5.5 Class AssociationMay 8th, 2013
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Given the size of our Class, the intention to gather as many boats for International competition as possible, makes it necessary to concentrate on a selected number of events to race at.

 

For 2013 these are - next to the World's & the European's - the National Open 5.5m Championship events in Australia (March), France (May), Norway (June), Germany (July) and Switzerland (August).   

 

Following a discussion on class growth and strategy by a group of 5.5m sailors back in 2011, with the wish of focusing on top race events in selected Nations, the "5-Nations-Cup" was created. Sailed first time in 2012, the winners have been NED 31 (Modern), GER 75 (Evolution) and FRA 38 (Classic).
 
"Duchess of B - Norwegian Open 2012"
 
During an unexpected low wind phase at the Alpen Cup, some of the participants talked about a similar aim, choosing specific events for the promotion of the Class, also involving sponsors. The National Class Associations and the International Class are looking forward to proposals in this respect, be it for local/regional races or for a series of races.

 

Sponsors are also very welcome for the most successful virtual promoter, the International 5.5m Inventory. If a medium has brought the Class many new contacts in recent years as well as loads of historic input, this has been the one. Also, ISAF has sent in a written statement of support and appreciation! So far it is a pool of information only. To become a full fledged database, we do need additional funding. Please talk to your sailor friends, National Class Associations, companies connected to our sport and others, whom you consider appropriate to be presented with a unique advertising opportunity.

 

Having seen a big number of boats listed, an essential task to get more of these racing, is to encourage owners of idle lying boats to participate, locally and Internationally. If owners do not wish use them, a personal approach to convince them, lending these boats to young sailors of their clubs, could be the next step. Then, supporting these with appropriate towing vehicles, further serves to be getting these boats to many starting lines. 
                                                                                            
Speaking of travel plans: The Sailing Clubs, which are supporting us generously as hosts for our regattas, do need your early feedback for best planning and preparations. Please do register in time and then enjoy the races you have chosen for the season.
 
 
 

 

Yours,

  


Kaspar Stubenrauch
President
International 5.5 Class Association

 

Fleet News
 
Australia

 

The Australian 5.5m Class Association has nominated a new head of class, Mark Lutowski is following Dave de Coster. A big thank you to multi-boat-owner Dave for his dedicated support to the Class and best wishes for Mark. Dave is told to have some plans of a new Modern in his desk.  

Austria

 

Edmund Berndt & Crew will travel to Berlin in May, where they (AUT 16) are already long-time-repeat visitors at the "Willi Lehmann Preis".

 

"Belladonna 2 - leading the crowd"

Another Austrian boat, 5.5 AUT 21 "Schakal", has announced participation in the German & Dutch Open in Berlin in July.

 
Canada

 

John Lister is reporting, that 5.5 CAN 22 "Nantoria" is back to water and awaiting her first race. John is also planning to travel to Rhode Island in August and wishes to convince CAN 3 to join the North American 5.5m meeting.  

France

 

The French 5.5m Class Association is promoting a test-regatta, for those wishing to get used to Bretagne sailing conditions, prior to the European Championship in September. Find more on the Ludik Cup, 24&25 August in Concarneau by clicking here.

       

For the European Championship registration is open; the Benodet coast is an ideal early September holiday destination!  

 
Germany

 

The German 5.5m Fleet is growing further, with GER 78 (ex ITA 59) coming to Berlin, in order to promote the Class there in May, June and July. The boat is famous for her many Gold-Cup and World Championship titles. We will see, how she can manage, meeting with younger boats this summer. She is being made available to dedicated regatta sailors, until sold.

 

"Arunga III"

Also in Berlin, GER 84 (ex SUI 189) has arrived and will be racing during "Willi Lehmann Preis", in May.

 

"Join Willi!"

Then, GER 81 (ex SUI 191) is adding to bigger fields on the starting lines. A consortium of sailors from Greifswald, so far sailing aboard GER 47 and GER 75, have just now been to Torbole with "Ph�nix" and will race her on the Lake of Geneva (C. Faini, Morges), possibly then also travelling to the Lake of Constance (Int. Bodenseewoche). There has been silent talk about GER 88 (ex SUI 187), but so far no signs of her, yet.

