fivepointfive Magazine 2025

5.5class.org
fivepointfive
The Official Magazine of the International 5.5 Metre Class
REPORT AND PHOTOS FROM BENODET
ED WRIGHT INTERVIEW
MARC PENTHER REMEMBERS
THE ART OF SPINNAKER TRIM
WÖLFI INTERVIEW
RABICANO AND ARCANO PROFILES
5 5
APRIL 2025

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YOUR INTERNATIONAL AND LOCAL CLASS
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© Robert Deaves
Made in Switzerland
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fivepointfive
ISSUE 5 - APRIL 2025
CONTENTS
Class Information 5
Foreword 9
Preview 2025 Worlds – Sopot, Poland 20
Preview 2026 Worlds – Athens, Greece 54
Race Results 2024 62
2025 Racing Calendar 64
FEATURES
Ali Baba wins Scandinavian Gold Cup 10
Ku-Ring-Gai-III wins world title in Benodet 13
New prizes for 2025 17
Long Jane seeks new home 26
Remembering Fabrizio Cavazza 28
The art of spinnaker trim 34
Boat profile – Arcano 42
Boat profile – Rabicano 48
Bruno Marazzi 52
Inventory/Boat data 59
INTERVIEWS
Wolf-Eberhard Richter 22
Ed Wright 31
Marc Penther 56
NATIONAL REPORTS
Finland 21
Germany 24
Australia 27
North America 38
Austria 41
France 46
Italy 55
Switzerland 60
ADVERTISERS
Bahama Ferries (IBC), Clean Seas/Artemis (8), Europ Sails (1),
Gotthard Partners (8), Luminox (44), Mondaine (OBC), North Sails
Schweiz (35), Octillion Invest (25), One2three Naval Architects (58),
TotalP (44), TSH Aviation (IFC), Wilke (4) (Thanks for the support)
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 3

BUILDING
FAST
5.5 METRES
FOR OVER 25 YEARS
70 YEAR OLD
STATE-OF-THE
ART DESIGN
CONTINUOUS
EVOLUTION
NEW DEVELOPMENT
BUILDING ON PAST SUCCESS

FLEETS
AUSTRALIA
Damian Macey
damo.macey@live.com.au
AUSTRIA
Dirk Harms
harms.dirk@gmail.com
Class
information
BAHAMAS
Gavin McKinney
gavinmckinney2@gmail.com
CANADA
John Lister
listersjohn@gmail.com
FINLAND
Ville Harkke
vharkke@gmail.com
FRANCE
Jean-Bernard Datry
jdatry@club-internet.fr
GERMANY
Felix Christiansen
felix.christiansen@hcco.de
GREAT BRITAIN
Peter Morton
mortycowes@talktalk.net
GREECE
Stavros C. Papagiannopoulos
ceo@exl.gr
ITALY
Guido Tommasi
guido@guidotommasi.it
NETHERLANDS
Arend J. Pasman
apotheekwormer@ezorg.nl
NORWAY
Bent Christian Wilhelmsen
bcw@octillioninvest.ch
POLAND
Mateusz Kusznierewicz
5.5mclasssecretary@gmail.com
SWEDEN
Mats Nelson
matsnelsonbasse@gmail.com
SWITZERLAND
Simon Pfändler
simon.pfaendler@amgil.ch
USA
Daniel Rossi
daniel@rossi-engineering.com
For up to date details, local
websites and other information
please see:
https://5.5class.org/contact
OFFICERS
(as of APRIL 2025)
PRESIDENT
Louise Morton
louisemorton@me.com
Great Britain
SECRETARY
Liz Haines
liz@hainesyachting.com.au
Great Britain
VP COMMUNICATION
Peter Vlasov
petervlasov@mac.com
The Bahamas
VP TECHNICAL COMMITTEE
Jamie MacPhail
JMacPhail@pantaenius.com
Australia
TREASURER
Simon Pfändler
simon.pfaendler@amgil.ch
Switzerland
WEBSITES
5.5class.org
5.5inventory.org
HONORARY
PRESIDENT
H.M. King Harald V of Norway
TECHNICAL
COMMITTEE
Chairman:
Jamie McPhail, AUS
JMacPhail@pantaenius.com
Rients van der Woude, NOR
rients@online.no
Mike Toppa, USA
Mike.Toppa@northsails.com
Guy Roland Perrin, SUI
guyroland.perrin@gmail.com
Odin Grupe, GER
odin.grupe@kiwi-weine.de
Edited and published by
Robert Deaves for the International
5.5 Metre Class Association
Copyright © Robert Deaves, 2025
All photos © Robert Deaves
unless credited
Contact: www.robertdeaves.uk
communication@5.5class.org
All rights reserved. No part of this
publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system or
transmitted in any form by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying,
recording or otherwise without
the prior written permission of the
publisher and the copyright holders.
While every effort has been made to
ensure the accuracy of the information
presented, neither the editor nor the
authors can assume any liability for
any errors that remain.
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 5

Skylla V crashes through the Cannes surf at the
French Open in 2024, sailed within the amazing
sailing spectacle that is the Regates Royales.

www.cleanseas.org
#CleanSeas
Supported by Team Artemis

FOREWORD
Foreword
Dear 5.5 Class Members and Friends
I
hope you enjoy this great newsletter compiled once
again by Robert Deaves, with many super interesting
stories from present and past competitors. I was
especially pleased to read Arancia Malaspina’s report
on Rabicano and it was encouraging to read of her
mission to race with an all girl crew.
Sadly we say goodbye to Bruno Marazzi and Fabrizio
Cavazza in this issue, both legends in the 5.5 Class.
We report great news on the new trophies for the World
Championship kindly donated by the Vlasov family, and the
addition of medals for the Evolution and Classic divisions at the
World Championship.
Once again the International Race Officer at the Worlds in
Benodet commented on our spirit in the Class and how special
it is. We love being told that, and we need to hold on to it. This
class is also known for dressing up formally for dinners and the
wearing of yachting blazers and 5.5 ties makes us one of the
smartest sailing classes at regattas. Long may that continue.
We have a super programme for 2025 with our World
Championship in Sopot. Poland. I have to say we are very much
looking forward to that. With my British hat on, along with the J
Class and 12 Metre class, the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes is
hosting a 5.5 Metre Championship in June 2026 to be part of the
200th anniversary of Cowes Week. I do hope as many of you as
possible will consider a visit to our island home. We can assure
of you a warm welcome.
Please do take the time to read all these good articles, there
is something in here for everyone.
I would like to wish you all fair winds and good sailing in 2025.
Kind regards
Louise Morton
International President of the 5.5 Metre Class
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 9

2024 SCANDINAVIAN GOLD CUP - BENODET
Keeping it in
the family
In 2024 the Scandinavian Gold Cup went all the
way with seven races sailed, the maximum possible.
Flavio Marazzi, along with his daughters Eline and
Julie, emerged victorious after a very tight series.
Report and photos by Rupert Holmes.
The International 5.5 Metre fleet headed back to
Benodet in south Brittany and the Yacht Club de
l’Odet for the 2024 Scandinavian Gold Cup and
World Championship.
It was the eighth time the championship had
been contested in Brittany and the sixth time since 1974 that
it had been hosted by the Yacht Club de l’Odet. Eight boats
entered for the one boat per country Scandinavian Gold Cup. Its
unique format, where only race wins count, involves all non-race
winners being excluded after the third race, so the event can be
over in three races, or take seven. In parallel with the Gold Cup, a
total of nine Evolution and Classic boats competed for the Hanko
Cup and the Royal Kaag Classic Cup.
SCANDINAVIAN GOLD CUP
In a light wind series, which went the full seven races, Flavio
Marazzi won his first Scandinavian Gold Cup as helm, after first
winning with his father 20 years ago in Sydney.
He was back for the first time since then, racing with his
teenage daughters, Julie and Eline. The result also meant three
generations of the Marazzi family have won the trophy
John B (Gavin McKinney, Lars Horn Johannessen and Justin
Cunningham) and Ali Baba (Flavio Marazzi, Julie Marazzi and
Eline Marazzi) each notched up a race win on the first day in
challenging light winds.
The fitful sea breeze only briefly reached 10 knots and there
were plenty of patches of very light airs that were liable to catch
out the unwary. This was therefore a day for keeping your head
out of the boat.
“We started close to Caracole,
who we consider to be a very fast
boat, and we kind of stuck with
them,” says McKinney. “They got
a little bit ahead and tacked onto
port in front of us, but we went
behind and just got a little bit better
pressure and at the weather mark
we had an inside overlap.
“We chased each other
downwind and we went to the right
hand gate, they went to the left
hand gate.” John B then tacked
on a heading wind shift, giving
McKinney’s team an advantage
they held to the finish.
For the second race, most of
the fleet took the pin end of the
start line, with The Jean Genie
(Peter Morton, Andrew Palfrey,
Ruairidh Scott) hitting the line at
10 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

speed to gain a useful early advantage. However, John B arrived
at the windward mark at the same time.
The Marazzi family then drew ahead on the first downwind
leg. After that Flavio said, “there was a big fight among the
second, third and fourth boats, so that allowed us a pull out a bit
more distance on the next upwind leg.”
“This is our first time at the Scandinavian Gold Cup after
qualifying last year at the world championship in Porto Cervo – we
were extremely lucky to be the best Swiss team there,” says Eline.
SECOND DAY
On the tense second day of racing Ali Baba and Artemis (Kristian
Nergaard, Johan Barne and Trond Solli-Saether) both notched up
race wins. Artemis won the first race of the day, gaining a ticket
to the next round. She therefore joined yesterday’s two winners,
John B and Ali Baba.
The unique nature of the Scandinavian Gold Cup, in which the
first boat to win three races takes overall victory, requires different
tactics and strategy to conventional regatta racing. In particular,
it tends to reward those who take tactical risks in an effort to win
one of the first three races and therefore avoid elimination.
“We agreed to be very aggressive and be very determined on
what we believed in,” says Nergaard. “We went to the right-hand
side and hit a good shift there. We were in the lead on the first
upwind leg, and then we sort of kept the lead all the way around
to the finish.”
In Race four there was a tacking duel between John B and
Artemis, with the former leading around the first windward mark
by a couple of lengths. On the run John B initially looked to be
pulling ahead, while staying well to the left of the other boats, but
lost out as the north-northeasterly wind eased to 5-7 knots.
At the same time, Ali Baba came back into the game from
the right hand side on the downwind leg. When she crossed
gybes with Artemis in a port and starboard situation they were
so close the on-water International Jury awarded a penalty
against Artemis.
2024 Scandinavian Gold Cup
1 Ali Baba (SUI 224, Flavio Marazzi, Julie Marazzi, Eline Marazzi) 6 1 6 1 3 3 1
Artemis (NOR 57, Kristian Nergaard, Johan Barne, Trond Solli-Saether) 5 2 1 2 2 1 2
John B (BAH 26, Gavin Mckinney, Lars Horn Johannessen, Justin Cunningham) 1 8 7 3 1 2 3
Aspire (POL 17, Przemek Gacek, Mateusz Kusznierewlcz, Kilian Weise) 4 5 2 - - - -
Caracole (FRA 214, Bernard Haissly, Daniel Stampfli, Nicolas Berthoud) 2 3 ret - - - -
Beta Crucis (AUS 63, Martin Cross, Bob Stoddard, Simon Reffold) 3 7 5 - - - -
Girls on Film II (GBR 41, Louise Morton, Sam Haines, Andrew Mills) 7 6 3 - - - -
The Jean Genie (GBR 43, Peter Morton, Andrew Palfrey, Ruairidh Scott) 8 4 4 - - - -
Hankø Evolution Cup
1 Ali Baba (GER 84, Wolf-Eberhard Richter, Beata Kallkowski, Joerg Gruenwald) 1 1 1 1 1 1 6
2 Joker (FRA 50, Adrien Polaillon, Eric Polaillon, Jean Baptiste Polaillon) ufd 3 2 2 2 2 17
3 Enez C’las I (FRA 51, Jerome Picard, Marc Voisard, Jean Philippe Montfort) ufd 2 3 3 3 4 21
4 Bagheera (FRA 43, Jean-Bernard Datry, Alexandre De Cenival, Nayl Driss) 2 4 4 4 4 3 21
5 In Extremis (FRA 53, Daniel Mutricy, Florence Piriou, Christophe De Cheffontaines) 3 5 5 5 5 5 28
Royal Kaag Classic Cup
1 Manuela V (ITA 36, Guido Tommasi, Matteo Barison, Andrea Racchelli) 1 1 1 1 1 1 6
2 Auguste Ier (FRA 47, Gurvan Jaouen, Alexandre Desaubliaux, Kenigwern Jaouen) 3 2 2 2 2 2 13
3 Twinns XII (FRA 25, Jean-Philippe Gervais, Eric Gaiani, Philippe Guittonneau) 2 3 3 3 3 3 17
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 11

