Boats coming from the 5.5 Europeans can be stored in a cover at Böbs-Werft (www.boebs-werft.de) in Travemüde until the beginning of the sailing week.

Swiss Championship: Seventh title in a row for Menzi...
Despite a very impressive field of newer boats, a regatta field full of pitfalls, a strong current and an OCS in the second leg, Jürg Menzi and his crew composed of Daniel Stampfli and Léornard Gaume, managed to keep the lead again with an impressive average of 6 points only ! There was also a good surprise from Forza del Destino the new Wilke boat SUI-211 from Thomas Escher who came in third closely followed by the Austrians from Lupo di lago AUT-10 making an excellent start in the class.
Best Evolution was me (Whisper SUI-143) in 11th.
Little winds and cold weather prevailed over Steckborn, excellent welcome ashore and nice region to visit...(see results) (Racing in Steckborn was like racing on a river....)

5.5 Italian Championship 2004(May 2004)
Carabella italian champion 2004 and excellent start for new Blade Runner
The edition 2004 of the Italian 5.5 championship sailed in Laveno on lake Maggiore (7-8-9 May) was a great success. 17 boats were on the starting line all from the Italian or the Swiss fleet.
As Europe was under heavy rain falls, Northern Italy experienced a nice sunshine with some scattered clouds, this resulted in perfect conditions to sail six races in light winds.
Classic 5.5 Carabella from Alfredo Delli took a clear win over Cibèle II from Luca Chirieleison during the last race taking 3rd place and a 5th overall.
In the modern division Blade runner SUI-214 built this year by Christof Wilke showed great speed but had to control Ali Baba SUI-206 to prevent him from keeping the HDM Cup he won last year.
Overall standings

35 years separates ITA-35 Carabella, ITA-32 Cibèle II (middle) and SUI-210 Artémis XII in third, but the speed difference isn't so great.

Clear win for Gordon !
The second leg of the Australian Gold Cup confirmed Gordon Ingate's supremacy in the Australian 5.5 Class. He also won his ticket to represent Australia at the Scandinavian Gold Cup in Norway. Read more...(by Di Pearson)

Australian 5.5 Metre Gold Cup Sydney Harbour, AUSTRALIA
Ingate Draws First Blood At Gold Cup, read the account brought by Di Pearson

5.5 SUI-163 '6 roses' sinks, 2 crew die and helmsman reported missing (Rolle, Switz., Lake Geneva) The Swiss fleet is under chock as the news is spreading across the lake. The circumstances of the accident are totally unknown. It was 11 o'clock this sunday morning 25th of April when the crew composed of Vincent Gallay, Olivier Escoffey and Boris Fraternali left Rolle harbour on board '6 roses' SUI-163 an evolution built in 1988. They were last spotted just before mid-day sailing south towards Geneva. President of the club in Rolle and also 5.5 sailor, Boudewijn Van Doorn had seen them set sail and got real worried when he tried to reach the crew on their mobile later in the afternoon but got no reply. As the wind was still blowing a good 6 bf. he decided to call a SAR operation. By six o'clock the helicopter had spotted two floating bodies and a third life-vest some 6 n-miles from their starting point. In a 6 to 7 degree water there was little chance to find them alive and there was no sign of the boat either. The body of Vincent Gallay owner and helmsman of the boat is still missing, we guess he got rid of his buoyancy to try to swim to the shore but was swallowed by the waters in doing so. An official police statement will be issued on the 27th. Ambroise Johnson, information officer of the 5.5 Class and president of the Geneva Fleet The 5.5 International Class Association, the Swiss 5.5 Class Association and the Flotte Romande whish to give all the families their support, many members have called to express their sympathy.

Vaucluse Yacht Club in Sydney is to host the prestigious International 5.5 Metre Class Gold and Silver Cups on April 24 and May 1st this year. The winner of the series will represent Australia in the Scandinavian Gold Cup and the first classic boat will be a challenger in the de Kaag Classic Cup, both event will be sailed right before the 5.5 World Championship starting in January 2005 in Sydney. (author: Di Pearson)
Read more...

Nice boat but who knows KA-41 Jan VI ?
Carlos Duarte writes:
"Hi,
Just wonder if you could help me find out where this boat was built, her designer and her previous owner. I think the boat's previous name was Jan VI KA-41 because she has a set of sails with those numbers and they were measured in 1987.
I bought the boat two weeks ago but it has a Norwegian name and registration.
If you recognize her from the picture, please send a mail I'd be glad to have some information about her !"
Contact: 55carlos@duarte.no (remove the 55 before sending)

Easter regatta in Thun
Ali Baba with maestria
Eight boat took part to the Easter regatta in Thun, among them the brand new SUI-214 launched just in time for the event. Juerg Menzi won the first race and Christian Wahl at the helm of SUI-214 won the second to the delight of her owner Patrick de la Chenais. The following day the weather conditions turned to cold with a nice breeze of 3 to 5 bf. A intensive match-race engaged Flavio Marazzi and Jürg Menzi on their respective boats. As Menzi put it " Flavio is part of the Swiss Olympic team for Athens and has been training in the USA during the whole winter he surely could show us poor 'so...' just awake from our winter sleep who well trained they were..., but still it was tight each time."
Hans-Peter Schmid new fleet master of the Thunersee organized a pleasant evening party with egg breaking contest (egg decorated with the 5.5 logo !).
See results.

Silver fox's crew
Craig Symonette about his crew: "I will have Mark Covell and Marshall Duane from Palm Beach Florida crewing with me for the Europeans. Marshall is an old Star Crew having sailed with Augie Diaz the famous Snipe Sailor for many years."

Blue
Cibèle II, 2003 world champion in the Classic division was repainted light blue during last winter. Asked why the wooden varnish that looked so nice didn't suit her owner anymore, Luca Chirieleison said: "...gave a too old image of the boat, blue is more fresh and gives her a second youth !". The deck layout has also been reviewed "..like the Moderns" says Luca.

This flashing red half hull model was made by Paolo Ciceroni on the basis of the plan drawn by Warren Muir (not Ben Lexcen as stated earlier) for SUI-132/133 Cayman Jack & Man Cay Jack, congratulation for this nice model. If you want to have a half model of your boat please contact Paolo @ 55ciceroni@documenta.com (remove the 55 before sending your mail)

5.5 Columbia - Sunday brunch series 2004(Apr.2004)

(5.5 Columbia sailing past Oakland Yacht Club)
Series standing after 5 races

INVITATION TO THE GERMAN OPEN 2004
Travemuender Woche 2004 / 28. - 31. July 2004
TRAVEMUENDE - LUEBECKER YACHT CLUB

During the Travemuender Woche 2004 the races for the German Open Championship 2004 are held. The race course is in the Luebecker Bucht, about 3 miles from the marina at Travemuende. There are best traffic-connections via Hamburg or by ferry from Scandinavia. The German Fleet and the organizing LYC will arrange a special programme for the shore teams and after race parties. Further information will be available on www.5point5.de or www.lyc.de, soon.

European championship information
Dear Sailors,
The Hankö¸ Event with Classic Cup, Gold Cup, King Olav Cup and European Championship is on the way. The finale dates is as follows:

The german fleet goes South!
After the german fleet started to promote the class in 2001 there were about 12 boats which made the class growing up to an number of 25 boats. There are strong activities in the north around Hamburg and Flensburg. But there are active boats on Lake Constance too. Mr. Stefan Ring wants to promote the class there. He is the owner of an 1960 Lehmann built 5.5 named Creinvelt. Another boat came over - former SUI 165 - now GER 40 "citron presse", who wants to start racing. The german fleet thinks about racing there in 2005.

News update for Sydney 04/05
Colin Ryan writes to Hans Nadorp why the regatta should be held on Sydney harbour plus other details about transportation and accommodation -> Link:Sydney 04/05

The Australian fleet is still alive!
Over a couple of drinks during the Christmas break some members of the Vaucluse Yacht Club decided it would be a good thing to hold an impromptu regatta for the 5.5's. A notice of race was prepared and despite the short notice six boats faced the starter on the 11th January. The numbers although small, was pleasing, there being no lack of competitive spirit. The racing on the first day was held in 15 - 18 Knot breezes. The first two races in southerly winds and the breeze moved to the south east for the third race of the day.
Read a complete report from Dave De Coster
(Right: AUS-26 Baragoola from Dave de Coster)

5.5 rating rules
The official 2004 5.5 rating rules have been released: download PDF file

Ballerina in good hands(Feb.2004)
The story of Ballerina starts at the Olympic games 1960 in Rome where she came third overall winning the first swiss Olympic medal in a sailing competition. Her crew at that time was: Henri Copponex, Manfred F. Metzger and Pierre Girard. Ballerina IV as she was called with sail number Z-37 was designed by Henri Copponex himself and build by Corsier-Port (still exists!).
She is now undergoing a major restoration in the hands of Philippe Durr(a 5.5 lover & multi-world champion) in Versoix (Switzerland) and she will be sailing regattas next year again.

Norwegian fleet to welcome a new boat(Dec.2003)
Two month ago Petter Fjeld from the Norwegian fleet inquired for a Peterson design and that is exactly what he got in return ! Tegel SUI-181 had just been put on for sale in Geneva and was matching Petter's requirements. He will sail her in the Europeans in Hankö and his intention is to ship her to Australia for the world's next winter.
(Tegel V SUI-181 was formerly Odyssée Jr belonging to Dominique Lauener who became world champion 1994 of the Class in Le Crouesty/France. Picture: Y. Rincky)

53 years old Madrisa goes to Germany for a Ani
Jan-Wilhelm Paulsen from Ani over Schlei has initiated his project to restore Madrisa built in 1950 in Switzerland. The boat arrived a few days ago in the shipyard of Ani and is scheduled to join the german fleet next spring, we wish Jan-Wilhelm lots of fun and a great success with his new boat ! (Hans Koester)

Silver Fox exclusive pictures !

