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During these weeks the National 5.5m Class Associations are preparing the annual boat count, which is helping to reflect Class development, category structure and racing activities.
Thanks to some very quick answers, I have the pleasure to let you know about encouraging data, already now.
Following the 100% active Bahamas boats, both Norway and Germany do show more then 50% of all boats in the country being active in the races. Overall the Class has seen a 20% growth in active boats over the last two years. The biggest active boat group are the Evolution boats, followed by Classic boats. Newly built Modern boats add to the picture.
Yet, the biggest number to work on, are those boats not appearing at the races. The good news is, we are getting there; in many countries boats have changed hands and the new hands have been those of keen regatta sailors and those wanna be's.
There might be some boats, which at the first look do not seem to be ready, like GER 11, built in 1964. She has been equipped for single hand sailing, with a massive 1:16 jib controller and all lines ending at the helm. But, without any changes, she was recently well raced in Berlin.
 | | "Mindlift" - New varnish, a bit of tuning & deck equipment, new sails and: Ready to race |
The idea of chartering boats to potential candidates to join the Class has been picked up. We are seeing BAH 20, GER 11, GER 34, GER 78, GER 80 and SUI 222 kindly provided by their owners, for test-racing.
Coming back to reactivating boats. Which ones do we want? We want them all!
Yours,
Kaspar Stubenrauch
President
International 5.5 Class Association
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Finland
Two boats, "Figaro" and "Aava" have changed hands and are both going into restoration. This season 5-7 Classic boats will be showing up at Finnish regattas, for next year 9-10 are expected. Internationally, we do look forward to be welcoming Jussi & Crew.
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France
The French 5.5m Class Association is promoting the Ludik Cup regatta in Concarneau - NOR posted here [PDF]
And: It is time for your European Championship registration! September is getting nearer!
From Le Havre a request for sail support towards restoration projects is reaching us: Sails wanted to bring the boats out again! [PDF]
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Germany
With an expected number of 29 boats for the combined German & Dutch Open Championship in Berlin in July, the hosting Club VSaW is very much looking forward to be welcoming our Class.
The silent coastal talk about GER 88 (ex SUI 187) has turned into reality, the boat has arrived in Northern Germany and will participate in the Sterling Cup on Flensburg Fjord, in early August.
 | | "Briseis" |
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Italy
The races of the "Panerei Classics" in Argentario has seen 5.5 ITA 78 "Tara" showing exceptional performance, winning the 5.5m group. She is the latest "n+1" in Bella Italia. More details in the News section of the Int. 5.5m Class website.
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Norway
In Risør, all eyes have been on the King Oscar Norwegian Open, on the last weekend. Ready to start was the latest addition to the local fleet, 5.5 NOR 47 "Milene", making her the "n+1", there. But accidently, she got held up. All details on the Int. 5.5m Class website.
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Switzerland
The NOR for the Swiss Open (TYC) has been published, sailors are welcome to register for the August meeting on the Lake of Thun. In Switzerland 5.5 SUI 77 "Skylla" and SUI 227 are nearing completion, to become "n+2" á la Suisse.
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USA
A young American Crew has been racing in Berlin in May, aboard USA 101 "Charybdis" (GER 11), during the "Willi Lehmann Preis". On the following weekend a crew from VSaW raced the boat during the "Niemeyer Cup", finishing ahead of most Evolution boats in the race!
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5-Nations-Cup
The top 5 regattas besides the World's and the European Championship for the 5.5's in 2013 are summing up points for the participants. So far the races in Australia, France and Norway are counting, Germany and Switzerland to be added. The proposal for 2014 is to focus travel plans besides the World's, on Alpen Cup, Dutch Open, Norwegian Open, Sterling Cup and Swiss Open.
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Boats 4 Sail
If we would have to choose a boat of the month in each category, this month of June the top boats are these:
- Modern: 5.5 SUI 193 > Perfect to join SUI 192 on the Lake of Geneva
- Evolution: 5.5 GER 75 > Perfect for Constance, to compete with SUI 155
- Classic: 5.5 USA 79 > Perfect for Annapolis, to compete with USA 75
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 five 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.
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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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