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Int. 5.5 Metre Class returns to its roots for 70th Anniversary

by Robert Deaves 8 Mar 2018 11:12 PST 14-25 August 2018
Int. 5.5 Metre Class © Robert Deaves

The Rule of the International 5.5 Metre Class was written in 1948 and the first boat, K-1, The Deb, was designed in 1948 by Charles E. Nicholson. The boat was first sailed in the Solent in 1949.

Seventy years after The Deb was designed, the 5.5 Metre fleet is returning to the same waters where she was launched. The 2018 International 5.5 Metre World Championship in Cowes, UK, will be the highlight of the class's 70th anniversary year.

With enthusiastic fleets and devoted sailors in many countries, the International 5.5 Metre remains one of the most numerous Metre classes, and is still very popular around the world.

The 2018 international circuit begins with the Alpen Cup in Torbole, on Lake Garda and ends with the Herbstpreis on Lake Thun, Switzerland in October, with visits to Glücksburg, Lago di Como, Midland, Canada, Travemünde, Copenhagen and Cannes along the way, in addition to two weeks in Cowes for the famous Scandinavian Gold Cup and 5.5 Cups, followed by the World Championship.

More information on the event website.

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