Craig Symonette's bahamian boat freshly painted at Green Marine in England. Designers: D. Peterson / I. Howlett, project manager & adviser: M. Covell (Pictures: Mark Covell)

FRAM II joins german Fleet (Feb. 2004)
A young boatbuilder from Kiel bought FRAM II built 1956 in Oslo (for Prince Harald of Norway) and brought her from Denmark where she was sold to Kiel. He plans to refit her during the winter-season.
FRAM II will join the races of the german fleet next summer. (H. Koester)

A 41 years old Violetta transformed into a young lady...
Alessandro Baldi is very proud to present Violetta VI ITA-38 to the 5.5 Class after two years of work in the shipyard of Cantieri Pezzini in Viareggio Italy. She laid abandonned for 25 years before Alessandro took interest in her and finally decided to bring her to life again. She's been revisited from mast to keel and now she is ready for the launching which will take place in spring 2004.
Violetta was designed by Giulio Cesare Carcano and built in 62 by the illustrious Baglietto shipyard. She then won the Coppa d'Italia the same year.

Violetta VI will race for Club Nautico Versilia, Italy with sail number I-38.

The best of breed
With four new orders all to be delivered in 2004, Wilke has undoubtly produced a "best of breed" . This sets a new record of eleven boats produced from the same mould and there could be more new boats later next year... Most recent orders came from Hans-Peter Schmid and Félix Bibus. Schmid's Pungin SUI-203 was sold to Christian Scheinecker and will be based in Torbole.

Things are moving in Norway says Petter Fjeld (Nov.2003)
The activity in the Norwegian Fleet is growing and 20 skippers and crew gathered for a late fall AGM at the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club. Three boats have recently changed hands and new and keen sailors have found the way to the class. The 2004 season will be a big boost to the class and we expect between 12 and 15 Norwegian boats on the starting line at Hanko next year.
The Evolution class is the largest with 8-10 boats. The fleet will work closely with the organising clubs to secure a social event in the 5.5 spirit.

Picture left above: Winners of the 2003 ranking. From left: Henning A. Johanessen NOR 47, Petter Fjeld NOR 44, Marc Ryan AUS 55

Jussi you're the best !
Jussi Gullichsen has recently been nominated best Finnish skipper 2003 by his Sailing Association. Jussi sailing Addam Cube won the Dutch Open in Medemblik and came second of the Worlds in Bénodet.
J. Gullichsen on the right with crew in Medemblik (Pic. Ajo)

Köster wins major regatta
Nine german 5.5 took part to the Autum regatta on the Alster (Hamburg). Fairly strong winds and decent weather prevailed over the weekend of the 11/12 of October. Hans Köster sailing Singora sailed a perfect series winning all four races.
With this event the german fleet hopes it has set a new milestone to further developpement of the fleet. (detailed results)

President of the Class Association, Hans Köster wins Herbstregatta am Alster (Hamburg)

Already three new 5.5 scheduled for 2004
Silver fox from Craig Symonette is under completion at Green Marine and will soon be launched, I am expecting some pics from Mark Covell who is the project supervisor. Two other 5.5 were signed for at Wilke's. One will replace Midlife Crisis SUI-194 belonging to Swiss Kielholz/Escher/Egli and the other one goes to new comer in the class Patrick de la Chenaix who sailed Fortuna SUI-195 during the World championship this year.

Picture right: Patrick de la Chenaix felt very enthusiastic about the class after his sailing season with Fortuna, he will receive his new Wilke 5.5 in April/May 2004.(Pic.AJO) A famous measurer(Sept. 2003)
Last week (8 Sept.)Oskar Weber died. Oskar was a legend as an outstanding measurer, his fund was proverbial. Measuring was his vocation and he was anytime ready to give good advice.
Oskar was well known not only here in Switzerland, but all over the Continent and he had many good friends in the former IYRU.
He was a specialist for keelboats like Dragon, Yngling, Dyas, but most of all for all Metre-Classes.
The culmination of his career was certainly his appointment as chief measurer for the 12 Metres at the America's Cup races in Newport and Freemantle. Oskar worked to his last days and died peacefully at the age of 84.
Thomas Sprecher

So Happy
Gavin McKinney from the Bahamas was sailing John B Once Again BAH-17 during the last world championship in Bénodet. We asked him if he intended to change boats like Craig since he didn't do so well in this series. Here is his answer:" All that counts is to be able to sail, we've had a very nice time here and I am very happy sailing John B. I will keep her at least until Sydney next year then I shall see how Craig does with his new boat...!"

AGM 2003 in short (Aug. 2003)
Hans Nadorp new president of the International 5.5 Class. Tomi Sprecher made honorary President. Sail labels obtainable from Mark Dangel are now 30 Euros. Torbole chosen for the worlds 2004 in September and Hanko (Norway) for the Europeans and the Gold Cup/Classic Cup also in 2004. For new constructions, scantlings can be checked by official measurer. Christian Hauvette replaces Juliane Hempel on the tech. committee. New sail plan proposed awaiting comments ! plenty rules changed for a better wording...
8.30 pm: drinks and swimming pool offered to all crews !!! End.

NED-14 Swift Swiss travels to Traunsee(Aug. 2003)
After 8 years of ownership, Rémy Kok from the Netherlands sold Swift Swiss to Wolfgang Maurer who will sail her on lake Traunsee in Austria. She was designed by Ohlson and built in Switzerland in 1967 by Baumann for Zuberer (sail number Z-83).

Norway to propose Hankø(July 2003)
Kristian Nergaard, quote:
"On behalf of the Norwegian 5.5 class, Petter (Fjeld) will come down to the AGM to propose Hankø as the site for next years Worlds. As you may know Hankø Yacht Club has its 50th anniversary, and would be very excited to see the 5.5 s back at Hankø. Petter and I spoke to Thomas Sprecher and we agreed that Hankø should be proposed at the AGM, only as a substitute to Australia. The Garda Europeans is suggested to go as planned. Why two Championships the same summer? Again Hankø is a substitute for Australia, and the Garda European will please many sailors who wants to see a southern championship."
The Norwegians will make a formal proposal during the AGM in Bénodet to be voted...

No more Trofeo Guido Prina for the 5.5 class
Due to the lack of participants and the moving of the Italian fleet towards lake Maggiore, the presidents of both Circolo Velico Santa Margherita (Sandro Vaccari) and AIVE (Luigi Lang) have decided to discontinue this event for the 5.5 class.

Stéfan Zlot reports from Attersee: (Aug 2003)
"Austrian 5.5m Open Championship:
For the first time a 5.5m regatta has taken place in Austria. The Union Yacht Club Attersee is the perfect place for sailing and all that goes with it. Edi Berndt did a perfect job in preparing the event. The professional race officer and his small but competent crew did a perfect job, letting us sail whenever possible, but never leaving us on the water waiting... As "only" one third of the actual Austrian fleet was present, the group of four boats had to be completed by two Swiss participants. The oldest boat, OE-3 Sindbad, had been a trial horse for the 1960 Olympics and has never been modified. So she found herself racing again after over forty years. The result after four races scored Hans-Peter Schmid and his crew on SUI-203 as first Austrian 5.5m Champion.
The 5.5's found a lot of interest and some guys have got in touch with the virus. We share the impression that the UYCA/Attersee is well suited to organize a more important championship. The best time of the year in respect to wind is September and May. Who knows, may be we'll sail the Europeans 2005 in Austria? (Picture: Edi Berndt president of the Austrian 5.5 Class Association and helmsman of AUT-10 Belladonna)
1. SUI-203 Schmid/Wilke/Gubi (3 pts), 2. SUI-192 Zlot/Ritchie/Wenger (6pts), 3. AUT-10 Wageneder/Berndt/Berndt (8pts), 4. AUT-14 Pfeffer/Jeschko/Stöllinger (12 pts), 5. Ex-SUI-156 Münnich/Graf/Kogard (12 pts), 6. OE-3 Winds/Winds/Seitl (18 pts)."

The 5.5 fleet growing and making a strong impression
Wilke has just recieved an order for a new boat from Thomas Escher, Egli Martin and Walter Kielholz all three former owner of Midlife Crisis SUI-194. There are also talks of an another order from a crew sailing on a black boat...
The Italians sailing currently Classical 5.5 only are also looking to design a modern hull. In the Netherlands the new 5.5 designed by Van de Stadt will soon be ready, they have worked on a aluminum mast.
Kristian Nergaard was very happy to sail the 5.5 again and the newer design made a strong impression on him. He may come to Bénodet with Artémis SUI-210.
There were other signs of the good health of the class as many well known people came to visit the Swiss Championship in Thun. Doug Peterson stayed there during the whole event making sure his latest design for Craig Symonette was up to date and Mark Cowell , project leader, went round the fleet to check some details. By the way I made a false statement about this new boat being built in England by Green Marine, Gavin Mc Kinney is not co-owner of the boat, he is keeping BAH-17 John B once again and will sail her in Bénodet.

World Championship in Bénodet looking good !
The latest entry list shows 37 boats from 9 countries plus an interesting program for the "ladies". A bus will take the group on thuesday 26 to "Pont-Aven" to visit the museum and the house of the painter Paul Gaugin. On thursday 28 there will be another visit to Quimper to the cathedral and potery HB Henriot. For each excursion there will be a bus and a lunch for round 45 Euro per day and person.
The AGM shall be hosted at the Hotel Ker-Moor 1st floor (near the casino in front of Bénodet's beach) on monday the 25th of August. Further details shall be given by president Tomi Sprecher.

