Int. 5.5 Metre Class News - March 2024
by Robert Deaves 21 Mar 2024 07:29 PDT
2023 World Championship in Porto Cervo © Robert Deaves
Most of the events for 2024 are now fixed and entries are open.
The International race programme has been published on the website for 2024 and we look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at all 5.5 organised regattas.
A lot of work goes into these, and the race organisers need all the support they can get.
The Category A regattas are listed below, while there are many other Category B regattas on the website.
Please keep an eye on the website for any updates to events and links for entry.
A new magazine has been produced. Some copies have already been posted, but the majority will be delivered to the Alpen Cup for collection.
BENODET 2024
The Scandinavian Gold Cup, Hankø Evolution Cup, Royal Kaag Cup and the Class World Championship all return to Benodet, in France from 28 August to 6 September.
The host club will be the Yacht Club de l'Odet, which previously also hosted the World Championship in 2017
In 2023 the World Championship in Porto Cervo attracted 34 entries, the highest number for some years. With interest in the class continuing a strong entry is also expected in 2024. Please get your entries in early to allow to the club to prepare another fantastic event.
Further information and the entry forms can be found on the Club's website here
Find presentation of the events here. And more information can be found here.
For any queries please contact the Class Secretary:
Alpen Cup - RIVA, 18-20 April
The Alpen Cup moves to Fraglia Vela Riva for the first time this year. Already there are 14 boats signed up.
Entries close on 12 April. The Notice of Race is here.
Event webpage with entry is here.
The Alpen Cup is the first stage of the 5-Nations Cup.
Italian Open, La Spezia
10-12 May
The Italian Open will be held at La Spezia on the Ligurian coastline.
Swiss Open - Rolle
23-24 May
The Swiss Open will be held at the popular venue of Rolle on Lake Geneva. Entry will be open soon on Manage2Sail.
It is also the second stage of the 5-Nations Cup.
UK Nationals Cowes
1-4 June
Come and sail on the waters of the 2018 World Championship. Hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, this will be the first British 5.5 Metre National Championship for many decades.
For more details please contact the Class Secretary:
Salzkammergut Preis Gmunden
7-9 June
Registration is open here.
This is the third stage of the 5-Nations Cup.
German Open Muggelsee
18-20 June
The German Open is being held in Berlin on the on the Mueggelsee under the patronage of Jochen Schümann at his home club, the YCBG. Racing will be 18-20 July, with 21 July Sunday as reserve day. Entry fee is reduced until the end of March.
Entry and Notice of Race on Manage2Sail
The German Open is the fourth stage of the 5-Nations Cup.
French Open Cannes
24-27 September
The French Open returns to the Regates Royal in Cannes in September.
It is also the fifth and final stage of the 5-Nations Cup
Herbspreis Thunersee
12-13 OCT
The last major event of the year is the traditional Herbspreis on the beautiful Lake Thun. Entry form and more details here
Message from Jochen Schümann
Dear 5.5 sailors,
Welcome to the 5.5 German Open 2024 at YC Berlin-Grünau on Müggelsee.
I am delighted that the 5.5 yachts will be holding their championship on my home turf in Berlin-Köpenick.
Due to its shape and location, the Müggelsee is the best regatta area in Berlin - although Berlin has a lot of sailing areas to offer in all directions.
Many Berlin sailing clubs are located in the immediate vicinity of this wonderful sailing area - including the organizing Yacht Club Berlin-Grünau on the Spree, not far from the Spree tunnel - the mouth of the Müggelsee.
To this day, the YC Berlin Grünau is probably one of the most successful German sailing clubs having won many medals at the Olympic Games, Para-Olympics, World and European Championships.
This includes 2 world championship titles in the 5.5er, which I won together with Ronald Pieper and Pieter van Niekerk in Flensburg in 2001 and in Sydney in 2005.
Some of our successful sailors and coaches now use their sailing experience as competent race officers and in the organization of many regattas and championships.
With a bit of weather luck in July, you will hopefully be able to sail all races as planned in good wind conditions.
Then there will certainly be time to enjoy the hospitality and sporting camaraderie ashore with friends and family or even to explore the capital.
I wish everyone eventful days in Berlin.
On the water, I wish everyone good wind and that little bit of luck that makes sailing even more fun!
I wish you fair winds and good luck.
Jochen Schümann