By the time Artemis had completed her turn, Ali Baba was three
lengths ahead and maintained the lead to the finish. After a rocky
start, Julie Marazzi says they, “gradually kept coming up to the other
boats and all of a sudden we were in the lead – that was amazing.”
“It’s really tricky racing. Only a win counts, so you have
to do everything to win this race and look for all possible
opportunities,” adds Flavio. “For sure you have to take more risk
in tactics when two boats are fighting, like we saw on the fourth
race. We have to separate if we’re behind or control them if we’re
in front. It’s a very cool kind of racing – I like it.”
FINAL DAY
So, the three boats went into the final day, with Ali Baba on two
wins and just needing one more.
All three boats finished the fifth race just six seconds apart.
As Artemis closed the line a couple of metres clear ahead of Ali
Baba, John B approached from the other direction, sailing much
faster at a hotter angle. She sneaked in close to the committee
boat to take victory by just two seconds.
Ali Baba and John B now both held two race wins, while
Artemis had one.
In Race 6 John B and Artemis went to the right after the start,
while Ali Baba was slower off the line and split to the left, but that
didn’t pay. Artemis showed impressive boat speed and height on
this leg and little more than 10 minutes after the start had built an
unassailable lead that she extended to the finish.
With all three boats now tied with two race wins each, the
final race became an all-or-nothing finale in which the tables
turned on the very last windward leg.
The very light airs – the breeze rarely reached six knots –
made for slow-motion action, yet markedly raised the tension
both for the competing teams and for onlookers. Artemis again
had superior boat speed after the start and maintained a loose
cover on John B, with Ali Baba slower round the first lap.
The two leaders tacked onto starboard at the start of the final
upwind leg, while Ali Baba again split off to the side, this time
going to the right. She then hooked into an advantageous wind
shift, accompanied by marginally more breeze and by the end of
the second beat had converted a 12-length deficit into an equally
large lead that she held to the finish.
“We missed out in the first two races today,” says Flavio
Marazzi, “and in the last one Kristian was already gone and
ahead, so we tried to stay in the game and go extreme. That’s all
we could do with the two boats going left. Then the wind went
all the way right on the second upwind. Sometimes you are lucky
and this was the time we got it right.
“We knew that the wind would shift to the right, but you can
never really know when – it was super light, between two and four
knots, and almost the Swiss lake conditions I don’t really like.”
This week was the first time Eline and Julie, his 14 and 16
year old daughters, had won a race at a 5.5 Metre regatta, yet
alone the whole event. “We didn’t really think that we could
ever win,” says Julie. “For us it was like, we started this, we’re
going to end it and it’s our first Scandinavian Gold Cup, so we’re
just going to pull through till the end and see how it turns out.
Winning it is obviously amazing, so we’re very happy.”
Joker (Adrien Polaillon, Eric Polaillon and Jean Baptiste Polaillon),
who finally secured second ahead of Enez C’las I (Jerome Picard,
Marc Voisard and Jean Philippe Montfort).]
After the first day, Grunewald said the first race, “…was a
very good race in light winds, so quite challenging to find the
right sides and the right areas, but a beautiful race. I thought it
was big, big fun and a beautiful day. Really enjoyed it.”
The Italian boat Manuela V (Guido Tommasi, Matteo Barison
and Andrea Racchelli) also had a clean score of victories in the
Royal Kaag Classic Cup, ahead of Korrigan (Gurvan Jaoen,
Alexandre Desaubliaux and Kentigwern Jaoen) and Twins Xll
(Jean-Philippe Gervais, Eric Gaiani and Philippe Guittonneau).
A beautifully restored classic 5.5 Metre, Manuela V even beat
all the newer Evolution boats in the first race. “In the afternoon
we had very, very good wind,” says Tommasi. “We were lucky
because we made two good races with a classic boat and I’m
very happy. I bought this as an old boat in 1998 and I have
worked on her since then – now, she is sailing very well.”
Below (top to bottom): Evolution podium (Ali Baba, Joker, Enez C’las I)
Classics podium (Manuela V, Auguste Ier, TwinnsXII)
Scandinavian Gold Cup winner (Ali Baba)
CLASS CUPS
At the same time, the older 5.5 Metres in the Evolution and
Classic divisions were competing for the Hankø Evolution Cup
and the Royal Kaag Classic Cup. Two boats in these divisions put
in stunning performances to win their six race no discard series
with an unbroken run of first places.
In the Evolution fleet Ali Baba (Wolf-Eberhard Richter, Beata
Kallkowski and Jorg Grunewald) notched up a straight run of
six race wins. However, the fight for second place was very
tight, with three boats just one point apart after the second day.
Another multigenerational family crew in Benodet was local boat
12 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

2024 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP - BENODET
Australian victory
in Benodet
John Bacon’s Ku-Ring-Gai III took a decisive victory
at the World Championship in Benodet, but
without winning a single race. Alongside Joost
Houweling and Ed Wright, they put together an
impressive series. Report and photos by Rupert Holmes
Twenty nine teams from 10 countries gathered
at the Yacht Club de l’Odet for the 2024 World
Championship. Competition throughout the
fleet, which included several former Olympic
sailors, as well as national and international
champions across multiple classes, is always intense. The
2024 championship was no exception with plenty of teams
with the potential to win.
What makes it so difficult to win the 5.5 Metre world
championship? “Although it’s a development class, it feels like
you’re in a one design fleet, so it’s the details that matter: the
teamwork, the communication on board and your preparation
with sails, equipment and boat handling,” said The Jean
Genie’s Andrew Palfrey, who has raced in two 5.5 Metre world
championship winning teams. “There’s a lot of talent across the
fleet, with a lot of world championship winners and people with a
lot of experience in this fleet and other Metre classes.”
THE JEAN GENIE LEADS AFTER DAY 1
After an intense opening day of racing, sailed predominately in full
hiking conditions, Aspire (Przemek Gacek, Mateusz Kusznierewicz
and Kilian Weise) and Girls on Film ll (Louise Morton, Sam Haines
and Andrew Mills), both emerged as race winners.
However, The Jean Genie (Peter Morton, Andrew Palfrey
and Ruairidh Scott) had an impressively consistent day, with two
second places, and topped the leader board, two points ahead of
Aspire. Artemis (Kristian Nergaard, Johan Barne and Trond Solli-
Saether) was in third.
After a general recall for the first start, the fleet got away
cleanly at the second attempt. Aspire started in clean air towards
the pin end of the line, well away from bunch at the committee
boat. She then worked the left-hand side of the course,
along with Enez C’Las I (Nicolas Paris, Jean-Jacques Loheac
and Mathias Biger) and Ku-Ring-Gai III (John Bacon, Joost
Houweling and Edward Wright).
Nevertheless, Ali Baba (Flavio Marazzi, Julie Marazzi and
Eline Marazzi), The Jean Genie and Shaolin (Patrick Zaugg,
Andreas Kindlimann and Hans von Werdt) led a tight group of six
boats into the first windward mark on starboard tack. Fortunately
for Aspire, they had overstood, giving space for the Polish team
to tack underneath and round the mark with a slender lead.
“It was, I think a good choice to go to the left after the start
– we had good speed and, even more important, there were not
many other boats around,” said Gacek. “Then at the top mark
Mateusz and Kilian made a good call.”
They then slipped a couple of places on the first “really tricky”
downwind leg, before rounding the second windward mark
second behind The Jean Genie. Gacek says they, “played the
final run quite well – we are normally quite strong downwind –
and finished a boat length ahead of Morty. It was a great race and
my first ever win in the 5.5 Metre as helmsman.”
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 13