Swiss Championship: splendid ! (July 2003)
Who said "lake racing was bullshit!" ??? With seven races, fair wind conditions, 42 participants and good entertainment this edition of the Swiss championship was a great event thanks to the organization of the Thunersee Yacht Club and the Gstaad Yacht Club (and the sponsors of course...).
Many thought the winner would have a harder job considering the field: Marazzi, world champion 2002, Gullichsen, Dutch champion 2003, Pieper sailing with Harry Melges, Erzberger sailing a bran new boat from Wilke, Christian Wahl former world champion and tactician with Ernesto Bertarelli, etc, etc,... but nobody had reached the level of Menzi. With four wins out of seven races and a fifth and a third place he could allow himself to retire from the championship after six run leaving the crumbs to the rest of the fleet. This is the sixth time in a row Juerg Menzi and his tactician Daniel Stampfli wins the Swiss title accompanied by Léonard Gaume new hiker on board.
In the Evolution division Ambroise Johnson sailing his new Whisper came 16th overall leaving his mates far behind. Where as Cibèle II from Italy took his revenge over Topaze by finishing 18th overall and first of the Classic fleet. See complete results
(Picture: Luca Chirieleison (white) sailing Classic Cibèle II ITA-72 with team mates Gian-Luca Ghiringhelli and Marco Locati)

Gstaad Yacht Club Trophy
Raced in conjunction with the Swiss Championship over the weekend, four races were taken in account to establish the ranking of the teams of three. The team Arte-Baba-Crisis composed of Artémis, Ali-Baba and Midlife Crisis were the best overall. The prize giving at the TYC was saluted by a big thunderstorm and there was a lot of excitement in the air especially when it came down to drawing the Omega watch, won by Patrick de la Chenaix sailing Fortuna (SUI-195) who just happened to have lost his previous watch in the lake !
(Picture right: latest 5.5 produced by Wilke, Leissigen for the Gstaad Yacht Club, helmsman: Peter Erzberger)

De Kaag Classic Cup: a final before the final
With only three boat from Finland (defender) and Italy and Netherlands (challengers), the races looked like a match-race. Although very different from one another, the game was pleasant to watch. Piet van Opzeeland at the helm of the Dutch Topaze Ned 11 was able to control the Italians as newcomer in the class but had to make hard decisions when Matti Muoniovaara went sailing across the other side of the course. Nevertheless the Dutch team was keen to regain their title and won all three races.

Kristian Nergaard flies over Gold Cup regatta
It's been a long time since so many countries where represented in the Scandinavian Gold Cup, but thanks to Ralph Junker the President of the Swiss Class and the Gstaad Yacht Club, eleven nation where competing for the second oldest trophy in the world after the America Cup. There was going to be a fierce battle amongst the challengers to beat the defending team Marazzi from Switzerland. Kristian Nergaard former 5.5 sailor (NOR 57 Zenda Corn) was given the right tool (Artémis XI) to prove he could still handle this racing machine, he was also accompanied by an experience 5.5 crew: Peter Fjeld and Harry Melges. Newly Dutch champion, Jusi Gullichsen could have also pretended for the Cup or even the Danish team racing with H. Dannesboe on Rana were outsiders.
Despite difficult wind conditions and the old fashion ruling for racing this peculiar event, the racing committee was able to setup the three necessary regatta to designate the finalists if no one won the three races in a row. Fortunately for the Gstaad Yacht Club hosting the SGC, Kristian Nergaard and his team took the gun each time ! With good speed and tactics (and a little bit of luck ! dixit Kristian) they overtook Bruno Marazzi racing with his sons on the long haul of the course.

Gold Cup 2003
The list of challengers for the Gold Cup 2003 starting in Thun next July is growing with confirmed entries. Finland and Norway are sending Gullichsen and Nergaard both are experienced and talented 5.5 sailors. France shall be represented by Hauvette driving his Lafayette and Germany who had initially nominated Hans Köster changed to Hans-Jürgen Queisser as he sailed better in the recent German Open in Flensburg. Hans Nadorp will challenge the swiss Marazzi for the Netherlands. More details Maitresse flies over German Open (June 2003)
Sailed within the Flensbuger Fjörde during the Robbe & Berking week, the German Open reunited 11 boats from Germany, Holland and Norway. In all six races were sailed but as usual winds were very unstable doing 50° shifts when the fleet sailed almost into the city ! Best boat overall was Maitresse NED-26 from Hans Nadorp and first german 5.5 was Knock Out sailed by Hans-Jürgen Queisser . Unfortunately Windliesse went onto a crash course with a 6er in the second race. Norvegian Norna VIII the eldest 5.5 sailing in the fleet got a special price from the racing committee Results

Museum piece joins the german fleet !
Kaspar Stubenrauch fell in love with Lotten for sale in Sweden , he bought her and brought her back to the Elbe. Lotten was built in 1953 and had sailnumber SWE-19. She is a vintage 5.5 with a partitioned cockpit. Kaspar will give her a lifting and sail (GER-36) the eldest boat of the german fleet.

Open Dutch Championship 2003: Jussi on his way to the tittle (May 2003)
(22 boats joined the race / Credit: M.Covell) (Addam Cube designed by S.Schmidt getting ready for launching in Medemblik credit:A.Johnson)
It was a perfect weekend to sail in Medemblik, with excellent wind conditions and a bright sunshine for the Open Dutch Championship. Jussi Gullichsen sailing his bran new Addam Cube from Wilke made a brilliant demonstration making just one error on the second start (OCS). Struggling hard Menzi could only superseed him in the last race hopping Addam would make a big mistake but he kept close finnishing only 2 nd and keeping the tittle. Jeroen de Vries was also happy to win the Evolution Class with Isis and Frits Kruyt led the Classic fleet with Laeticia NED-4. Many thanks to Hans Nadorp for making this happen, Hans finnished fourth and first Dutch boat.

Have a spare mast ?
If you have a spare mast for Craig he will be happy to use it on his new boat, wood or even aluminum welcome... please make offers to: craig@Iamlookingfora.mast

John B once again and again
Craig Symonette and Gavin Mc Kinney have commissioned a new 5.5. The bahamian team will have a Doug Peterson / Ian Howlett design built by Green Marine and supervised by Mark Cowell. Whether the new John B will sail the world championship in Bénodet is not yet known...but Craig told us he would be there.

FIN-47 with happy Jussi !
FIN-47 just came out from Wilke last weekend and Jussi Gullichsen from Finland known as the "professor" could enjoy her on lake Thun. He will sail her in the Gold Cup and the Swiss championship. He could be a serious contender !

Fresh start for the Italian Open in Laveno (May 2003)
From the 9th to the 11th of May, the classic 5.5 metre class held their Italian Open on Lake Maggiore. 23 boats from Italy, Switzerland, Australia and Austria took part in what started as a fresh to frightening regatta.
35 knots over the water for the first race saw many of the fleet decimated in difficult conditions, with only 12 of the fleet surviving to finish race one. Bruno MARAZZI (SUI), stamped his authority on the game early on by winning the windy first race, and went on to be consistently in the top few, eventually winning with a lowest finishing position of fourth.
The wind calmed down for the remainder of the regatta, allowing a total of four races to be completed over the three days of racing. Newcomer Armando DALDINI (SUI), with local Italian skipper Eusebio FABRIZIO (ITA), finished a credible second in the competitive fleet.
The top six finishers were all either modern or evolutionary 5.5 metre’s, with the fist classic finisher being Marco di NATALE (ITA) in Twins X.
(Picture left: Cibèle 2 against 35 knots of wind !)
(Source: Making Waves, ISAF)

Italian Open in Laveno: 22 boats already reported!
14 Italian crew, 1 Austrian and 7 Swiss will compete for the Italian tittle on lake Maggiore from the 9 to the 11th of May. The first Italian classsic 5.5 will have the honour to show the flag during the Classic Cup in Thun. See entry list.

Netherlands: winds play games with boats!
Jeroen de Vries reports: "This weekend we had our first regatta in the season 2003, with NED31 Wildcat (newbuild by Wilke) and NED33 Onvermijdelijk (ex ChlikaChlika) as new boats to the Dutch fleet. Although four races were scheduled, only one could be completed on saturday. Little breeze, 2-5 Knts!
On sunday no races could be sailed due to strong wind 25 knts gusting to 35 knts. The one race was won by Ron Azier on Maitresse NED26, with Hans' crew Eric Wesselman and Frans van Schellen. Second was Victorien Bredero (Modern Times NED21). Third and first evolution Jeroen de Vries (Isis NED16). First classic, fifth overall, Pim Capelle on Geisha NED7. Complete standings on the Dutch site".

Dutch Open 2003 in Medemblik (April
Expectations are high just one month before the beginning of the Dutch Open in Medemblik end of May, over 30 boats are expected on the starting line ! ten to twelve boats from Switzerland, Germany and Finland will join the fleet. The breeze is usually strong and still cold during this time of year.

Arunga III: new life on lake Maggiore
Lake Maggiore in the northern part of Italy is becoming a major concentration for the 5.5 in Europe. Former Arunga III a famous Australian boat is now sailing over there, she belongs to Armando Daldini. Carabella also an Australian 5.5 has recently joined the Maggiore fleet which has over ten boats. There will surely be lots of entries for the Italian Open !

(Picture right: Arunga 3 is a Lexcen design built in 1974, she has proven to be very fast downwind, picture credit Yves Ryncki)

Annual General Meeting
The AGM 2003 will be held in Bénodet, hotel Ker Moor one hour after the return from racing on monday the 25th of August. The agenda will be sent by Thomas Sprecher and publish as soon as available.