 

Italy

 

The "Alpen Cup" has seen participation from Germany, Switzerland and The Netherlands. Markus Wieser (GER 79) has won the event, ahead of Hans-Peter Schmid (SUI 213) and Bernard Haissly (SUI 214). Full results available on the result page of the Int. 5.5m Class website. While the "Alpen Cup" has been a Swiss initiative with immediate and ever since good International attention, we do hope for an Italian participation, in 2014.

 

The Italian 5.5m Class Association has informed about the chance to test the Porto San Stefano waters (2014 World Cup scenery) this summer, full info in the News section of the International 5.5m Class website.

 
Norway

 

In Ris�r, the World's biggest one-spot 5.5m fleet is initiating the racing season. We do look forward to be hearing about the actual water temperature. Our Norwegian friends promise to heat it up until end June, for the Norwegian Open.

 

"The Ris�r Fleet"
Sweden 

 

Leif Carlsson of Sune Carlsson boatyard is informing on good progress to get SWE 54 back to the races.

 

"John B IV"

Jens Busch, long time 5.5m sailor from Stockholm, front ranker in several King Olav Cups and 2nd in the World Championship in 1983, will sail SWE 64 (charter on GER 78) in Berlin, in May.   

 
Switzerland

 

Gilbert Martinet, who is on his way to Berlin to race at the "Willi Lehmann Preis" aboard his beautiful "Stradivarius" for Modern honours, is informing, that a famous Classic 5.5m boat is returning to Switzerland; SUI 100 (ex ITA 72) is expected to race again. 

 

"Cyb�le"
She will hopefully soon be met by other newcomers, SUI 102 and SUI 77. Also SUI 207 is expected to return to Swiss regattas.

 

And - for all those who have continued reading so far - the best does come here: 5.5 SUI 227 is getting into shape, the new Alain Marchand designed boat is being presented on his website. Follow the further development:  www.alain-marchand.com  
 
The Netherlands

 

Pim Cappelle and Rob Smolders have initiated the Dutch 5.5m season on "The Kaag"-Lake, aboard 5.5 NED 7 "Geisha".

 

And, the Dutch 5.5m Class Association is holding a 5.5m promotion next weekend on Lake Westeinder, near Amsterdam. For more info have a look at their website.    

Then, there is this particularely shaped element: 

"Ondulated lead"

If you have not come across this particular Piece of Art, you may want to set your travel plans to summer time in a very centrally located European destination. If you do not know, what the element is and where that location is, contact your International Class at: [email protected]    

 
 
USA

 

An American Crew will be racing in Berlin in May, aboard USA 101 "Charybdis" (charter on GER 11). This will be the first American 5.5m boat racing in Europe in many years.

"Charybdis"
 
While details for the 2013 North American 5.5m Meeting in Bristol and Newport (RI) this August have been compiled by Daniel Rossi and are being announced to the North American 5.5m Classic owners, a first idea for a follow-up meeting in the Annapolis region in 2014 is being looked at. The 2014 Meeting will be open to all 5.5m categories.
 
 
Boats 4 Sail

 

If we would have to choose a boat of the month in each category, this month of May the top boats are these:

 

  • Modern: 5.5 SUI 193 > Perfect for Lake of Geneva to compete with SUI 192
  • Evolution: 5.5 AUT 22 > Perfect for Rapallo, to compete with ITA 58
  • Classic: 5.5 USA 79 > Perfect for the Annapolis region to compete with USA 75 and USA 98

In addition, have a look at the Classified ads, on the International 5.5m website.

 

And, continue to 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.

 

On the Modern side of things, the Class is informing about four top-notch boats - three good allrounders and two light wind jewels - on offer and will be pleased to pass information to interested sailors. Here is your chance, do go and get them!

 

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.
 
 
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.