Girls on Film ll romped away to a big lead at the end of the
second race, having made a good start on the committee boat
side of mid-line. “It was a great day for Girls on Film,” says Mills,
“with a good race course out there: quite shifty, but oscillating
and not persistent shifts. “We made our way up the right hand
side of the course, then caught a really nice right shift to come
back and rounded just behind The Jean Genie.”
“Then we managed to nail the shifts up the second beat,”
he adds, “and luckily rounded the second windward mark with a
very nice lead, so could kind of relax down the final run. It was a
good second race for us.”
Criollo (Andreas Christiansen, Felix Christiansen and Julius
Plass) headed the nine strong Evolution fleet of older boats, just
two points ahead of ChlikaChlikaChlika (Antonin Radue, Pascal
Radue and Patrick Huguenin), while Manuela V (Guido Tommasi,
Matteo Barison and Andrea Racchelli) led the classic division.
ARTEMIS MOVE TO THE TOP ON DAY 2
Arunga XII (Mark Tolhurst, Stephen McConaghy and Thomas
Spithill) stunned the fleet with a port tack start from the pin end
of the line in Race 3. Tolhurst said, “We always wanted to get a
port end start at the leeward end of the line, and there was a bit
of a wind shift right probably 20 seconds before the start, so we
just went for the pin as hard as we could, tacked on to port and
cleared the fleet.”
They were third at the windward mark, behind Shaolin and
The Jean Genie. Arunga XII overtook both on the first downwind
leg, then held their lead all the way to the finish. “We led round
every other mark after that – it was very exciting for us to come
through and get a win,” Tolhurst added.
Ku-Ring-Gai III (John Bacon, Joost Houweling and Edward
Wright) also had a great day, posting two second places, one
achieved in the final few lengths of the second race, when they
overtook New Moon lll (Mark Holowesko, Christoph Burger and
Peter Vlasov) at the last moment.
With a third place in the opening race, they would have
posted the most consistent performance at the championship
so far, had it not been for a U-flag disqualification in Race 2.
“Obviously we’ve got a big score to discard – I’ve never been in
a position where I’ve had a big one so early and it was an unforced
error too,” added Bacon. “But we’ve got three good results – all
the teams here are so good that any score in the top 10 is a
keeper, so we’re in a really good spot and I’m pretty happy.”
Caracole (Bernard Haissly, Daniel Stampfli and Nicolas
Berthoud) emerged as a clear winner in the second race. “We had
a pretty good start, for once, and then good speed upwind,” said
Stampfli. “We tacked once to the right, then came back to the left
on the first upwind. We were not leading at the first mark, but we
had an edge on the downwind which put us up to second place.”
On the next downwind he says, “we took every shift we could
to be on the right hand side downwind and we were really clear.
We wanted to stay in the clean air, which helped to close the gap
with New Moon lll.” Caracole overtook on the final run to finish
with a comfortable lead.
After four races completed Artemis topped the leaderboard
on 20 points, with Aspire and Ali Baba tied on 23 points.
Racing was also very tight in the Evolution fleet, where only
seven points separated the top seven boats. Singora (Hans
Köster, Cedric Menzela and Mine Köster) was best placed in
Race 4. “We managed to get a very good start in clear winds,
with enough power in the boat,” said Köster who is racing with
his 17-year-old daughter and has owned his 1990 Iain Murray
designed boat for 23 years.
“We come from the Baltic Sea, so it’s very new for us to sail in
tidal water with the current and with these choppy conditions,” he
added. “We had a good first beat and a good run, then were able
to control the other Evolution boats, which we didn’t do in the
first three races.”
KU-RING-GAI III LEADS AFTER SIX RACES
Aspire won Race 5 by a narrow margin at the end of what proved
to be an adrenaline fuelled downwind leg for many competitors,
with many boats overlapped on the finish line.
Artemis took second place by a whisker, having overtaken
Ku-Ring-Gai lll in the final few lengths of the race. The Polish
team was the only one to have won two races so far, but like
most was still struggling to post consistent results.
Race six started after a general recall and in a building wind
that produced gusts towards 20 knots
at finish. In contrast to race five, The
Jean Genie won by a large margin,
having started in clean air and then
extending right round the course.
“It’s the first time we’ve seen
much more than about 10 or 11
knots all week,” said Morton, “so it
was good for us – the boat certainly
performs once there’s some breeze,
but we’re a bit sticky in under seven
or eight knots, which showed up in
this morning’s race.
Ku-Ring-Gai lll was again the
most consistent boat on the course,
positing third and fourth places and
now heads the overall leaderboard.
“It was a tricky day, but a nice wind,
even if we didn’t get two great
starts,” said Bacon.
What’s the secret to being
consistent in this fleet? “I don’t think
14 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

there is any secret,” he said. “The boat’s going good – we are a
new crew, we weren’t together last year, but we did the Alpen Cup
together, we enjoyed the company and we’re loving it here.”
Aspire was now in second overall, just two points behind Ku-
Ring-Gai lll, while Artemis was third.
ChlikaChlikaChlika (Antonin Radue, Pascal Radue and
Patrick Huguenin) took the lead in the Evolution division, in a
newly restored boat Pascal is sailing with his son.
KU-RING-GAI III HOLDS COMMANDING LEAD AFTER DAY 4
Race wins on the fourth day went to Australian boat Beta Crucis
(Martin Cross, Bob Stoddard and Simon Reffold) and Ali-Baba.
A left-hand wind shift before the start of Race 7, suggested
a strong port end bias on the start line and a number of the top
teams gathered there. Aspire pulled the trigger first and emerged
ahead of the fleet in clean air, while The Jean Genie also initially
looked very well placed in clean air a few lengths to windward.
“It was an interesting start today,” said Cross. “We got a little
bit sandwiched but managed to hold on for a couple of hundred
metres before we had to bail out and go right. Then we got a very
nice clear lane up through the centre, with a nice lift, and then
found another lift.
I think we theoretically led all the way round, but it was touch and
go all the way – very, very hard work to stay ahead.”
“This is such a competitive fleet that you rarely get a chance
to win a race. We’ve managed to win two in this boat over the
last couple of years, but Bob won another in 1981 when he was
a crew in The Bahamas, in one of the few planing 5.5s, so he’s
happy to add a third win to his collection.”
Race 8 started in a little more breeze, but still no more than
7-9 knots, which eased towards the finish. This time the pin
end of the line was shunned by almost the whole fleet. Ali Baba
started a little to the left of midline, then tacked onto starboard
and went well to the right, where there was a little more breeze,
and emerged in the top three at the first windward mark.
“From there on it was all about finding the best pressure, or at
least more pressure than the other boats,” said Flavio Marazzi. “It’s
always difficult, but I think we saw that the right was always a bit
stronger, so that’s where we tended to go.” Even though this meant
splitting from Ku-Ring-Gai lll, who had been race leader. “He went
to the extreme, so it wasn’t us gambling… and we felt pretty safe.”
What does it feel like to win a world championship race? “It’s
great. Honestly, after our win last week in the Scandinavian Gold
Cup, I felt like nothing could top that, but it’s still absolutely amazing
2024 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP • BENODET
1 Ku-Ring-Gai III (AUS 66, John Bacon, Joost Houweling, Edward Wright) 3 ufd 2 2 3 4 5 2 3 5 29
2 Artemis (NOR 57, Kristian Nergaard, Johan Barne, Trond Solli-Saether) 4 3 8 5 2 8 8 3 2 2 37
3 Aspire (POL 17, Przemek Gacek, Mateusz Kusznierewicz, Kilian Weise) 1 5 3 14 1 6 13 9 4 3 45
4 Ali Baba (SUI 224, Flavio Marazzi, Julie Marazzi, Eline Marazzi) 5 4 7 7 12 2 4 1 5 11 46
5 The Jean Genie (GBR 43, Peter Morton, Andrew Palfrey, Ruairidh Scott) 2 2 10 10 16 1 12 16 1 1 55
6 New Moon III (BAH 25, Mark Holowesko, Christoph Burger, Peter Vlasov) 13 8 5 3 4 9 6 6 8 12 61
7 Caracole (SUI 214, Bernard Haissly, Daniel Stampfli, Nicolas Berthoud) 7 9 11 1 14 5 11 12 6 4 66
8 Girls on Film II (GBR 41, Louise Morton, Sam Haines, Andrew Mills) 12 1 13 4 7 7 7 14 9 7 67
9 John B (BAH 26, Gavin McKinney, Lars Horn Johannessen, Mathias Dahlman) 15 7 9 8 13 13 2 10 7 8 77
10 Beta Crucis (AUS 63, Martin Cross, Bob Stoddard, Simon Reffold) 10 20 12 11 6 11 1 7 11 9 78
11 Shaolin (SUI 226, Patrick Zaugg, Andreas Kindlimann, Hans Von Werdt) 8 12 4 13 5 bfd 9 dpi 12 6 80
12 Marie-Françoise XXII (SUI 233, Jürg Menzi, Jürgen Eiermann, Kim Chabani) 14 6 14 9 8 10 3 13 10 13 86
13 Arunga XII (AUS 70, Mark Tolhurst, Stephen McConaghy, Thomas Spithill) 11 10 1 15 10 12 14 4 13 14 89
14 Otto (NOR 68, Bent Christian Wilhemsen, Herve Cunningham, Lasse Berthelsen) 9 13 17 12 9 3 10 11 14 10 91
15 Black and White (SUI 219, Daniel Schenker, Mark Dangel, Felix Schneebeli) 6 11 6 6 11 15 15 17 15 16 101
16 Chlikachlikachlika (SUI 169, Antonin Radue, Pascal Radue, Patrick Huguenin) 19 15 23 21 17 16 16 8 17 19 148
17 Enez C’las II (FRA 63, Nicolas Abiven, Yann Delabriere, Sylvie Delabriere) 16 19 15 18 21 14 20 23 16 15 154
18 Forza del Destino (SUI 211, George Prapopoulos, Thomas Huber, Simon Pfändler) 20 ret 16 17 15 24 18 15 19 ret 174
19 Ali Baba (GER 84, Wolf-Eberhard Richter, Beata Kallkowski, Joerg Gruenwald) 23 16 19 23 20 22 17 18 18 21 174
20 Singora (GER 37, Hans Köster, Aike Braze, Mine Köster) 22 18 25 16 23 18 19 22 23 18 179
21 Joker (FRA 50, Adrien Polaillon, Eric Polaillon, Jean Baptiste Polaillon) 17 22 22 24 18 20 21 24 20 17 181
22 Enez C’las I (FRA 51, Nicolas Paris, Jean Jacques, Loheac, Matthias Biger) 21 17 21 22 19 19 25 21 22 20 182
23 Auguste Ier (FRA 47, Gurvan Jaouen, Alexandre Desaubliaux, Francois Ribadeau Dumas) 25 21 18 19 24 17 dpi 20 ret 22 196
24 Manuela V (ITA 36, Guido Tommasi, Matteo Barison, Andrea Racchelli) 26 24 24 20 25 21 22 19 25 ret 206
25 Criollo (GER 30, Andreas Christiansen, Felix Christiansen, Julius Plass) 18 14 26 26 22 23 23 26 ret ret 208
26 Silver Fox (FRA 64, Jean-Bernard Datry, Alexandre De Cenival, Nayl Driss) 24 23 20 25 26 26 26 25 21 23 213
27 Bagheera (FRA 43, Jerome Picard, Marc Voisard, Jean Philippe Montfort) 29 25 27 27 28 25 29 28 24 25 238
28 In Extremis (FRA 53, Daniel Mutricy, Florence Piriou, Christophe De Cheffontaines) 27 27 28 28 29 28 28 29 27 24 246
29 Twinns XII (FRA 25, Jean-Philippe Gervais, Eric Gaiani, Jonathan Commissaire) 28 26 dnc 29 27 27 27 27 26 ret 247
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 15