Gold Cup & Classic Cup
Finland has already made public the contender for the Gold Cup: Jussi Gullichsen with his new boat from Wilke will challenge Switzerland whereas Matti Muoniovaara will race in the Classic Cup. The italians will designate their challenger after the Italian Championship in Laveno and the french will be represented by french class president Christian Hauvette who will sail his Lafayette due to be fitted with a new keel.

Pictures of the new 5.5 built in the Netherlands (Courtesy: J. de Vries)

NED-33 "onvermijdelijk" (inevitable)
On the 25th of March the Ned 33 ( ex Chlika-Chlika) got her new name "onvermijdelijk" (inevitable) on the Braassemer Lake. A lovely spring breeze made it possible to take her out for a tour around the lake. Alain Cloux especially over from Switzerland sailed her one more time and gave the new owner Jan van Gelderen some useful tips. Hans Bouscholte well acquainted with ocean racing will race the Worlds with Jan. (L. de Vries)

Left: Jan van Gelderen throwing all that good champagne at his new boat !!!

Congratulations from Thomas Sprecher & Ralph Junker to Ernesto Bertarelli

Attersee: dates are confirmed
The Austrian Championship Open planned for 31st of July to the 3rd of August is now confirmed. You will find more information about this championship on the website of the organsing club: UYCA (Regatten).

Norwegian fleet
Terje Huser reports from Oslo: "The norwegian 5.5mR- Club has elected a new chairman : Petter Fjeld. His e-mail address is : petter.fjeld@stormkommunikasjon.no Petter Fjeld is also the leader of the Sport Committee of the Royal Norwegian Yacht Club. "

Congratulations Alinghi!
The International 5.5 Sailing Association congratulates the Swiss Alinghi Team for winning the America Cup. We are especially proud of Jochen Schumann who was World champion year 2000 in the 5.5 Class. This team has set new standards in our sport and should inspire our way of seeing things when our true goal is to win !
Apart from the sail plan a Class America has the looks of a modern 5.5, so if you can't take part in the next Cup, sail a 5.5 it will be cheaper and the fun will be the same!!!

Aussi worldchampion to sail in Italy
Former worldchampion 70 Carabella KA-25 sailed by David Forbes and designed by B. Chance Jr. was sold by Rob Fielding to Claudio Mazzanti & Alfredo Delli from Italy. Carabella was fully restored and fitted with new sails. She will be shipped from Sydney to Italy soon. Rob is already working on a new 5.5 and says he is very enthusiastic about the class !

World Championship in Sydney postponed to 2004/2005
"Dear international members... at a class meeting at RSYS last night (11 Feb. 2003) it was unanimously decided to recommend to our international friends that the date for the WC SYDNEY event be changed to 2005 to reflect your concerns regarding the timing for the proposed 2004 event and the possibility that fewer may attend as a result...We shall approach RSYS for agreement to the new timing and will emphasise the need and importance for the event to be held between dec.27, 2004 and jan 10th 2005 (approx and subject to approval by all on race program and appropriate dates)....sincerely..." COLIN RYAN

Swiss fleet: Ralf Junker new president (January 2003)
Ralph Junker was appointed new president in January 2003 during the AGM of the Swiss fleet held in Kandersteg he replaced Elke Grötzschel. Sum up of the main topics discussed:
Change to the Gold Cup rules not required for chatering boats if measurement certificat registered in the challenging country.
Swiss defender of the Gold Cup will be Bruno Marazzi thanks to his world championship tittle earned in Helsinki.
Juerg Menzi wins Swiss yearly championship 2002.
According to Bruno Marazzi at least three boats will go to Sydney as scheduled in the Australian proposal

Picture left: from left to right: Ralph Junker (new president), Elke Grötzschel (past president) and Stéfan Zlot (Vice-president); picture credit: A. Johnson
Picture right: Team Marazzi, Bruno (Father) and sons, Flavio & Renato sailing their black "Ali Baba" to defend the Schandinavian Gold Cup trophy for Switzerland.

Gold Cup/Classic Cup 2003: the largest field ever ?
According to Ralph Junker the new president of the Swiss fleet there should be a very large field of boats coming from twelve countries entering the Gold Cup and the Classic Cup. Thanks to personal connections within the organizing committee and club (Gstaad Yacht Club) some countries like Monaco or Greece will be represented. But to make this possible the rule about chartered boats has to be changed this should not be an issue. The Gold Cup and the Classic Cup will be sailed just before the Swiss Championship Open in July on lake Thun.

Onyx Abbraxas comes out from the cold
This very nice blue hull 5.5 formerly owned by Peter Roost was bought begining of January by Alfred Marti. The Melges/Peterson design will sail again on lake Geneva after having spent 4 or 5 long years in a storage. Onyx Abbraxas has sail number SUI-191.

Something special to come on the Attersee (Austria)
Thanks to the high rate of growth of the Austrian fleet, Dr. Edmund Berndt (Austrian fleet captain) was able to obtain a new series for the 5.5 from the UYCA on lake Attersee.
The event will take place from the 31st of July to the 3rd of August 2003. More on this in spring.

The 5.5 Columbia ready for the winter series
As Bill Jarvis reports from Alameda: "The 5.5 fleet is doing well in the Estuary here in San Francisco Bay.The marina, (Marina village) has eleven 5.5s staying in it, two of them have come down from Stockton to participate in our winter series.
We are getting ready to launch another Columbia 5.5 that has been completely restored from the keel up. In fact she is in the yard as we speak being painted a bright yellow. She will be launched in a month or two.
That is the news from Alameda. . . .Take care, happy sailing, and have a Merry Christmas."

Former Worldchampion lifted (December 2002)
Jörg Sonntag from the German fleet took delivery of Saphir SUI-129 in December. She was nearly scrapped by the swiss maritim authorities. Jörg will dismount the numerous blocks and fittings before putting a new deck on her. Saphir was designed by Jean Grobéty and built by Transléman ,Geneva in 81, she's was world champion in 82 with Jean-Claude Vuithier. (Picture: A. Johnson)

One more classic for the German fleet (November 2002)
Originally based in Lausanne, Pacha SUI-103 will be sailing in Germany next year. Mr. Lutz von Meyerinck her new owner bought her last November and will take her to Flensburg for some minor repairs. Pacha was built in Geneva in 67, she was fitted with a new keel and separate rudder in 85.

Dates for Prina Cup 2003 changed
Due to an offshore race organised by the Yacht Club Italiano and the Santa Marghrita yacht club, the Prina Cup initialy scheduled for beginning of May has to be postponed to the 16, 17 and 18th of May. A confirmation for this event will be posted later.

Cayman Jack to promote the 5.5 class in France
In the December edition of french sailing magazine "Voiles & Voilier", Mico Bolo and his 5.5 Cayman Jack are making a brilliant appearance with a very nice text about a man, his passion for sailing in the Golf du Morbihan and lots of magnificent pictures of the boat.
This issue comes right for the Paris boatshow and will help promote the class in France where the World's are to be held in Benodet in August 2003. Thank you Mico for being such a great ambassador!
See complete article.

Another Swiss boat goes to the Netherlands
Beginning of November SUI-190 Chlika-Chlika 2 left lake Geneva (Switzerland) and joined the ever growing dutch fleet. Mr. van Gelderen is here new owner. She was designed by S. Schmidt and built in 95 by Philippe Durr in Versoix. Her best ranking was a 2nd in the 96 European championship with Jean-Claude Vuithier and a Swiss champion title the same year with Philippe Durr her builder.
Right: Last race of Chlika Chlika on lake Geneva with Alain Cloux and crew: Elke Grötzschel & François Homberger, picture: A. Johnson

German Open 2003 to be sailed in conjunction with Robbe&Berking Classic
Hans Köster released a communiqué about the German Open 2003 which will be sailed during the traditional Robbe & Berking Classic on the Flensburger Förde from the 11^th to 14^th of June. The FSC (Flensburger Segel Club) has an excellent and experienced team for organising the venue. In 2002 the best German Boat was Candida III from J. Cornelsen.

North Sails Fall Flyer for 5.5 Meter Sails
North Sails Zenda, USA is now providing our World Championship winning designs at a reduced price through Jan. 1, 2003. Please see our offer at the following link -> http://www.onedesign.com/fall/55meter.html Also, please feel free to call , write or email Harry Melges, or Eric Hood with any questions regarding our 5.5mIC sails, prices or materials.
All of our best wishes from Zenda,
Harry Melges III

FRA-12 Subbnboana comes back to life
Built in 64 in Norway by Bjarne Aas, Subbnboana is sailing again on the french side of lake Geneva. It took Marc Perussel 5 years to rebuild her, he had to change 60 meters worth of planking mostly underneath the weaterline. Subbnboana is her original name, she sailed in Tokyo (64) to a fifth place for the German team. She has a sister-ship called Nirvana also sailing in Brittany.

Right: Subbnboana sailing into Sciez harbour (lake Geneva - France), she's been out of the water for twelve years. She might be sailing for France in the next Classic Cup. (picture AJO)

New 5.5 for the Netherlands
Under the impulsion of the Dutch class president Hans Nadorp, Ton de Bruijn has placed an order at Wilke for a new 5.5 Seb Schmidt design. It will be the sister-ship of Maitresse NED-26 built last year in the same shipyard. Delivery is planned for mid-March 2003.

Left: lousy spinnaker run for Maitresse...(Swiss Championship 2002, Neuchâtel)

Two additional 5.5 for the Austrian fleet
Former SUI-147 Pan(Chance design) and SUI 156 My Way (Lexcen design) have just joined the Austrian fleet. My Way owned by Peter Wulschleger was bought by Peter Münnich a former Star sailor on the Wolfgangsee and Pan went for Andreas Jeshko.
Left: view over the Wolfgangsee in Austria.
Right: Peter Münnich and his wife taking delivery of MyWay

Dutch Championship 03: end of May
Dutch fleet president Hans Nadorp has scheduled the next Dutch open championship for the last weekend of May 2003. Location will be in Medemblik where the 2000 World Championship took place. Last Dutch open had gathered a total of 24 5.5, there's no doubt about this figure increasing with so many new boats joining the Dutch fleet.

