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A good variety of Regatta events are on offer in our Class, yet the different countries have quite a selection of category structures.
Sailing the 5.5's in three categories Classic, Evolution and Modern, we do have countries with a clear focus on beautifully restored Classic boats, like Italy and Austria or countries which have traditionally gone for the latest designs like Switzerland and the Bahamas, while others are featuring an open mix of them all, like France, Germany, Norway and The Netherlands.
Some boat examples:
Classic, built in 1953, by BOESCH of Switzerland:
 | | "Sim-Sala-Bim" - visiting Berlin waters, prior to the mid-July VSaW races |
Evolution, built in 1989, by MELGES Boat Works, USA:
 | | "Lady in Red" - sailing an Evolution is an obvious delight |
... and just to prove it, more Evolution smiles, this time on a Marc Lang design, built in 1991 by Luthi of Switzerland:
 | | "Heaven can wait" - best boat for many seasons in Berlin © Sören Hese |
Modern, built in 2003, by WILKE of Switzerland:
 | | "FORZA DEL DESTINO" - and there can be good wind on the Lake of Zürich |
We do have one start for all, but then special prizes are dedicated to the categories, thus making it attractive for boats of all ages, to participate.
Most of the 5.5m boats are one-off designs - so are some of their owners. We do thoroughly enjoy an abundent variety of characters from all kind of professions and backgrounds, yet assembled in the enjoyment of these racing machines, whether they are absolutely new or a nice refit. We do travel long distance not only to race, but also to meet again to enjoy the company of our sailing friends.
Racing rules are known, besides in rare emergency situations no shouting needed at the marks - and not well seen. If equipment brakes, this shall not be just an immediate advantage for the competition, but rather a chance to help the other boats with spare equipment for the next race. As one sailor put it: We are keen to have this family-style athmosphere.
Well, how do we make sailors ring our door bell? The most effective way has been a personal invitation on board, be it for a test or a race. In the end, convincing a candidate to go for her or his own 5.5m boat, is helped best by offering a feeling for these boats, on the water!
While we can offer quite a number of boats to be reactivated, we do welcome Class growth especially when it can lead to different designs being developed and new boats being built. Also, we do look at growth on regional level. Here, we would like to offer younger people a chance to enjoy races without need for long distance travelling, in the beginning - to later meet with the International crowd.
So then, let's talk about it - and get those invitations out!
Yours,
Kaspar Stubenrauch
President
International 5.5 Class Association
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Australia
Richard Bale from Queensland has been working on 5.5 AUS 27 "Nemesis" since 2012. He is looking forward to have her relaunched at 12pm on Saturday, September 7th of this year, by two time Olympic sailing Gold-Medalist and project supporter Malcolm Page. The ceremony will take place at the VIP Warf of the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron, in Manly, Queensland.
You can have a look into the history of the boat and the work, here:
"Nemesis" history" [PDF]
"Nemesis" project" [PDF]
Having read the story, you will have come across that blue Nanni Diesel unit. No worries, mates, it is demountable. Richard needs it to approach the Bay, through canals. When it comes to racing, the iron block is being lifted to land. "Nemesis" is definitely expected to race again!
Roger McMillian, Editor of the Australian Sailing & Yachting Magazine, will be running an editorial on the project.
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Finland
A correction for a previous message: Two boats, "Remi" and "Aava" have changed hands and are both going into restoration. Also into a redo will be "Figaro", to get prepared for the next season. In terms of International race events, Matti Muoniovaara is offering his expertise as International ISAF measurer.
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France
The Cup Races for Classic, Evolution and Modern boats, followed by the European Championship in Benodet in September are seeing growing numbers of registrations, the latest entries are NED 5 and GER 81. The due date for registration has just been extended to July, 30th. For your planning: YCO www.yco-voile.com
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Germany
With a further increase to now 32 boats, the combined German & Dutch Open Championship in Berlin in July (VSaW), is becoming a truly top International event and will have two Olympic sailing Gold medalists, the actual World Champion and several other big names in the sport, at the starting line.
 | | "Arunga III" in front of VSaW |
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Switzerland
The Swiss Open on the Lake of Thun in August (14th to 18th) is approaching further, July 14th is the due date for registration. Late registration then still possible until August 4th with TYC [ www.tyc.ch ].
 | | Mountain View |
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USA
The North American 5.5m Meeting, which had been planned for Bristol and Newport (RI) at the end of August, will now take place in Ontario, Canada. John Lister (5.5 CAN 22) has arranged a 5.5m regatta within the autumn races at his Midland Yacht Club, Georgian Bay, Lake Huron.
Further details will be sent to all North American 5.5m owners and to the 5.5 Columbia Class. Still, Daniel Rossi (5.5 USA 75 & USA 98), is looking into sailing the Herreshoff Regatta, Bristol, before carrying on to Canada for the September meeting and possibly then leaving his boat(s) in Buffalo over winter, for a 5.5m springtime race, there, at the Club of Joe Gelsomino (5.5 USA 52).
 | | "Little Sister" - Big Club |
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5-Nations-Cup
After the first three regattas, held in Australia, France and Norway, the following boats are in the lead:
Classic: 5.5 FRA 19 "Korrigan"
Evolution: 5.5 AUS 32 "Skagerrak"
Modern: 5.5 FRA 45 "La Fayette"
Next will be the German & Dutch Open races in Berlin, followed by the Swiss Open in August. The actual holders of the perpetual silver cups (FRA 38, GER 75 & NED 31), will have to start drinking up their Portwine on board - or start at the two outstanding events, to get into best low points, to regain them.
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Boats 4 Sail
If we would have to choose a boat of the month in each category, this month of July the top boats are these:
- Modern: 5.5 NED 33 > Perfect to join GER 42 on Kiel Fjord
- Evolution: 5.5 GER 78 > Perfect for Hamburg, to compete with GER 25
- Classic: 5.5 USA 77 > 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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