because this is the first race we’ve ever
won in a world at championship,” said
Julie Marazzi. “I think it still feels pretty
good and it feels great to see that we
can still keep up this success – we’ve
been lucky to have these experiences
over the past week.”
With one day left, Ku-Ring-Gai lll
held a commanding lead nine points
ahead of Ali-Baba, with Artemis in
third, Aspire fourth and New Moon lll
fifth, with 41 points. All five of these
boats still had a mathematical chance
of winning the championship.
ChlikaChlikaChlika extended her lead in the Evolution
division, ahead of another Ali Baba (Wolf-Eberhard Richter,
Beata Kallkowski and Joerg Gruenwald) and Singora. Manuela V
retained her lead in the classic fleet, ahead of Twinns XII (Jean-
Philippe Gervais, Eric Gaiani and Johnathan Commissaire).
KU-RING-GAI III WINS WORLD TITLE
Despite never winning a race, Ku-Ring-Gai lll sailed an
impressively consistent series in a fleet that’s fiercely competitive,
yet also has an enviable level of camaraderie.
Bacon’s team was the sole one to count only top five
results and only one other boat, Artemis, made it through
the championship with a scoreline entirely inside the top 10.
Nevertheless, overall victory was never a foregone conclusion for
Ku-Ring-Gai III, because of Race 2’s U flag.
“We had no room for error today and there was lots of wind,” said
Bacon, “but we had two good races, with a couple of moments where
it didn’t look so good. Most of the day we went pretty well, in solid
breeze and rain. The rest of the regatta was pretty light – we were
good in that and today we were even pretty good in the heavy air.
“We’ve had five or six years in 5.5s now and I can’t believe
we just won a world championship – I’m just so glad to be here.
I’ve stood on a lot of shoulders to get here – we’ve got a great
crew, with two good guys who got me off the start and made me
look good, so I’m absolutely delighted. It was a great regatta,
with 10 races and a bit of every weather.”
The Jean Genie excelled in the stronger winds on the final
day, winning both races by a comfortable margin. In doing so
they became the only boat at the championship to win three
races. “After being here for 12 days, we got the conditions
we like, which is 16–17 knots of breeze and we loved it,” said
Morton. “It was rainy and a little bit cold, but still worth it with the
breeze, and the boat just loves those sort of conditions. We felt
pretty comfortable today, especially in the second race.”
Two second places lifted Artemis to second overall, eight
points behind Ku-Ring-Gai lll. Artemis also didn’t win a race,
but was nevertheless impressively consistent, with five podium
results and she never finished outside of the top eight.
“It’s been a long week with lots of different conditions – we
had light airs and a couple of days with some good pressure,
but today was the heavier day,” said Nergaard. “I think we’ve
seen that all the top boats there had really high numbers at
some point. John Bacon’s Australian team seemed to be very
consistent and did a fantastic job. They were always in the right
place, especially in light airs, always on the right side, and they
had a huge lead before the last day.”
Aspire took third overall in Gacek’s first 5.5 Metre world
championship as helm, much to his delight.
The accolade for first Corinthian team – equally as much of an
achievement as winning the overall title – went to John B (Gavin
McKinney, Lars Horn Johannessen and Mathias Dahlman), from
Marie-Françoise XXII (Jürg Menzi, Jürgen Eiermann and Kim
Chabani) and Shaolin (Patrick Zaugg, Andreas Kindlimann and
Hans von Werdt).
Manuela V led the classic fleet in a boat he has owned for a
couple of decades and completely restored.
ChlikaChlikaChlika took victory in the Evolution division,
ahead of Ali Baba, and Singora. [Due to an unfortunate
misunderstanding, the results for the Evolution class at the 2024
World Championship in Benodet were incorrectly published and
this has now been corrected with apologies to those affected.]
“This project is all about youth trying to learn about
boats and to recover a nice old boat,” says Pascal Radue of
ChlikaChlikaChlika. “It was an ex-world championship winning
boat from 1989 that hadn’t been really sailed properly for about
25 years. We refurbished it with a bunch of young people,
including my two sons, who did it in a very young boatyard that
just opened a few years ago and they learned a lot. It’s the first
time we’ve competed in a 5.5 Metre regatta like this – it’s a nice
atmosphere, we were in an absolutely stunning location and the
organisation at the Yacht Club de l’Odet was very, very well done.”
Next year’s 5.5 Metre world championship will be held in
Sopot, Poland and will be organised by Przemek Gacek, while
the 2026 event will be in Athens.
16 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

World Championship Prizegiving
New prizes
for 2025
THE JUSSI
GULLICHSEN TROPHY
For the winner of the
final race in the World
Championship
The International 5.5
Metre Class would like to
commemorate the life of
‘The Professor’ aka ’Jussi’
- Johan Gullichsen (born
in 1936) who passed away
in 2023 and who was one
of the true ambassadors
of the Class.
Jussi is much missed, and he was a great equalizer in
the Class. At every AGM when there is a commotion about
something, he could always resolve the challenges that
were being debated. He was a great listener, he made the
binding, logical and intelligent synopsis at the end of every
discussion, and always had the respect of the entire Class.
This trophy is donated by the Vlasov family and the
winner will be the boat that wins the final race of the World
Championship each year. As Jussi would never have sailed
home before the last race was finished, so the winners of
this trophy shall be recognised for their success in the final
race in the World Championship.
At the 2025 World Championship in Sopot, not only will
there be two new trophies on offer, but also, for the first
time there will be medals for the classic and evolution
fleets within the worlds.
FELIX BIBUS TROPHY
For the winner of Race 3 in the World
Championship.
The International 5.5 Metre
Class would like to commemorate
the life of Felix Bibus, President of
the International 5.5 Metre Class
Association from 1991-1996, long
term member of the class and a great
competitor in Rana.
This trophy is donated by the
Vlasov family and the winner will be
the boat that wins race 3 of the World
Championship each year.
Felix was a benchmark character in the class for proper
gentleman like conduct; always well dressed, gallant and well
spoken. He would straighten his legs and line up his heels before
bowing to salute you.
MORE MEDALS TO WIN
To encourage more Classic and
Evolution boats to come to the
World Championship, the Class
is now also presenting medals
to the first, second and third
placegetters in the Evolution
and Classic divisions in the
World Championship.
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 17

Heavy low cloud, the snow covered French Alps, low
evening light and light winds produced a mesmerising
spectacle at the Swiss Open at Rolle in May 2024

WELCOME TO SOPOT
The main
attraction
The city of Sopot will serve as the epicentre of sailing
excitement for the 5.5 Metre Class in 2025 for the
Scandinavian Gold Cup, Class Cups and the World
Championship
The city of Sopot, on the Baltic coast of Poland
will serve as the epicentre of sailing excitement
for 5.5 Metre Class in 2025. Part of the Tri-City
metropolitan area that includes Gdynia and
Gdańsk, Sopot is internationally renowned for
its modern amenities and lush greenery and famous for its
health spas, long sandy beach and the wooden pier into the
Bay of Gdańsk
Sopot is also known for its excellent sailing conditions, and
while it has already hosted many of the world’s most important
sailing events, the city has never welcomed the 5.5 Metre Class,
for whom this will be a completely new venue.
The Scandinavian Gold Cup is being held from 5-7 June,
alongside the Hanko Evolution Cup, Royal Kaag Classic Cup
and President’s Cup. The World Championship will follow from
9-13 June.
Sopot marina, situated at the end of one of Europe’s most
picturesque piers, provides an ideal setting for water sports
enthusiasts. The race course will be located near to the pier
- an almost 500-metre-long natural wooden grandstand –
where fans and tourists from all over the world will be able to
watch the rivalry on the water and cheer on the crews. The
atmosphere promises to be amazing, making this a sailing
event not to be missed.
TRANSPORT
As one of Poland’s most popular resorts, Sopot is well-connected
to all major European cities. The nearest airport is Gdansk, 15 km
away from Sopot with 80 connections to 24 countries. Sopot is
also very easy to reach by road - it is 500 km from Berlin, 1600
km from Paris and 1200 km from Amsterdam.
The city provides a diverse range of accommodation suitable
for different budgets and
preferences, from luxury hotels
to comfortable guesthouses
and self-catering apartments.
Sopot is a small city, so it’s
possible to walk to the marina
in 5 to 25 minutes from any
place where visitors and
sailors will stay.
The official event website,
www.5.5worlds.org, contains
all the necessary information,
including event and
accommodation guides, entry
form, and the Notice of Race.
We invite you to Sopot,
teeming with sailing and the
beauty of coastal nature.
20 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

NATIONAL REPORT - FINLAND
Return of the
classics
The 5.5 Metre class launched just before the
1952 Helsinki Olympics, where the boats sailed
alongside the retiring Six Metre Class. The new
class was enthusiastically received in Finland.
As many as 13 boats were built before the
Games, 11 of them at the Wilenius boatyard in Porvoo. The
Scandinavian Gold Cup is also of Finnish origin; the trophy
has six times remained in Finland.
Despite its strong history, in recent decades the class in
Finland has been overshadowed by other classics; only a few
boats have competed in many regattas.
Lately, this quiet period seems to have ended. Last season,
the Finnish fleet grew by two 1960s boats: Chaje II, which also
sailed in the Tokyo Olympics, returned to Helsinki in the spring. In
early August, the class grew with a rare Swedish addition, when
the Gerd Lilian II, designed by Harry Becker, arrived in Porvoo.
This growth can be attributed not only to migration but also to the
return of domestic individuals to the racing scene. Gösta Kyntzell’s
early design Kisen sailed again after five years of inactivity. The
Napoleon Race in Porvoo also saw the participation of Wasa II,
whose keel touched the water for the first time in 15 years.
At the Finnish Boat Show 2024, only one sailboat, the 5.5 Metre
Lotten, designed by Ohlson brothers, was reportedly sold. The boat
immediately returned to racing after five years of inactivity.
A line of nine boats at the national class championships in Finland
has not been seen since the 1950s. Photo: Kim Weckström
The 5.5 Metre class has strong roots in Finnish sailing
culture, and many Finnish crews have
succeeded internationally. However,
participation in Finnish competitions has been
low for a long time. Juho Peltonen reports.
Top photo: Two classics from the 1950s at the ASS regatta in Turku,
Pohjantähti and Trial. Both boats were built at the Wilenius boatyard in
Porvoo. Pohjantähti was Johan Gullichsen’s first boat.
Photo: Studio Kukka
Seven 5.5 Metres participated in the BS regatta in Kruunuvuorenselkä,
near downtown Helsinki. Photo: Matti Muoniovaara
In total, 12 boats sailed in Finland in 2024, with 11
participating in competitions. Nine boats competed for the class
championship at the HSS Classic Champagne regatta, for the
first time since the 1950s, won by Ville Harkke’s Trial.
All actively competing boats are made of wood. Four boats
are currently sailing in the Helsinki area: Chaje II, Vis a Vis, Remi,
and Bloss. Meanwhile, Trial, Skylark, and Lotten are located in
Turku. The fleet in Porvoo consists of Kisen, Pohjantähti, Figaro,
Gerd Lilian II, and Wasa II.
The future of the class looks bright for the first time in a long
while, with at least two boats currently undergoing restoration.
Gullvinge, which represented Argentina at the Helsinki Olympics,
is gradually being restored to top condition in Mikkeli. The repairs
on Scatoulitsa IV are expected to be completed by next summer.
Additionally, there are several boats ready to race, including
Tara, Caro V and Zorina.
It’s also encouraging to see that young sailors have
developed an interest in the older boats; among the current fleet,
there are about a dozen sailors in their twenties and thirties. The
good old days are set to return.
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 21