Plauschli now sailing in Germany
Evolution Plauschli SUI-142 World, European, and Swiss champion will leave the Thunersee (Switzerland) and sail in Germany. His new owner: Henning Ueck, will take delivery of her in October.

Gold Cup 2003: A serious challenger for the Swiss ?
According to Peter Fjeld from Oslo, Norwegian Kristian Nergaard is seriously considering challenging Switzerland next year in Thun for the Gold Cup.
If he finds a boat fast enough to beat the most modern designs he could well be a serious threat considering his background in the 5.5 (World champion, European champion, Swiss champion and Gold cup winner all between 1993-96 with NOR-57 Zenda Corn). (Picture right: K. Nergaard and his crew receiving the Gold Cup for Norway in Muiden (1996).

New 5.5 built in the Netherlands ?
A rumor says that a 5.5 fanatic named Jim Lensveld has asked designers Van de Stadt to throw the lines for a new boat. It is said to have a "Classic" look but to have modern waterlines. He intends to build 3 boats in wood core in the Netherlands next winter.
Lots of boats have joined the dutch fleet recently: Luc Sala bought a Lexcen design NOR-41 which needs some restoring, he will be sailing with sailnumber NED-28. Lorbas ex G-17 built in 67 by Ontario Yacht is now owned by Tom van Maanen, this 5.5 is currently being repaired and will sail next year with number NED-29. Frank van Monsjou currently sailing NED-9 bought former FIN-44 Kandoo designed by D. Peterson from professor Gullichsen, he will receive his new boat in November and sail with number NED-30. And NED-31 is also coming back to life, this beautiful restored Copponex design built in 1962 had an inbord motor and could not be measured, the motor will be removed next winter and the boat will be on sale as a true 5.5 again. According to Hans Nadorp, head of the dutch fleet, two keen sailors are seriously considering buying Evolution Plauschli SUI-142, will the fleet reach sail number 32 before the end of the year ?, let's hope so !

Which is the right Cloud 9 ?
Tom van Maanen from the Netherlands writes about his 5.5: "I have bought the ex Lorbas, ex Sunnschien, ex Cloud 9 according to some copies of Loyd's Register of Ships, which came with the ship. I read in your News that Jay found aCloud 9 also sailing in Main/USA, so now I am wondering which is the original ?"
So if someone knows precisely the whereabouts of Cloud 9 and his origins please contact Tom @ 55t.vmaanen@chello.nl
(left)Cloud 9 as she looks today...

Gold Cup/Classic Cup on lake Thun in July 2003
According to the rules governing the Gold Cup, the winner has the right to decide where and when the next challenge will take place. The Swiss winners of the 2002 edition have therefore voted in favor of Thun, the Gold Cup and the Classic cup will be held from the 21 st to the 25 th of July, this major event will be followed by the Swiss championship from the 26 to the 29th in the same place. The Gstaad Yacht Club (GYC) will host the SGC & CC whereas the Thunersee Yacht Club (TYC) shall organize the Swiss championship.

Dutch Open Championship 2002
Daniel Schenker wins with SUI-205, Maitresse NED-26 from Hans Nadorp is second. A complete report available soon. --> Results

News from Cloud 9 - USA-79
Jay writes about her: "She has spent roughly 10 years languishing in a boatyard on a small island in southern maine. However, she was recently restored and is currently in the water off the same island. From your site I was able to learn that she placed 4th in the 1968 olympic trials, skippered by Gordon Lindemann. The boat that placed first was the boat that Mr. Lindemann used in the '64 games. He sold Cadenza US-68 and built Cloud 9 US-79 for the 68 Olympics". (see US-Olympic trial)

Annual general meeting 2002, read the: report

Dutch open championship: 9 entries from Germany and Switzerland
Linda Rijkuiter has just reported 9 foreign entries plus the dutch boats this will give an impressive 21 to 26 starting boats on the line of the next Dutch open championship in Brassemermer to take place from August 23-25.

WC-Helsinki 2002: Ali Baba was unbeatable!
At last the Marazzi family was able to reach their goal. With a fine tuned boat and with the help of a coach they won the first 4 races (out of 7) in a row of the 2002 World championship in Helsinki, securing their success right from the start over Marie-Françoise XV and John B once again.
Goddam steered by finish Jorma Savolainen came 16th overall and first of only two Evolution competing whereas the ten Classics were led by NED-9 Caeskop from Fran van Monsjou who finnished 19th overall.

(Left: Ali-Baba SUI 206 world champion, designed by Sébastien Schmidt and built in 2002 by Christof Wilke in Switzerland. She has two sister-ship: Maîtresse & Joker seventyone)

Overall standings

(from left to right: Ralph Kunker, Daniel Schenker, Roni Pieper, Daniel Stampfli,Jürg Christen, Jürg Menzi, Flavio Marazzi, Renato Marazzi, Bruno Marazzi, Craig Symonette, Gavi McKinney, Lars Horn Johannessen, Gordon Ingate, Mark Downer, James Bevis)

Switzerland wins Scandinavian Gold Cup & Finland takes the Royal Kaag Classic cup
Marie Françoise XV (Jürg Menzi, Jürg Christen, Daniel Stampfli) from Switzerland won the Scandinavian Gold Cup they defeated the bahamian defender John B Once Again
In the Royal Kaag Classic Cup, Matti Muoniovaara took three guns to wins this third edition at the helm of his Chaje 3.
Results

Berlin: a storm and then nothing...(July 2002)
A complete report brought to you by Stéfan Zlot, check also the results !

Sorry ass NOR-44 wins Hankø Race Week(July 2002)
Hankø Race Week 2002 was a great sailing event with good breeze and sunny days. Hankø showed it's potential as one of the best courses to sail. Eight boats from Australia and Norway were competing for the King Olav Cup. Defending Champion Colin Ryan sent his young and famous son to defend the trophy.
Day one started as a light wind day with breeze from North that built during that day. AUS 55 won the first race and the Finn Chr. Ferner Trophy easy with good speed and an OCS. Race two and three was won by NOR 44 with Petter Fjeld at the helm. The restoration of NOR 44 was not complete but the boat showed good regardless of her finish.
Day two was a great day with strong Breeze from south west and big waves. Everyone enjoyed the Hankø speciality and AUS 55 and NOR 44 won one race each.
Day three was called of due to heavy wind and bad sea conditions. Day four was also a heavy air day with 20 knots of with and great seas. NOR 44 won the first race and Jan Enok Arnesen steering Henning Forsberg's BAH 11 Pops John B won the second after a battle with NOR 44 and AUS 55.
The Crew of NOR 15 spent the whole winter restoring their boat into mint conditions also showed up with a Great Spirit and enthusiasm.
See final ranking. Picture left:Petter Fjeld receiving the Aussy Trophy for winning the second race. The trophy is given by Colin Ryan to the winner of the second race at Hankø Race Week. The Trophy is presented by H.R.H Princess Astrid and the Commodore of Royal Norwegian Yacht Club Haakon Nissen-Lie; picture right: Sicem rex AUS-55 helmed by Marc Ryan

Check the new 5.5 Australian website ! -> click here
Read about the proposal for the world championship 2004 in Sydney.

Val Provoost remembers sailing aboard The DEB(May 2002)
"In the early sixties she was owned by the Solent School of Yachting operating out of the Hamble River. I next saw her at Castle Cove Sailing Club at Weymouth, both locations in England. Late sixties/early seventies we had three 5.5s sailing at the club, K1 The Deb. K18 Medina and K32 Bjarne which was one of the most beautiful boats I have ever seen. Bjarne was sold, Medina was wrecked and sold to Belsize boatyard but was restorable and I think The Deb went home to the Dorset farm where her owner lived for a refit. For all I know she is still there as I never heard any more of her so I may contact the magazine Classic Boat and see if we can trace her." Val Provoost

Annual General Meeting - 2002
The AGM 2002 will be held at the YC of Merenkävijät (Helsinki) on Thuesday 23 of July, one hour after after returning from the race of the day.
There will be some technical issues presented by the TC to be approved and the designation of the location of the World championship to be held in 2004; proposed are: Australia(Sydney), Austria (Wannsee) or Italy.
If you wish to bring up a special subject, please contact asap: Tomi Sprecher, chairman of the class.

Proposals by the technical committe
Proposals made by the technical committe have to be disscussed during the next AGM in Helsinki, please check the issues under the "Class rules" link.

Patient & Impatient of Alameda CA. " My name is Bill Jarvis and my partners name is Dick Humprey. We own two Columbia 5.5 meter yachts. We have completely restored one of them. Her name is "Impatient," and we are about eighty-five percent completed with the second one. Her name will be "Patient."
When I say restored I mean completely restored. We gutted the boats from the keel down and put in new floors, bulkheads, and cockpit decking. We re-chromed all of the metal parts and put in a new boom, standing rigging and running rigging. Of course she has a new and beautiful-yacht red-paint job. For the old teak toe rail we installed a custom anodized aluminum toe rail. Her cove stripe is silver and her bottom is white.
We think "Impatient" is the most completely restored Columbia 5.5 Meter yacht floating. I live in Alameda Ca and we sail and race her along side "Drummer" and the 8 other 5.5s in the Estuary. The Estuary is a beautiful body of water that lies between Alameda (which is an Island), and Oakland Ca and runs into San Francisco Bay. " Capt. Bill Jarvis

Knock Out wins Robbe & Berking but Singora qualify for Gold Cup
With 1 third and 2 first the Ian Murray design Knock Out from Messerschmidt won the Robbe & Berking classic in the Flensburger Förde. Singora from Hans Köster with second placing will be the german challenger for the 2002 Gold Cup as Knock Out had not sent his entry for Helsinki. Matti Muoniovaara steering GER-27 Web was first classic 5.5 and fourth overall.
Results

Complex II maybe back in Helsinki ?
Britton wrote on the 24th of April after getting the Notice of race: ”Dear Matti What a wonderful circular you put on behalf of the yacht clubs involved in the upcoming Regatta and incliding the picture of K5 on the cover. I really enjoyed it………..As you know I hope to get Complex II repaired and sent over. With warm regards, Britton”

A new boat from Doug Peterson ?
It seems Doug Peterson the Italian Prada Team main designer is preparing a new design for a 5.5, no other detail is available for the time being...

