to join the North American 5.5m Meeting, in August this year, aboard a North American 5.5m boat.
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France
The French 5.5m Class Association has announced an Early Bird fee for the European Championship, which does need registration completed by 31st of March. Please check the NOR for details.
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Germany
The first regatta of the Season "Willi Lehmann Preis", will be held in Berlin, 9th to 12th of May. So far 14 boats are registered, some 15-16 can be reached, quite a number for a local race. And with entries from Austria and Sweden, this event has turned International. Those joining from abroad are invited to leave their boats in Berlin, well stored and looked after, until the summer event in July, the German & Dutch Open.
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Great Britain
Sailors from the DARING Class are showing interest to charter 5.5m boats in Continental 5.5m races and are offering reciprocal charter of DARING boats on the Solent. Those interested are invited to contact with Kristi Roger kristi.roger<at>me.com and to check the DARING website.
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The Netherlands
The Dutch 5.5m Class Assocation is holding their Annual meeting in mid March, deciding on next steps for Class growth.
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Switzerland
With the skies stored after the Gstaad races, the next one on the list is the Easter Regatta on the Lake of Thun, at the end of the month. Those who have not experienced this particular event, are invited to come along.
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Boats 4 Sail
In recent months, quite a number of 5.5m boats have changed hands and well known active regatta sailors have joined the Int. 5.5m Class. Speaking in Stock Exchange terms, the recommendation still firmly reads: BUY! The offer of used boats is limited and prices will be on the rise. Please contact the International Class, for information on boats which are looking for new ownership, in order to see these boats racing again:
Not all of these boats are officially advertised, but known and the Class is keen to see the boats placed in waters where they will find suitable competitors, age- & speedwise.
And then, there is always a chance to consider a new one. With currently more than 5 design options to choose from, chances for gaining speed by new developments are on the table.
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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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