WÖLFI
From youthful
impressions
Wolf-Eberhard Richter, universally known as
just ‘Wölfi’, is arguably the most travelled
current 5.5 Metre sailor, attending pretty
much all the major events over the past
few years in Ali Baba GER 84 and Ali Baba
GER 125. Over the years, he has placed second Evolution at
the Worlds on five occasions, and twice won the Evolution
category (in Hankø 2022 and Benodet 2024), as well as twice
finishing as the first Evolution at the Europeans.
Wölfi comes from a sailing family “All my family has been
sailing, and I got my first Optimist at age 11. Then came Cadet,
Pirat, 420, 470, Soling and Dragon.”
Wolf-Eberhard Richter talks about his life
long fascination with 5.5 Metres, his three boats
and his thoughts on developing the class
He was successful in the 470 class, both nationally and
internationally, and then moved into the Soling, and won the East
German national Soling titles in 1979 and 1982-83 with Thomas
Flach and Bernd Jäkel.
He remembers, “There was a flag scandal in Denmark. There
was no flag for the German Democratic Republic. Hence the East
German Officials decided to depart. During the night we asked the
Danes for help. With the use of Edding permanent
markers the necessary symbols were placed into a
Western German flag. In the morning the flag was
hoisted and the officials were happy. We could sail
the Worlds and we actually got a good ranking.”
He then won the qualification in the Soling class
for the 1980 Olympic Games in Tallinn, “But then I
was not allowed to travel, as I was not a member
of the Party (Socialist Unity Party of Germany).
However, as they did not have someone to compete
in the Star class, I was allowed to race in that.”
Sailing with Olaf Engelhardt, they placed eighth
place in the Star class in Tallinn.
He still ranks the Olympics as the most special
event he has taken part in, in any class. “All
participants in one village. Party, talking, eating,
together. At which other event do you meet so
many classes?” In the 5.5 Metres, he remembers,
“the Europeans in San Remo and Worlds in
Australia as the most special events so far.”
When he is not sailing, “There is little time
for other hobbies, as I still work in my company
Bootssattlerei Richter (covers and sailmaking),
include weekends.
22 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

5.5 METRES
“In 1964 I was sailing my Optimist,
Ali Baba, on the Baltic Sea
and alongside there was a 5.5
Metre, designed and built by
Willi Lehmann. They hoisted the
spinnaker, and I was so impressed,
that I wanted to sail such a boat,
though later.”
Then, “In 2010 I visited a
boatbuilder, to do some upholstery
for a Riva boat. In the shed next
door, there was a 6 Metre and two
5.5 Metres. My dream from my
youth was about to come true. One
boat belonged to Jörg Sonntag
and we decided to race together,
for some years. Then I purchased
my Evolution Ali Baba (GER 84)
and we managed together very
well. I took along Beata; for her it
meant beginning to sail from scratch; and she is now on board
for six years and cannot be replaced. We travelled to the World’s
in Australia and were kindly given a local boat (AUS 59, racing as
GER 106). It was so special, that we invited Robert Hart to come
to the next German Open, and we organised a boat for him. For
this purpose, I bought, with help from Kaspar, the Classic Rush VI.
However, Corona made travel impossible.
“Later on, as the field of Evolutions was shrinking and we
sometimes were alone amongst the Modern boats, I decided to
buy a Modern (SUI 213, now GER 125).”
Now he owns three 5.5 Metres, one from each category.
“In all three boats you can feel the development and the
Modern is absolutely perfect in construction, finish and sailing
performance. Regretfully we are not too many boats, the
races just with Modern limited, as Evolutions and Classic are
disappearing. The Modern has an attractive sailing performance
and is fast. It also has more boats at the start and is the more
advanced boat with a modern layout.
“However, the fun factor is great for all of them. A friend once
told me: if you want to have fun, get a 5.5 Metre, but if you wish
to race in bigger fleets, get a Dragon. The 5.5 Metre has the best
sailing performance. It sails like a dinghy; and at the same time is
demanding, to make it fast.”
He says it remains interesting
because of, “The competition at
high level and the front ranks is very
close. The other sailors are very kind
and nice. Each year it is great fun to
meet them again, in the race events.”
Most important is, “The community
and the friendly atmosphere.”
boats are similarly fast, with top sailors. This makes it attractive
for other top sailors.”
But for getting started, he suggests, “Get a low-budget boat
and have fun.”
He has some ideas on how to make the class more attractive.
“We have to bring more boats to the races. There will not be
too many new boats, numbers seem to be going down. So, the
recognition of Evolution and Classic boats in the regattas must
be encouraged. These boats must have fun to participate and
being accepted. A small award and a thank you, could be fine.
There should also be a good mix of open water racing and those
on lakes.
“In the next Worlds there will be six prizes for Modern boats
and one for an Evolution. Until now there have been medals for
the Modern, but not for Evo and Classic. So, if new people enter
the Class through these boats, perhaps more recognition is
needed, such as best women crew and youngest team. And this
means work to get more Evo and Classic racing. We need to get
all older boats to the start.”
DEVELOPMENT
On developing the class, “It is
complicated. One can buy a 5.5
Metre for reasonable money, but in
order to reach a regatta destination
you need a suitable towing vehicle.
Who in the younger crowd would
want to spend that kind of money. In
addition, the starting fees are high,
compared to other classes.
“In the top rank, the competition
is getting closer. Around 10-12
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 23

NATIONAL REPORT - GERMANY
Notable events,
competitive racing
The 2024 regatta season for the German 5.5 Metre
class was marked by competitive sailing events
across Berlin and Hamburg. Notable regattas
included the German Open on the Müggelsee,
the Willi Lehmann Preis on the Wannsee, and the
Sünnschien Preis on Lake Alster.
The German Open 2024 was held in July 2024 on the
Müggelsee near Berlin, organised by the Yachtclub Berlin-
Grünau (YCBG) under the patronship of member Jochen
Schümann. The event saw competitive participation of 15
boats from Germany and international guests including GRE 5
(Stavros Papagionnopoulos), ITA 36 (Guido Tommasi), AUT 24
(Dirk Harms) and SUI 117 (Reinhard Suhner). The sunny summer
weather was a small consolation for the almost complete lack
of wind on the first two days, which meant that several attempts
to start had to be abandoned. The event programme was all
the more enjoyable, with the highlight being a boat trip from
Müggelsee to the centre of Berlin. The race committee decided
to start all five races on Saturday which proved to be the right
decision as rather stable light winds allowed all of them to be
finished. The battle for the overall championship was pretty
much a duel between GRE 5 and GER 122 with Donald Lippert
helming, whose experience from years of sailing on the local
waters was clearly an advantage. With overall places 1,2,1,1,2 in
the end GER 122 earned the Championship title one point ahead
of the equally strong team from Greece. Well done!
Felix Christiansen looks at a successful 2024
season and the upcoming events in 2025
SÜNNSCHIEN PREIS – ALSTER, HAMBURG
Meanwhile the traditional
season closing in Germany,
the Sünnschien Preis
took place this year, as
in previous years, in early
October on the Hamburg
lake Alster at the NRV, and
lived up to its name: in bright
sunshine, five 5.5 Metres
competed, but on Saturday
the wind was completely
absent, so that the race
committee postponed the
races to Sunday. Overnight,
the weather changed for the
better and at 11 a.m. the
planned races could finally
be started. This went well for
three races before the wind
on the Alster became unstable again and the start of the fourth
race had to be abandoned because of wind shifts of up to 60°,
which meant that no further races were possible.
The overall result after three races: GER 79 Prettynama
ahead of GER 32 Windliese and GER 116 Red&White.
24 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

WILLI LEHMANN PREIS – WANNSEE, BERLIN
Just a couple of miles
away, after a sevenyear
hiatus, the 10th
Willi Lehmann Preis
took place on 13-
14 July, on Berlin’s
Wannsee, hosted by
the Wassersport-Verein
1921 e.V. (WSV 1921).
The event attracted
eight 5.5 Metres, serving
as a precursor to the
German Open. With
perfect conditions,
two regular races were
sailed on Seddinsee
on Saturday before the
third race went longdistance.
GER 117
with Tamara Bandtlow,
Johannes Bandtlow
(both Seebrucker Regatta
Verein) and Yvonne Broock (Pro Sport Berlin 24) received the
challenge cup for the best classic, GER 120 with Susanne Struth,
Nina Zibuschka (both ETUF) and Angelika Sarcan the challenge
cup for the best Evolution and, meanwhile German Champion
with Donald Lippert (Yachtclub Berlin-Grünau), Jörg Sonntag and
Ralf Goepfert (both WSV 1921) on GER 122, the challenge cup
for the best Modern. The first three boats in the overall ranking
according to the Yardstick system were GER 120 (3rd), GER 125
with Wölfi Richter, Beata Kalkowski and Christin Kickhöfel (all
DSSC; 2nd) and GER 122 (1st).
UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2025
German Open 2025 Warnemünde
The 2025 German 5.5m IC regatta season is poised for an
exhilarating start, with the German Open scheduled from
29-31 May in Warnemünde. With the Baltic Sea venue and its
promising reputation for great conditions and racing right in
front of the beach and Warnemünde’s backdrop, this event
with nine races has already attracted several highly skilled
entries with additional international competitors anticipated
to join, aiming to challenge the reigning world champion,
John Bacon. This event is strategically scheduled one week
before the 2025 Cups and World Championship in Sopot,
Poland, providing sailors an excellent opportunity to fine-tune
in similar conditions. Sailors planning to do both events can
leave their boats in Warnemünde. Contact Felix Christiansen
(+491725400579) for assistance.
The Berliner Bär 2025 will be hosted by the VSaW on
Wannsee in Berlin 19-21 July followed by the Willy Lehmann
Preis 24-27 July at WSV 1921 on Langer See, Berlin. Season
closing is held again on Lake Alster in Hamburg, 11-12
October with the Sünnschien Preis.
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 25

JANE • GER 99
Long Jane
seeks new home
At a boatyard on the Schlei fjord in northern
Germany, an Olympic period 5.5 Metre has
been brought back from the brink of oblivion
and given a second life. Jane, GER 99, is now
looking for a new owner and a new home.
Yacht & Bootswerft Stapelfeldt, in Kappeln, located mid-way
between Kiel and Flensburg, took on the near impossible task of
restoring the boat in 2017 and have almost completely rebuilt the
hull using traditional techniques.
Jane was originally built for the 1952 Olympic Games, and
designed by the Norwegian yacht designer Jan Linge, who is
best known for the Olympic classes he designed, such as the
Soling and the Yngling. With hull number 16, Jane was launched
in 1952 as D 6, at Walsted Bådewerft in Svendborg. The first
owner was Sv. Carli Hansen from Skovshoved, and of the Royal
Danish Yacht Club (KDY). At 10.10 metres LOA, she was the
second longest 5.5 Metre ever built. (The longest is ex SUI 5
(now GER 80) Sim Sala Bim at 10.151m loa.)
Jane never made it to the Olympics, but after many years
of sailing, she was badly damaged in a storm at the end of the
1980s. The stern was completely destroyed, and most of the
frames and planks were broken. Repairs were started at the
Præstø boatyard, on Sjælland, but it took a long time, and the
owner at the time grew old, lost interest, and the shipyard closed
its doors. A distant acquaintance of the then owner took over
the boat and brought it to his warehouse in Stubbekøbing. Jane
stood there for 14 years. At the end of 2017 she was finally
brought to Kappeln and saved from the chainsaw.
RECONSTRUCTION
Since then, the shipwrights at the boatyard have reconstructed and
rebuilt Jane’s lines in a way that was true to the original. Except for
a few form-glued frames, the ash frames have been steamed in the
traditional way. The keel and stem are made of oak, while the outer
skin was re-planked in mahogany. A trunk was available for this
purpose, which was purchased by the shipyard in Præstø at the end
of the 1990s. Modern adhesives and varnishes have made Jane into
a long-lasting, robust and versatile classic.
After Jane’s eventful history, the boatyard is now looking for
a new owner who would like to take over this special keelboat
and complete it together with the Stapelfeldt boatyard. This is a
unique opportunity to create a traditionally built, quasi-new build
of a 5.5 Metre classic applying some new material. The old lines
have been reconstructed, and work has already started on the
restoration of this classic in the boatyard. A partner is needed to
give this wooden 5.5 Metre from 1952 a second life. They would
love to realise the dream of seeing Jane sailing again one day.
The boatyard can be contacted at info@werft.email,
+49 464 24634, www.yacht-bootswerft-stapelfeldt.de.
26 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