Menzi wins Swiss Championship for the fith time in a row
Juerg Menzi and his crew Daniel Stampfli and Juerg Christen "Lupo" won the 2002 edition of the Swiss Championship raced in Neuchâtel during the weekend of the 19/20th of May. They have undoubtly set a new record of titel acquired in a row for the 5.5 class. Second and only real opponent was Bruno Marazzi and his sons on his new all black Ali-Baba SUI-206. Roni Pieper on his Artémis came in third . Five races were sailed on lake Neuchâtel with medium winds accompanied by stronger gust on Saturday and lighter conditions on Sunday. There was a good participation of 32 boats enhanced by 6 dutch crew, 1 bahamian (John B once again) and one german (Candida 3). A separate ranking showed La Soute à voile SUI-157 from local sailor Ducommun win the Evolution class although O'Pale SUI-163 was in front of him in the general standing. This peculiar situation showed the need for making a new rule as how to calculate the standings within each class. Last but not least, two Classics joined the fleet both from the Netherlands and Tripel NED-13 came first in front Caeskop NED-9. -->Results

Menzi wins Guido Prina Cup again (May 2002)
The Swiss like Italy and Santa Margherita that is why out of 15 participants 11 where from Switzerland attending the annual Guido Prina Cup beginning of May. Unfortunately the weather had declared war on Europe and the southerly winds made all attempts for racing impossible on friday. Saturday was not much better but two races could still be sailed on very choppy waters and strong wind gusts, Marie-Françoise 15 from Menzi took both guns. On Sunday the sun came out at last saving the championship from the floods. Another two race were sailed both won again by Menzi despite a fierce resistance from Artémis sailed by Daniel Schenker. In the Evolution class, Sunrise SUI 115 from Fréderic de Rutté took first place and Griffone ITA 42 won the Classics. See complete results.

Voloira wins Italian championship (April 2002)
VOLOIRA ITA-8 built in 1954 from the Ship Yard Baglietto with Alfredo Delli,Luca Marolli,Claudio Mazzanti on board won the Italian Championship raced in S.Margherita on April 20-21 th 2002. 5 race were sailed, Classification. 1°VOLOIRA-2°DALGRA III-3°VOLOIRA lll (Picture right : Voloira II)

Netherland: evolution ISIS wins first race on the Kaag (May 2002)
"Last weekend the season in the Netherlands was kicked off with the VoorKaag regatta. Nine 5.5 were at the start for three races. Light airs dominated the races and it was a perfect sailing weekend with lots of sun and nice temperatures. Winner of the series was NED 16 Isis with Jeroen de Vries, Linda Rijkuiter and Peter Parmentier.Second was NED 21 Modern Times of Victorine Bredero. Victorine did well in her first regatta with NED 21 Modern Times (now with very nice blue deck!). In the classic field NED 7 Geisha from Pim Capelle had a good seasons start; they were first classic overall. The GER 39 Candida III of Jens Cornelsen, Claus Müller and Thommy Thomson was our guest and were tested with the always difficult conditions on the Kaag. " (Report: J. de Vries - picture) Results

A "Star" is born (May 2002)
Bob Swain from the Waukegan YC reports:" The boat is US 10 built in 1956 for Herman Whiton from Long Island. Initially she was known as Pathfinder and was renamed Stars by Win Cooper who was either the 4th or 5th owner. The fastest boat in the 13 boat fleet to compete for Olympic representation was Quixote, a Hunt designed 5.5 with a small bulb keel extending to the rudder. She was built by Ted Hood Sr. who skippered her to a second place finish. In the last race he had only to beat one boat to become our representative but had an equipment failure and finished last....Andy Shoettle claimed first place and went on to the Olympics..... What has been so remarkable in this historical search is to learn those who are still alive are very active. Dr. Britton Chance is still associated with the University of Pennsylvania, Andy Shoettle is teaching at the Mayo Clinic, and Mr Luders had recently closed his yacht yard and was awaiting cancer surgery. Peter Dupont, the Mosbacher and the Fay families have also contributed.... I will be dry sailing Stars in Lake Michigan from the Waukegan Yacht Club.
Tentatively I would like to plan to attend the 2003 regatta that is planned for France just to see what the new boats look like but I'll need more info . Have a good day.." Bob $wain 55duncandi@webtv.net

World championship 2003 in Bénodet (April 2002)
French fleet president Christian Hauvette took contact with the Yacht Club de l'Odet to convene about dates for the Scandinavian Gold Cup, the Coupe de France and the World championship. These three events will be raced from the 17th to the 30th of August ensuring the best conditions for staying in Bénodet, Brittany, France.

Switzerland: new Ali Baba wins first race(April 2002)
Flavio Marazzi at the helm of the bran new Ali Baba SUI-206 won the first regatta in Thun. Only 2 races were sailed in very varying wind condition but Seb Schmidt's new design seems to be just as fast as SUI-204 Marie-Françoise. See Osterregatta results.

Swedish proposal for 2005(April 2002)
"The Swedish Sailing Federation will celebrate its 100 years anniversary 2005. A Working Party is preparing different events in a broad spectrum. One idea is to be host of Scandinavian Gold Cup perhaps in connection with a World Championship. As You know The Scandinavian Gold Cup is a price the Scandinavian Yachting Association was the founder of and also hold it's rules. If the Class Association think it's possible we will contact the Royal Swedish Yacht Club to organise the event perhaps at Sandhamn another famous regatta place which have seen many Worlds and also several Scandinavian Gold Cup events." Per Ulander

Marazzi's new Ali Baba ready by end of March(March 2002)
In a recent visit paid to Wilke's shipyard in Leissigen (Switzerland) we where able to see the first of the three new 5.5 ordered for this year. The hull n°1 (SUI-206) is for Bruno Marazzi who will take delivery by end of March, Hans Nadorp will get the second (NED-26) somewhere in April and hopefully the third order for the class president Tomi Sprecher will be on time for the Swiss championship in Neuchâtel by mid of May.
Commenting the new construction, Christof Wilke was saying: "Building the boats in two female form like the America cupper is less time consuming. We were able to add lots of little details whilst laying the components of the composite hull allowing a finished product at a very early stage." From a design point of view, Sébastien Schmidt changed the aft sections of the hull compared to the SUI-201/205 family: " We aimed for a boat being handled by lighter crews, not everybody has a "Lupo" (alias Jürg Christen - Middle man of Menzi's team) on board!" .
There is no doubt this new construction will be a success.

Topaze is back in business
NED12 Topaze has a new owner: Andre Vink, who previously owned NED23 Vedette which was lost in the blaze, has bought Topaze from Ans Roth. We are confident that we will see Andre race his new boat frequently, at least at national regattas.

Magellan SUI-168 joins the Dutch fleet(April 2002)
The Swiss built SUI-168 will join the Dutch fleet in April. Her new owner will be Dirk Jan Cosijn. He previously owned Papilio II lost during the fire blaze last February.

New committe elected for the Dutch fleet
Pim Capelle, Linda Rijkuiter and Arend Jan Pasman stepped down during the last AGM of the dutch fleet. A new committe led by Hans Nadorp and composed of Jeroen de Vries, Andre Vink and Joost Timmers was elected.Hans Nadorp (left) and his crew (Flensburg 2001)

Talatta: half the fun is in the history
"I have recently acquired a 5.5 meter that was originally constructed in Motala Batvarv in Sweden. It was designed by Arvid Lauren, and was build in 1951. Her original owner was Kurt Ribbehagen and her original name was Talatta. I believe her sail number was S-13. She is a mahogany hulled and I'm still trying to determine what her deck is made of :-). Its going to be a long project and if there are any 5.5 owners in the Toronto Canada area (heck of a long sail......), I would appreciate them getting in touch, because the boat is pretty stripped and I would appreciate getting a look at a fully rigged boat.
Also I would love to find anyone who has any knowledge of this particular boat, as half the fun is in the history. Would appreciate any assistance you can give. I can be reached by e-mail at 55lrixon@rogers.com, thanks", Lee Rixon

5.5 fleets on the Internet
Visit the new 5.5 german fleet website at www.5point5.de and the dutch fleet website at: www.5.5klasse.nl

Holland: eight 5.5 lost in fire blaze
Ned 2 Papillio, Ned 6 La Perle, Ned 8 Vinga, Ned 10 Double Five, Ned 18 Vision II, Ned 19 Sinbad, Ned 23 Vendette and an unregistered boat were lost early moorning on the 5th of February when a boat shelter containing 80 other boat caught on fire. Nothing could be salvaged...
The International 5.5 Class Association wishes to express all its moral support to the owners and hopes the Dutch fleet will soon recover from this striking blow.

WC - Helsinki 2002 (Jan 2002)
Latest information about the program - ferries - accomodation, January 2002, prepared by Matti Muoniovaara.(Updated Feb.13)

Paintings
Check this site if you like sailing paintings...they are from Brian Byrnes brush.

Swiss fleet AGM: things are going smoothly
The Swiss fleet is in a steady state, there where more participants in the regatta in 2001 than the previous year. The Swiss championship will take place in Neuchâtel during the National exhibition Expo.02 (May 16-20.2002) thus making it a great marketing event for the 5.5. 5 to 6 Dutch boats are also expected to participate.
Four Swiss 5.5 will go to the german Open championship and ten owners have annouced their intention to travel to Helsinki in July. Juerg Menzi (Marie-Françoise XV - SUI 204) will sail the Gold Cup for Switzerland.
Jack Frei won last year's annual Swiss championship with Juerg Menzi's former boat. The latest came in second.
 

Robbe-Berking classic - 2002 April 2002
Some 10 german 5.5 will sail in the Robbe-Berking classic from the 14th to the 16th of June 2002 in the Flensburger fjorde. Foreign crews are of course welcomed and invited to take contact with Hans Köster.
- Notice of race
- Useful information
- Entry form

German Open 2002 in Berlin April 2002
The German Open 2002 will be sailed in Berlin from the 9th to the 12 of July 2002 at the Berliner Yacht Club (phone ++39 30-8031415). Hans Köster , president of the german fleet already had contacts with the club who showed great interest for this organisation, he will also search sponsors.

5.5 Rule changes approved by the ISAF (Feb-2002)
Click here to check those changes becoming effective March 2002.

The keel thickness definition has been reviewed, The Sting, Morges 1994, picture: A Johnson

Candida joins the german fleet(Feb - 2002)
The crew (Jen Cornelsen & Claus-Stephan Müller) of the classic 5.5 Struten bought Candida VIII from Peter Andreae in England. Candida is a Doug Peterson design built by Melges Boatyard in 1996. The german fleet is growing with modern boats which pleases his new recently elected president, Hans Koester.

On Sunday 25th of November, some 20 people, owners, crew and friends of the 5.5 Meter got together in Hamburg to officialise the foundation of the german fleet. A committee was elected as follow: Hans Köster, president, Wilfred Kamp as treasurer and Hauke Wulf in the role of the secretary.
More information on this new fleet when things get going and organised !

Swiss championship 2002 to be held in Neuchâtel
The regatta (May 16-21, 2002) will take place during the Swiss national exhibition Expo 02 in Neuchâtel and the organising committee -Cercle de la Voile de Neuchâtel- will setup a program accordingly. Due to the opening ceremony of Expo 02 there will be very few hotels with rooms available. If you want to take part to the Swiss championship and do not have a reservation there are still a few rooms available at the hôtel Beaulac (reservation made until Dec.19), please contact the hotel as soon as possible to confirm your reservation (reference: Swiss 5.5 association)phone:++41 32 723 11 11. Price for a single: CHF 211; double CHF 370.

Who knows about Charlotta
(Oct.2001) Henning Buitkamp is seeking some information about a 5.5 named Charlotta:"I bought her this summer in Sweden for 1000 DM this year and as you can guess, she's not in best shape. There'll be a couple of years of restauration to be done. But the better it would be for me to get together with experienced 5.5 Meter-boat owners to have some wise advice about how to deal with her best. She was built in 1952 close to Stockholm and I was told that she sailed for Sweden on the olympic games in 1952 in Helsinki. Her name is Charlotta and her sail no. S-9764. It would be great if you knew more or at least, if you knew someone who could help me further with some information." Please contact : Henning Buitkamp, e-mail:55BuitkampH@netscape.net

Another Chaje in Canada
(Oct. 2001) Mail from Donal Cameron:"I purchased a International 5.5 last year sail number KC-44. Its name was "Chaje", had been called at one time "Serenity", I understand that the original name was "Chaje" I found this under old paint while I was striping it. She needs full restoration she is built of white oak frames and mohogany planking and a ply wood deck, I will be putting eighty new ribs shortly, I was told she was at the 1968 olympics as a trial horse, I also know that her builder was Aus and she was built in Denmark but I dont know if this is true. I would like to know if Chaje is her original name and someone could supply me with anymore informantion about her."
Email address: 55cameron4@sympatico.ca

Ever heard of "Rock'n Roll" ? (Dec.2001)
"My name is Björn Kleman and I recently bought a 5.5m here in Sweden. I have been in contact with Matti Muonivaara who has given me some information, but I am very interested in puzzling together a more compelete history of the boat.
She was built and designed by Bjarne Aas in Norway 1960, building nr 478, registred as N 20 with the name "Rock'n Roll". Current sailnr is SWE 55, which indicates that she was sold to Sweden sometime in the 70's. It seems that the orginal owner, or maybe helmsman, was Peder Lunde Sr, who won silver in the Helsinki Olympics 1952 with the 5.5 Meter"Encore".
The boat is is in good condition after some restoration work during the 90´s, including new deck, epoxy below the waterline and a new set of North sails.
I would be very grateful If you could post this on the 5.5 homepage, hopefully someone who is active in the class has some information to share with me. I am also including a picture of the boat as she looks today.
55b.kleman@telia.com

Isis takes gun for the last race of season in Holland(Oct.2001)
The Dutch fleet sailed the last regatta of the 2001 season at the Kaag. Eight 5.5's where on the starting line during the last weekend of September with unexpected but welcomed nice weather conditions. Only partly cloudy, no rain, winds SE-SW 10-14 knts, temp 18C. The four scheduled races were completed. At de Kaag, notorious for the shallows, the race results were partly dependent on how often one would find these. Ned-16 Isis from Jeroen de Vries and Linda Rijkuiter was best overall. The Topaze ladies showed other talents this weekend, organising on saturday evening a very nice surprise party for Piet van Opzeeland, celebrating a 'milestone' aniversary. Of course most dutch 5.5 sailors were present. Results
The "Modern" fleet is growing in Holland
The dutch fleet is steadily growing towards newer boats with the recent purchase of Maitresse (NED-21) by Victorine Bredero from Hans Nadorp. With Hamerhaai (ex-Salamander GBR-38)already sailing in the dutch waters, the fleet will have three "modern" when Hans's boat will be delivered begining of next year.
Hans Nadorp

Do you know anything about a 5.5 called "Charlotta" ?(Sept.2001)
Charlotta was bought last summer by Henning Buitkamp. She was built in 1952 near Stockholm and eventually sailed in the olympics the same year in Helsinki. Her actual sail number is S-9764 and her owner is looking for more information about her.
Henning also says "I bought her for 1000 DM this year and as you can guess, she's not in best shape. There'll be a couple of years of restauration to be done. But the better it would be for me to get together with experienced 5.5m-boat owners to have some wise advice about how to deal with her best".
So if you have information about Charlotta or some helpfull advice for her restauration, please contact Henning at: BuitkampH@netscape.net

Information brought by Matti Muoniovaara:
"The Swedish entry in Helsinki Olympics was "Hojwa" S-6, designed by Einar & Carl-Erik Ohlsson and built 1951. In Germany there is a boat named "Hojwa" G-6, designed by Einar & Carl-Erik Ohlsson and built by Martinson, Sweden. The boat was owned then in the fifties by Herbert Scholl. We also find "Vagabonde" Z-6 in Switzerland which could also be Hojwa.

Three new 5.5's to be built in Switzerland(Oct 2001)
Three orders for new boats were placed at Christof Wilke's boatyard in Leissigen (Switzerland). They are to be delivered in 2002 to Tomi Sprecher, Bruno Marazzi and Hans Nadorp. This new hull designed by Sébastien Schmidt is based on a design already world champion (Artémis SUI-205).
Marie-Françoise XIV SUI-201 sailing on lake Garda during the 99 world championship where he won his first world title (Picture B. Richner)

World championship 2003 / 2004 The world championship 2003 will be held in Bénodet (south of Britanny - France) in September and Sydney was chosen for 2004 by the general annual skippers meeting in Flensburg last June.

US-6 Hagar 3rd out of 30 boats !
Mickey Lake reports:
"I just wanted to drop you a line and let you know about our last race in our 5.5, Hagar US-6. This is a race from my yacht club, Buccaneer Yacht Club, in Mobile, Alabama, around an old Chesapeake Bay screwpile lighthouse and back. The lighthouse is well over 100 years old and is quite beautiful, being one of the last of its kind in North America. Unfortunately we were in a lot of traffic at the lighthouse, including having to dodge a loaded barge, and I didn't even get to look at it! The race was 13.5 miles long and took us over 7 !/2 hours to complete. We averaged less than 2 miles per hour! We did persevere and managed to finish 3rd overall of 30 boats.
My sailing partners Bob Mobley, and my wife Brenda, were great at keeping me from losing my head in the very difficult conditions (many of the boats actually anchored).
I just wanted to drop a line and say hello. We will probably not be sailing the 5.5 again this year as we will begin sailing our local class, the Fish class, in a couple of weeks and up till it gets cold in November. Take care, and best of luck to all 5.5 sailors. "

Cayman Jack Fra-133 wins "Le tour de l'Ile aux Moines" (Aug. 2001)
French Mico Bolo is the owner and helmsman of Cayman Jack, he sails his 5.5 in Brittany from where he is reporting:
"on the eve fo the Lancel Cup begining of August, we where sailing to Noirmoutier when strong gust caught us up in the strait of the Four. CaymanJack was doing very well but she was also filling to well ! so we decided to stop in Le Pornichet and that's when a piece holding the rudder broke down. End of the Lancel Cup for us this year...
Latter when everything was fixed we took part in the venue of the "Iles aux Moines" in Le Morbihan (Aug. 13-14-15). We won the series on corrected time in front of many other competitors, four 5.5 participated. Le Morbihan is an ideal sailing spot for boat like the 5.5 and their 1.35 m draught. The "ambiance" during these series is also a worthy reason to come sailing in this beautiful place!!!"