NATIONAL REPORT - AUSTRALIA
Success
for Australian teams
2024 has been a good year for the Australian 5.5m
Yachts, starting with the National Championships
being held, once again on Pittwater, by the Royal
Prince Alfred Yacht Club in late February. Nine
boats contested the title, ranging across the
decades, from Carl Halvorsen’s Classic Crest, campaigned
by Haydn Skelton, to Martin Cross and Bob Stoddard’s
Modern Alpha Crucis.
Day 1 saw the fleet sail in a blustery 12-15 knot breeze
with John Bacon’s Ku-Ring-Gai leading the field with a second
and two firsts, closely followed by Rhapsody, Chris Hancock’s
Luders Evolution, sailed by Tom Spithill. Day 2 saw a soild 18-
20 knot, gusting to 25 knots, southerly breeze kick in, making
for heavy going for the fleet. Following the first race, won by
Rhapsody, both Ku-Ring-Gai and Alpha Crucis retired for the
day and returned to the Club for ‘mast out’ repairs. Rhapsody
consolidated her position with two more wins in Races Two and
Three. By contrast, Day 3 saw the breeze drop dramatically, with
only one of the scheduled three races being able to be sailed
in very light conditions. Black Magic, sailed by Mark Tolhurst,
took the win from Ku-Ring-Gai and Rhapsody. The National
Championships were won by Rhapsody (Tom Spithill) from Ku-
Ring-Gai (John Bacon) and Black Magic (Mark Tolhurst)
The World Championships in Benodet saw three Australian
boats, Ka-Ring-Gai III (John Bacon, Joost Houweling and
Edward Wright), Beta Crucis (Martin Cross, Bob Stoddard
and Simon Reffold) and Arunga XII (Mark Tolhurst, Stephen
McConaghy and Thom Spithill) contesting the event. Two of the
ten races were won by Australian boats this year, Arunga XII
winning Race 3 and Beta Crucis winning Race 7. That being said,
Damian Macey reports on happenings in the
Australian fleet and the NSW Championship in
Sydney. Photos from RPAYC
Ka-Ring-Gai III, following up on the third place in Porto Cervo
in 2023, proved to be the most consistent boat in the fleet and
won the World Championships. A great result for John Bacon
and his crew. Beta Crucis finished in 10th place and Arunga XII
in 13th in a field of 29 yachts.
Following the Worlds, Martin Cross, Bob Stoddard and
John Cross took Beta Crucis to Cannes for the French Open
Championships and took the title with three wins from three
races. All in all, a very successful summer in Europe for the
Australian 5.5 Metres.
The Australian 5.5m Class is looking forward to a promising
year in 2025. With eight yachts at the Royal Prince Alfred Yacht
Club and three, Crest, Pam and Margot (formerly Robbie)
on Sydney Harbour, the Class continues to have a strong
following. We look forward to a great summer and another great
year in Europe.
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 27

Photos: This page: Cibele in Porto Cervo, 2023
Next page: Volpina at the German Open in Tutzing, 2023
28 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

FABRIZIO CAVAZZA
Remembering
Fabrizio Cavazza
In February 2025, the class lost one of its most ardent
supporters and sailors. Up until his final days Fabrizio
Cavazza was busy organising events for this year and
encouraging everyone he was in contact with. He was
instrumental in helping to organise a fantastic world
championship in Porto Cervo in 2023 and was overjoyed to have
eight Italian Classics competing. Here, his daughter Manfreda
Cavazza pays a heartfelt tribute to her much-missed father.
Fabrizio Cavazza, our beloved dad and a man who loved being as free as
the winds he chased, passed away on 21 February 2025, leaving a void
that feels impossible to fill. He was a kind-hearted man, often described as
‘larger than life’, a passionate sailor and a stoic who always strived to live
life on his own terms.
When it came to boats, motorbikes or cars, dad did not hold back, not really understanding
the “one in one out” concept, especially when it came to boats. We now have not one, not
two, but three 5.5 boats left behind: the beautiful classic Volpina, then Cibele and his latest
acquisition, Girls on Film. Maybe it was always intended? One for each daughter.
He was always full of sailing stories, shedding light on just how deep his love of this sport
ran in his blood. Most importantly, sailing is what brought our parents together: our mother
Pamela loved being on the water and messing about in boats is how the three of us spent
our childhoods.
For dad, being on the water or on the road was his way of finding freedom, a constant
theme in his life. As a child he couldn’t wait for the long boring family meals to be over so he
could roam around his father’s Italian farm on his trusty bicycle. Maybe that is what made
him such a great grandfather, never forgetting what it was like to be a child.
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 29

willingness to listen and put his team in a position to always do
their best,” says Duccio Colombi. “It may seem like a paradox,
but Fabrizio brought the spirit of the Alpini [Italian Alpine troops], to
the sea: few words, doing what you have to, without complaining,
united like brothers. We remember a day when, during the world
championship in Porto Cervo, he forgot his splashtop ashore but
he was determined to finish the race despite being soaked through
and cold. We tried to give him our splashtops but he refused,
saying: ‘I forgot my raincoat and so I will finish the day wet.’ We
thank him for having given us the opportunity to sail at the very top
and for having taught us many things that we will take with us to
other boats and to our families.”
His connection to the water began during the long summer
holidays when he was sent to stay with his strict and formal
grandmother on Isola del Garda. He recalled how he couldn’t wait
for the long boring meals with the grownups to end so he could
play on the beach or row on the lake. He remembered those early
days with fondness, particularly a magical evening sail on Onda, a
6.6 Metre, Passera Lussiniana.
He wrote: “I have a beautiful memory of a summer evening
when we went out after dinner and went to the gulf of Salò. There
was a breeze of 4 or 5 knots and a full moon. We children slipped
under the deck at the bow and we could hear the gentle rustle of
the water on the hull. Simply magical.”
COMPETITION
His formal sailing journey accelerated in his early twenties when
he joined the crew of Asteria II a Sparkman & Stephens designed
42-foot racer owned by a Dr Luigi Coari. For many years, Fabrizio
immersed himself in the world of competitive sailing, learning
how to avoid injuries on winches, how to tie knots and how to
respect the raw power of the wind. He quickly became a vital
part of the crew, specialising in handling the genoa winch and
the demanding task of hoisting the enormous spinnaker. He
participated in numerous long-distance regattas, including the
Giraglia, the Middle Sea Race and the Aegean Rally, where
he and the Asteria II crew consistently excelled, often winning
their class. He fondly remembered a harrowing night in Greece,
hoisted to the top of the mast in 25 knots of Meltemi wind to
recover a lost halyard, a testament to his courage and skill.
Later, when he was living in Brazil, he fell in love with the sport
of dinghy sailing. He competed regularly in the Lightning class at
Sao Paolo Yacht Club and then enjoyed club racing at Hayling
Island Sailing Club in Finns and Wayfarers.
In the last decade he had great fun competing
in the 5.5 Metre class, sailing with Vittorio Zaoli, his
trusted sailmaker, and Duccio Colombi, his tactician.
Together, they achieved remarkable success. Their
partnership culminated in a triumphant victory at the
2023 5.5 Metre World Championship in Porto Cervo
(Classics Division). He also secured Italian National
Championship titles in 2016, 2017 and 2023.
BUSINESS
Beyond his sailing achievements, Fabrizio was a successful
businessman, managing his farm Barreiro Grande in Brazil and
later Piantelle, a beautiful campsite in Italy, with a firm but fair
hand, earning the respect and admiration of his employees.
To us, as a dad, he was wise, funny and just brilliant company.
His love of music, of sailing, of good food and wine, of literature
and politics, was infectious. Those who shared a drink with him
after racing will agree he possessed a sharp wit, always eager to
share his knowledge and experiences.
Above all, he had a massive heart. He would cry when
listening to a beautiful piece of opera or when recounting stories
of his childhood. We can’t believe he has gone. It is just too soon.
He had so much more to give, so much more that he wanted to
do, so many more races he wanted to compete in.
We’re not ready for a world without him in it but we’re just
going to have to adjust our sails and carry on.
His racing record includes:
• Italian Championships: 1st place: 2016, 2017, 2023
• World Championships: 1st place (Classics): Porto
Cervo, 2023
• Enoshima Trophy: 1st place: Tutzing, 2016,
2019; 2nd place: Berlin, 2017; Glücksburg, 2018;
Traunsee, 2021
“WHAT STRUCK US about Fabrizio was his
kindness, his visceral passion for sailing and his
30 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

ED WRIGHT INTERVIEW
Reflections on
sailing 5.5 Metres
Ed Wright has been sailing 5.5 Metres for just three
years and is one of a growing number of Finn sailors
that are in the class. During that time he has become,
probably, the first sailor to win two consecutive
world championships in two completely different teams
and boats. He explains what attracts him to the class
and the focus on consistency.
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED IN 5.5
METRE SAILING?
I’ve always admired the 5.5 Metre
class, especially after seeing them
in Garda during my summer training.
There’s something timeless and elegant about the
boats, and when the opportunity came to sail with
Aspire, I was genuinely excited. It felt like the right
moment to step into the class and learn from some
incredible sailors.
What do you enjoy about sailing a 5.5 Metre?
It’s such a rewarding boat to sail—elegant, technical,
and incredibly close racing. Every tiny adjustment
makes a difference, which means teamwork, boat
handling, and attention to detail are critical. I’ve
always enjoyed that aspect of sailing, where the
smallest improvements can give you an edge. It’s also
refreshing to be in a class that allows for development
and refinement—finding marginal gains through tuning
the sails, optimising the boat, and working together as
a team. That’s something I really appreciate, especially
since many other classes limit development.
Why do you think the class is becoming attractive to
more top-level sailors, and is that a good thing?
The level of competition is rising, and I think that’s
fantastic. Having top-level sailors involved pushes
everyone to improve and makes the racing even better.
But what really makes the 5.5 special is the passion
throughout the fleet—not just at the front. The entire
class is full of sailors who care deeply about the boats
and the racing, which creates a great atmosphere.
Left: Sailing on Ku-Ring-Gai III on Garda in 2024
Above: On Aspire in Porto Cervo in 2023
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 31

WHAT ARE THE MOST ATTRACTIVE PARTS OF THE CLASS
FOR YOU?
The history, the passion, and the level of racing. But also, just
how rewarding the boat is to sail. It’s not just about speed—it’s
about precision, teamwork, and constantly striving to get better.
That’s what keeps me coming back.
WHAT ABOUT GROWING THE CLASS?
I think the class is already in a great place, and its steady
growth is a testament to that. If anything, we just need to keep
sharing what makes the 5.5 special and encouraging new
sailors to get involved. The balance between development and
accessibility is key, and I think the class has done a good job
managing that so far.
DOES THE FACT THAT THE 5.5 METRE IS A DEVELOPMENT
CLASS ATTRACT YOU?
I love the development aspect. It keeps things interesting and
ensures that skill, innovation, and teamwork are always rewarded.
That said, it’s still about the sailors at the end of the day—the
best teams will always rise to the top.
WHAT WAS THE KEY PART OF WINNING IN BENODET?
The 2024 World Championship was a fantastic event—tough
racing, tricky conditions, and a beautiful venue. For us, the focus
was always on consistency. We just tried to stay at the top of the
pack and let things play out around us.
ON WINNING IN BENODET
HOW DO YOU REFLECT ON WINNING TWO WORLDS BACK
TO BACK IN DIFFERENT TEAMS?
I was just lucky to be part of two fantastic teams. Both in 2023
and 2024, I learned so much from the people around me. If there
was a common factor, I’d say it was the focus on consistency—
staying grounded and making sure we were always in the mix.
But honestly, it was a privilege to sail with both teams, and I can’t
take too much credit.
HOW DOES THE SAILING STYLE VARY FROM ASPIRE TO
KU-RING-GAI?
Both teams had their strengths, and that’s what made it such a
great experience. The key difference was probably in how we
approached different conditions, but at the end of the day, the
fundamentals remained the same—teamwork, consistency, and
making the fewest mistakes.
WHICH WIN WAS THE MOST SATISFYING AND WHY?
They were both incredibly special in their own ways. With Aspire
in 2023, we were under pressure right until the final race, which
made for an intense but rewarding week. In 2024, we managed
to secure a good margin before the last race, which meant we
could really enjoy that final day of sailing—20 knots, big waves,
and the 5.5 at its best.
Left: Ed Wright on his way to winning his second Finn Gold
Cup, in Miami in 2023, in a boat built by Joost Houweling
Top: Sailing with John Bacon and Joost Houweling on Garda
Top right: Crossing the finish in Benodet to win the world
championship (Photo: Rupert Holmes)
Right: At Brunnen at the Swiss Open in 2022
32 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

HOW DOES THE TEAMWORK WORK WITH JOHN
AND JOOST?
It’s a true collaboration. We all bring different strengths, but what
makes it work is trust and communication. It’s about knowing
your role but also being adaptable—always looking for ways to
support each other and lift the overall performance.
WHAT ARE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE TEAM,
AND WHAT DO YOU THINK YOU BRING TO LIFT THE
PERFORMANCE?
I try to bring consistency. My goal is to keep us steady, focused
on the process, and making the right decisions under pressure.
But again, it’s always a team effort. Any success we’ve had is
because of the way we work together.
AT WHAT POINT DID YOU BELIEVE YOU COULD WIN?
Honestly, not until the very end. The fleet was so strong, and with
the range of conditions, anything could have happened. We just
focused on one race at a time, staying as consistent as possible.
HOW DO YOU MANAGE THAT WITH SUCH A BIG RANGE OF
CONDITIONS?
We tried to keep things simple—minimizing risks, staying flexible,
and making sure we were always in contention. There was one
slip-up, but that’s racing. The key was bouncing back quickly and
not letting it affect us.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2025—HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT
DEFENDING THE TITLE?
It’s going to be incredibly tough. The fleet is only getting
stronger, and a lot of teams are working hard to take the title.
Our focus will be on refining what we do well and making the
small improvements that will hopefully keep us in contention. But
nothing is guaranteed, and we’ll have to work harder than ever.
TIPS AND LOOKING AHEAD
HOW MUCH HAVE YOU LEARNED ABOUT THE BOATS IN
THE PAST FEW YEARS?
I’ve learned a great deal, but I know there’s still so much more
to discover – especially when it comes to balance and feeling
in the boat. Also watching Mateusz operate and race has been
incredible; his skill is truly inspiring. Every lesson deepens my
understanding of how much more there is to refine and improve.
WHAT MAKES A FAST 5.5?
Balance, precision, and knowing when to push and when to
hold back. It’s a powerful boat, and managing that power
efficiently is key.
WHAT ARE THE THREE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS FOR
CREWS TO CONSIDER WHEN SAILING THE 5.5?
1. Consistency – It’s not about winning one race; it’s about
staying near the top in every race.
2. Teamwork – The best teams communicate well and trust
each other completely
3. Adaptability – Conditions change, and the best teams adjust
quickly.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE
Over complicating things. It’s easy to get caught up in fine
details and forget the basics – good starts, clean manoeuvres,
and minimising mistakes are often what make the biggest
difference.
WHAT ABOUT THE FUTURE? SOPOT? ATHENS? WHERE
WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE THE CLASS RACE?
Both Sopot and Athens are fantastic venues, and I’m really
looking forward to them. Athens has a special place in my heart
after training there before the 2004 Olympics, so it will be great
to go back. As for future events, places like Portugal, Italy,
Spain, Australia, Bahamas or UK (haha) would be amazing – but
honestly, the class does a fantastic job selecting venues, so I
trust them to make the right call.
For now, our focus is on preparing for 2025. It’s going to be
a challenge, but we’ll give it our best shot. Wish us luck!
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 33

TECH TALK
The art of
spinnaker trim
Unlocking Speed and Performance
on the Water, by Christoph Burger,
North Sails, burgerSAILING
Successful spinnaker trim is pivotal for achieving
optimal boat speed and mastering it can greatly
enhance your sailing performance. When properly
trimmed, a spinnaker can transform the power of
the wind into impressive velocity. The opportunities
are immense and often left behind. In this article we’re
looking at some concrete differences in terms of the trim and
what that means.
UNDERSTANDING THE DYNAMICS
At its core, spinnaker trim is about finding the perfect balance
between sail shape and wind conditions. The spinnaker needs
to be adjusted to accommodate changes in wind direction and
intensity.
SAIL SHAPE
A fuller sail can generate more power in lighter winds, while a
flatter sail is ideal for stronger conditions. Understanding when
to adjust can unlock significant speed potential. The sail-depth
is directly influenced by the height of the spinnaker pole. A lower
set pole will give you a fuller sail as the leeches fly closer to
each other. A higher set pole will affect the opposite. This picture
shows this effect quite nicely. The boat in front has a higher set
pole and even let the clew off the pole a bit, while the other boat
decided to trim a lower pole position. It is clearly visible that the
two sails are behaving differently.
IMPORTANT
Regardless of the pole height, it is important to generate as much
flow as possible, the last thing you want to do is help create
separated flow. Mainsails and Jibs have flow over most of their
surfaces. A 5.5 Metre spinnaker is lucky to see attached flow to
more than 55% of its area. And this only happens on the reach.
When bearing off to the downwind course the flow becomes
separated and most of it is stalled. The important message is that
spinnakers don’t want attached flow, that applies for spinnakers
as much as for upwind sails.
Constantly play the sheet to
keep the luff on the verge of curling.
It’s much better to keep the sail
a little under-trimmed than take
any chance of over-trimming. This
means you must constantly play the
leeward sheet and trim when the luff
curls too much.
Heavy wind
I would define heavy wind with 18
knots TWS and more, and whether
it turns out to be a real challenge
depends a lot on the waves. Having
a swell that fits the wind can make
18 knots enjoyable as you have the
chance to depower for manoeuvring
and to keep control of the boat.
In flat water this all becomes far
more challenging. Trimming the
spinnaker flat also means that the
sail will separate more from the
boat and is therefore much harder
34 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

to control, especially when gusts are inconsistent. The solution
is to fly a smaller, heavy wind optimised sail, rather than a fullsize
spinnaker. In this picture the crew is flying a S-4 spinnaker,
the smallest spinnaker North Sails offers, just perfect for the
25 knots TWS seen often on Lake Garda. The spinnaker is full
for its size and the draft of the sail is not too far away from the
boat, allowing its crew to master the challenging conditions. The
mast position is aft, which is good as otherwise the bow is likely
to stick into waves and water in the boat is unavoidable.
LIGHT WIND
The more flow the better! If you are experiencing having
trouble flying the spinnaker downwind because there is simply
not enough wind, then it is time to sail higher angles. This
way you create the much-wanted flow, and the sail becomes
exponentially more efficient. The pole gets really close to the
forestay and the leeward sheet is
trimmed actively. One important
subject in this situation is not to
ease the mainsail too far out. It
will break the off coming flow
from the spinnaker. Make sure
that the mainsail has its own flow
by trimming the vang actively. In
even lighter winds the S-1.5 size
spinnaker comes into play, allowing
the crew to sail a better VMG with
this light wind optimized sail.
THE PROOF IS
ON THE PODIUM
North Sails continues to deliver
fast sails where top rankings
were once more proved in 2024!
The development never stops
and we are ready for the
upcoming season, are you?
CALL YOUR 5.5M EXPERT:
CHRISTOPH BURGER
+41 79 277 75 13
christoph.burger@northsails.com
NORTH SAILS SCHWEIZ
Zelgstrasse 1, 8280 Kreuzlingen
schweiz@northsails.com
ROBERTDEAVES.UK
View class results and
shop sails on northsails.com
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 35

Otto powering downwind on the final
day of the Regates Royales in Cannes, a
perfect day with 15-20 knots, clear skies
and big rolling waves.
36 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 37