US 6 Hagar undergoing renovations
Mickey Lake (USA) reports: " My own boat (US 6, Hagar) is still undergoing some renovation. So far we have replaced all of the running rigging (lines, blocks and winches), sanded and painted everything, and replaced three bulkheads. The boat is close to being ready to sail. We have sailed a couple of handicap regattas during the year. The first race we broke down. The jib downhaul ripped out of the boat. The second race we were fortunate enough to win first overall, of 28 boats. I sailed in the Star class for 20 years, owning four boats over that time. So far I've really enjoyed the 5.5 meter and look forward to many years of sailing her. "
USA: 5.5 Columbia nationals (July 14-15)
Dinosaurs roamed the Delta on July 14-15, when nine Columbia 5.5 Meters convened on the San Joaquin River near Bruno's Island for the their first National Championship in over 20 years. Four 5.5s made the trek up-river from Alameda, and were joined by five more sisterships from Stockton. Andreas Cove YC and Stockton SC co-hosted the five-race, no-throwout series. Read more..

Great success for Félix Bibus (July 19-22)
On lake Garda eighteen 5.5 gathered for this exceptional meeting during the Intervela regatta. Menzi wins fourth title. Read more...
Salamander in Holland
Joost Timmers, brother in law from Piet van Opzeeland (NED 12 Topaze) and married to a sister from Ans Roth bought the GBR 38, Salamander from Jonathan Janson. He will be sailing in Holland as NED 25.

News from Russia -> read the story brought by Yuri Yanin (St-Petersburg)

Sébastien Schmidt new responsible of the technical committee
Famous swiss designer Sébastien Schmidt was appointed new responsible of the TC by the AGM. His first task will be to reorganised the functionning of this team composed of Matti Muoniovaara , Julia Hempel, Paul Handley and a dutch representative still to be nominated.

Gordon Ingate buys "My Shout"(June 2001)
The Australian sailor and America Cup skipper Gordon Ingate bought Glen Foster's My Shout at the end of the world championship in Flensburg. He will keep sailing it under the US flag as he is also a member of the New-York Yacht Club. His former AUS 56 Addam-Addam was sold to Finland.

Joker 8 goes to Britanny (June - 2001)
Tomi Sprecher's Joker 8 will soon be sailing in the french waters of Britanny near Bénodet. Tomi sailed the world championship and the Kielerwoche and will deliver the boat to France.Jean-Pierre Chacun her new owner is looking forward to sail with the rest of the 5.5 french fleet. Bénodet will house the world championship in 2003. Tomi Sprecher has planned to build a new boat, this project will give birth to a new series of other boats.

AGM 2001 - Agenda, Sunday June 10 , FSC clubhouse, (T. Sprecher)
1. ISAF Advertising code cat. (A. no adds at all or C. with or without restrictions)
2. Financial report
3. Officer's elections (Representative for the USA & TC chairman)
4. Technical issues (Keel thickness, classes definition, core material, mainsail foot)
5. Racing calendar
6. Other business...
Download report

Swiss championship 2002 in Neuchâtel
The next Swiss championship will be held in Neuchâtel from May 16 to 20, 2002. Be aware of the fact that it will be sailed during the openning of Expo 02, therefore there will be very few accomodations available...make sure you do your reservations as soon as possible if you don't want to end up in a tent ! see: Neuchâtel tourism office
Once again the 5.5 class is going to be part of a great event in Switzerland.

Swiss championship: only one race !(May-2001)
Due to the lack of wind during this last weekend of May, the Swiss championship came to a sad end when the race committee had to cancel all the series. Only one regatta could be sailed on friday and all the others had to be canceled as the winds died away or changed direction.
The 5.5 Swiss Class Association decided to re-race the Swiss championship in Riva during Félix Bibus 70th anniversary regatta to be held from July 19 to 22, 2001.

Switzerland - Coupe de la Harpe 2001 - Schumann wins !
With flashing new boat fresh from Wilke, Roni Pieper and his famous helmsman Jochen Schumann have "easily" won the Coupe de la Harpe in Rolle. Artémis X took four of the five races right in front of Marie-Françoise of Jürg Menzi. Racing conditions where great with more than 20 boats on the starting line ! See complete results

First Race of the "Attersee Cup 2001"(May 2001)
On the 12th of May the first race of the Attersee Cup 2001 took place at the Segelclub Attersee. In this Cup all boats can compete in two classes: Fast, rated up to 103 points Yardstick, and Slow rated from 104 points Yardstick and higher. There will be one event in every sailing club at the Attersee during the season which will count for the Cup. Unfortunately there were only light winds during the race, so it was hard to compete against light wind racers like an UFO, an ASSO 99 and a SONDERKLASSE.But BELLADONNA AUT 10 (Blue, yellow and green spinnaker) with Christian Scheinecker on the helm, Edmund Berndt sen. and Edmund Berndt as crew, won the Fast class and got second in the overall results. The next event will be on the 19th of may at the Union Yacht Club Attersee.

News from the technical committee -> please follow this link

Carmen now in Flensburg (May 01) (from Hans Koester)
I just wanted to let you know, that I bought FIN-37 Carmen. Matti helped a lot with the deal and all the technical issues like ferry and transport. The boat will be named Singora and will have the number ger-37. So after some years of rest the boat will be sailed again. Singora will take part in the worlds in flensburg, my hometown and homeclub. Looking forward to see you and the 5.5 class there!

Ex-world champion salvaged
World champion in 1982 in Geneva, Saphir SUI-129 lying in Morges was in very bad condition for the last several years. His owner finally decided to give the boat to the sailing school of Rolle. The boat was immediately hauled out and brought to Mayu's shipyard where it will be repaired.

World championship 2001 - Flensburg: entry list
Gold Cup: 8 countries / Classic Cup: 2 entries
German Open: 13 boats
World championship: 32 boats (May 18th)
Bah 1
Can 1
Fin 4
Gbr 1
Ger 7
Nor 1
Ned 5
Sui 12
Aus 1

Strong winds in Holland (Apr 01)(Linda Rijkruiter)
The first race in holland was sailed on the Kaag on 28/29 April. On saturday strong gusts of wind made it a hard start of the season. Hans Nadorp on Ned 21 was the only one who made it through the finish.  ISIS NEd 16 and Banana NED 13 were stranded on an Island on the other side of the lake. Fortunately there was a restaurant so the crews didn't starve from hunger and thirst. On Sunday conditions where better, there was still 20 knots wind but some sun to go with it.
Results :
1.NED 21 Maitresse Hans Nadorp 1 1 1 , 2.NED 16 ISIS Jeroen de Vries DNF 2 2 , 3.NED 13 Triple (Banana) Sander v/d Post DNF 4 3 , 4.NED 22 Above the Line Jan van Duyn DNF 3 4,  5. NED 9 Moeders Mooiste Victorien Bredero DNS 5 DNF
We will race again in two weeks on the Braassem
Italy: Campionato Mediterraneo 2002 - May 3-5 

News from Norway (from Terje Huser)
The norwegian 5.5mR - Club and the Dragon Club initiated and invited last spring to a regatta in the harbour of Oslo. It is arranged this year too and on www.akerbryggecup.org you can see what it is like this year, though in norwegian!... Another news is a rather sad one, Finn Chr. Ferner, the grand old man in 5.5-sailing in Norway, besides H.M. King Olav, died in the beginning of this year. He was well known to sailors who have competed many years ago.

Annual general meeting of the 5.5 class : Flensburger Yacht Club - June 10, 2001 (Thomas Sprecher)

Cay Man Jack & French fleet (Mico Bolo)
In France Mico Bolo from Brittany has given a fresh coating to Cay Man Jack and has has kept the "Lacoste" look of the boat. She is now moored in the Golf du Morbihan and she is great looking in the sunshine!
The french fleet will be very active in local regattas, the 5.5 will be racing in the Lancel Cup at the club of "Bois de la Chaize" in Noirmoutier beginning of August. (see:CVBC-Lancel Cup
Thefleet will then move to the Ile aux Moines for the "Festival de la Voile" ( where 400 boats are expected), this will be on the 13,14 & 15 of August.

Volpina IV
Luigi Zucchi from Italy reports that the restoring work of my 5.5 Volpina IV has restarted after a forced stop due to his job. "If I don't meet with particular difficulties, I think to finish the restore in june." he says.
 

(From Jeron deVries) Yes, the 5.5 mtr sailing season 2001 has started here in the Netherlands. That is, for Hans Nadorp NED21. A forgotten tradition was restored this year when 20 different classes raced each other on 4th March on a lake near Amsterdam. This regatta was the HISWA Cup and the NED 21 competed for the 5.5 meter class. Light airs, completely overcast, cold, and warm clubhouse with beers for the supporters. two races where sailed, results based on elapsed time corrected by SW rating. The results (in brackets the SW rating for information): Olypmia (114), Spanker (109), 5.5 meter (98), Solo (115), Flying Junior (114), FD (94), Laser (109), Laser Radial (114), Vrijheid (114), Contender (104), 16 m2 (108.5), Cadet (148), Mirror (146), Vaurien (113), Dart18 (100), Kolibri (116), Optimist (152), 12 ft (138), 29er (96), OptimistB (152) The HISWA is the Amsterdam Boat Show which runs from 10 to 18 March 2001.
Two 5.5s where displayed, one classic (NED9) and one modern (NED21). There was many visitors and great interest ! Hans sailed on third place corrected time in the HISWA cup 2001.

Kielerwoche June 16 –19

Félix Bibus invites you to join him to celebrate his 70 th anniversary (Jan 01)