NATIONAL REPORT – NORTH AMERICA
Focus on momentum
in NorAm fleet
Momentum is the focus for the North
American 5.5M fleet in 2025 and beyond.
Last season saw new owners and boats,
new faces, the overhaul of familiar favourites
and continued camaraderie and competition.
Canadian John Lister spearheaded the initial Midland regatta
alongside American Dan Rossi a decade ago. He called 2024 a
good growth year for the North American fleet and is excited by
the new regatta which will launch the 2025 season April 23-27 in
Texas, organized by Firestorm owner William Turner.
“William has gone all out and pulled together a regatta in
Texas for late April that will, at last, bring 5.5 racing back to US
waters,” Lister said. “This is great news and a step that has been
in the works for years.”
Turner said of the new event, “The fleet was ready to expand
our schedule beyond the two fantastic events in Midland
each summer. After several venues fell through, I started the
conversation about bringing an event to my home club. The 5.5
class is such a big part of what built the Texas Corinthian Yacht
Club (TCYC), and the club was thrilled to have this opportunity to
see 5.5s on the bay once again.”
With its inaugural appearance at the 1952 Olympics
combined with being a more affordable option than the 6 Meters,
the new class gained popularity with TCYC racers and the club
played host to the Gold Cup in 1958 and 1963.
“Albert and Ernie Fay, who had been building patrol craft for
the US Navy during World War Two at their Seabrook Shipyard,
set out to design and build the first boats in our area, US 6
Mavi will take a hiatus from racing this season as Joe Strelow and
Michael Bloor give the speedy lady some much needed work. Guest
crews have enjoyed the boat after she was rescued from California by
Joe Strelow and Dan Rossi.
Jennifer Harker updates on the latest happenings
and boat movements in North America and reflects
on the continuing momentum of the NorAm 5.5
Metre regattas as 2025 brings a return to Texas
Sabre and US 7 Flame,” Turner explained. “Several more boats
were designed and built by the Fays, often in conjunction with
designer Alfred Luders. In 1962, US 31 Pride was launched as
Ernie’s newest race boat, and he sold Sabre to my grandfather.
Over the years, TCYC sailors travelled all over the world to race.”
However, it’s been almost 40 years since a 5.5 event was
sailed out of TCYC. “The last 5.5 event held here was the
1989 World Championship and Gold Cup,” Turner said, but
momentum is building again. “Boats have started to register and
all of the pieces are falling into place. It is shaping up to be a
great event with four days of racing.”
Six boats are expected, including a pilgrimage by Pride.
Owner Joe Strelow said, “Texas Corinthian Yacht Club is Pride’s
original home port. Thanks to William Turner we have the
opportunity to have her launched there again in April. It would be
impossible to have this opportunity and not take advantage of it.
It is kind of a pilgrimage.”
It’s been a steep learning curve for Strelow who hadn’t
really sailed much before an invitation to join Aeolus’s crew
in 2016 ignited a passion for these classic beauties. “In 2018,
Joe Lambert and I went to Georgia and loaded Pride on a flatbed.
It had been out of the water for 12 years, all the rig was in
boxes with no notes, and the trailer needed a complete rebuild.
It turned out to have some major issues so I had to learn a lot
of woodwork and epoxy skills quickly. Since then it has been a
constant journey of learning.”
Soon Strelow schemed to help save another 5.5, Mavi.
“Saving these boats is part of the DNA of the North American
owners group,” he said. “Dan Rossi and I simply decided one
day to figure out a way to get it from California to my home in
Michigan (nearly 4000 km) as a first step. We shared a lot of
laughs and I would do it again in a heartbeat! This is the sort of
thing that our group thrives on.”
This year Mavi will get some much needed TLC. “Michael
Bloor and I have decided to take on Mavi as a side project to
Pride,” Strelow said. “We love the lines of that boat, there is no
question it is fast, and it desperately needed an owner. Michael
and I are going to give it a little love this summer and hopefully it
will be in racing form again for 2026. Stay tuned!”
38 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

Left: After growing up on a 5.5M boat (Impulse, formerly Ian IX)
Mikey Wilkinson has been thrilled to step aboard Jill, after the boat’s
complete overhaul by Jason Williams.
Right: Jason Williams does some last minute modifications to Jill
between races as her rejuvenation continues but it didn’t stop her from
winning the classic division in 2024 racing.
With a continued eye to the future, Strelow is looking further
afield for boats to rescue, exploring options in Europe to keep
the momentum going. “We need to get more evolutions (maybe
even a modern or two) into our fleet and we already have all the
available ones in North America. We have started to look for
fast and historic boats that need to be saved in Europe. We are
working on some creative ways to do this without breaking the
bank, and we are going to need to find like-minded friends in
Europe to help pull this together! If you want to join the North
American 5.5 story, please reach out.”
Another player in the boat rescue department has been
Eugene Kokbas.
An active Midland Bay Sailing Club racer since 1991, John
Lister’s Nantoria was the first 5.5M he’d ever seen and raced
against. “As the fleet of 5.5s grew and with John’s persistence I
was given the opportunity to helm Summer School for two seasons.
Summer School was the first 5.5 I had ever been on board as well
as the first wooden sailboat I have ever sailed. There is something
very special about a clear finished wooden hull, warmth and
elegance is impossible to match with any other material.”
With no plans to expand his own fleet of sailboats, Kokbas
volunteered to assist with the rescue of another boat, Pathfinder
in Wisconsin. “Dan Rossi and Joe Strelow acted swiftly to secure
her before she became a cottage boat or even worse met a
chainsaw.” Armed only with an address and a van full of tools and
spare parts he and his wife Marilene set off for a two day journey.
“Pathfinder was in a large boat storage shed and her shiny hull was
just glowing with the light coming in through the huge hangar doors,
bright enough to impress Marilene. That is all I needed to convince
her that one more boat in the fleet would be a good idea!”
Her shiny hull was attractive, but glossed over the missing
hardware and incorrect rigging. “Right off the bat I knew I had to
find lots of parts and rig the boat for the spring regatta in a short
time,” Kokbas said. “Unfortunately our Canadian weather is not
so good for epoxy work outdoors but somehow we managed to
get out to the 2024 spring regatta with many things jury rigged
and managed to complete all races.”
Improvements continued before the fall regatta but Kokbas
was still disappointed in her sluggish performance. “We were still
lagging behind the fleet. We are very fortunate to have a local
expert yacht designer/civil engineer: Steve Killing as a member
of our club. When I reached out to him for advice in finding out
performance issues he accepted the challenge! Using several
measuring tools and techniques in and out of the water Steve was
able to create a virtual 3D model of the hull which was used in a
Finite Element Analysis software to simulate the motion of the hull
through water under different heeling angles and hull speeds.”
Realizing the biggest challenge is Pathfinder’s weight,
modifications continue in the off season. “She is no longer 5.5m
with the box formula. We have already started to reduce her
weight so that she is within the top limit while conforming to all
rules and regulations for a classic.”
Despite the setbacks Kokbas is loving Pathfinder’s
personality. “I have limited experience with 5.5s but every one
seems to be significantly different. Pathfinder is smooth and
comfortable but she has a strong will and she will go where she
wants, not necessarily where the helmsman is intending! I think
this is a nice challenge to understand and predict what the boat
will do and act early to keep control.”
He is looking forward to testing out the recent re-engineering.
“This spring we are going to Galveston. This will be another first
Left: Pride will make a pilgrimage in April 2025 as 5.5M racing returns
to the Texas Corinthian Yacht Club which was Pride’s original home.
Below: Leaving Firestorm in Texas, William Turner (left) joined Pride’s
crew in June, helping skipper Joe Strelow and crew Sarah Stoddard
and Michael Bloor to an excellent regatta. Both Turner and Strelow are
thrilled Pride will return to her birthplace at the Texas Corinthian Yacht
Club in 2025. Turner has organized a regatta at his home club which
will be the first 5.5 Metre racing there in almost 40 years.
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 39

Right: Under new owner Eugene
Kokbas’s careful engineering,
Pathfinder is enjoying a rebirth.
Left: Veteran Nantoria skipper
John Lister takes the tiller aboard
Pathfinder so new owner Eugene
Kokbas can watch her every move
to help improve her performance.
Kokbas said the sharing of
information and knowledge amongst
the fleet is refreshing and important
as 5.5s are very different from his
other sailboats.
for me to sail in the Gulf. This will also be our first test of the
changes we are making.”
Kokbas welcomes feedback from fellow racers. “The 5.5 fleet
is very different from other fleets I race in. Participants are always
ready to share knowledge and equipment to keep the boats
going at any expense.”
That camaraderie is an essential element to the success of
the North American fleet. Strelow stressed the special bonds of
friendship keep him coming back to the competition. “Spending
time with friends from all over the US and Canada for two full
weeks a year has created some incredible bonds. We simply
have way too much fun at these events to miss them.”
Turner said he too was initially attracted by the people and
called the boats, the icing on the cake. “There is a rich history.
As for the actual sailing, Firestorm is an incredible machine. The
finesse of a Soling coupled with the power of an Etchells.”
He doesn’t regret the decision to become an owner, although
he admits it was questionable decisions coupled with opportunity
which originally convinced him to buy in. “A series of unfortunate
events ultimately led to Firestorm coming home, which has been
an absolute pleasure. I wanted to be a part of the growing class
in North America.”
Turner is enthusiastic about the fleet’s momentum and
is making every effort to push it further. “It is important that we
capitalize on the growing enthusiasm by bringing more boats and
sailors into the fold with an expanded racing calendar. To that end,
I plan to attend the Gold Cup and World Championship in Sopot,
Poland this summer. This is a great group of people who continue to
foster a wonderful environment for competition and camaraderie.”
Questionable decisions were also on Mikey Wilkinson’s
mind when she learned about the rejuvenation plans for 70 year
old classic Jill.
“When my childhood friend, Jason Williams, first told me that
he bought a derelict 5.5 metre I thought he had perhaps lost his
mind,” Wilkinson said. “As far as I knew, there weren’t any 5.5s
left around here; maybe in Europe but not in Ontario. I didn’t
know then about the fleet in Midland.”
Dan Rossi grins aboard his well-travelled Purple Haze. His classic boat
will travel to Texas for the April regatta at Texas Corinthian Yacht Club
before returning to Midland for the 2025 spring and fall regattas.
Wilkinson literally grew up with a 5.5, launched by another
questionable, but awesome decision. “My story of sailing in
general and on 5.5s in particular, started before I was a year old.
My father, Jim Wilkinson, bought Ian IX in the fall of 1967 for
$2,700 CDN. He renamed her Impulse, as he bought her swiftly
after a half hour phone conversation. An impulse buy! It was our
family boat for 25 years.”
It resulted in a lifelong love of sailing and racing that would
eventually bring Wilkinson back to 5.5s. “Thanks to those early
years, I grew up around a variety of boats but my love was racing
in the Classic 8 metre fleet out of RCYC in Toronto. I sailed the
majority of 20 years on Norsemen, which just happened to be
Jason’s grandfather’s yacht. So when he told me that Jill was
now seaworthy and there was a fleet of 5.5s located in Midland,
which hosted two regattas each year, I knew that I had to be a
part of it.”
With no expectations the crew put Jill through her paces.
“We entered Jill (CAN 3) into her first regatta in August 2023 with
no idea of how she or we would perform. Our skipper, Bryan
Gooderham steered us to a respectable fourth place finish in the
Classic Division.”
Racing isn’t the only reason drawing the crew back to Midland.
“But it wasn’t the competitive racing and great format that enticed
us to keep coming back. It’s the amazing group of sailors and
volunteers with their acceptance and generosity of newcomers to
the group. As a female sailor, I am an equal among my competitors.
The camaraderie both on and off the water is unprecedented.”
Now they are looking to build on their momentum. “Our short,
three regatta history on Jill thus far has proved both exciting
and rewarding. In 2025, we are looking forward to defending our
North American champion title. Jill is currently undergoing some
structural work and will be getting a new deck and paint job. We
will be ready for the fun of reuniting with our 5.5 family in June.
Work also continues on Dan Rossi’s fleet of 5.5s. Season after
season, Rossi continues to help build the North American group’s
momentum, generously offering the boats to guest crews helping
to attract new enthusiasts and potential owners on this side of
the Atlantic.
“Jalapeña and Savage will be back on the race course this
season after being in storage for the past year or two. Upgrades
to both have been done and the regatta in Texas will be the
proving grounds to gauge those improvements. My intent is to
keep both boats in Texas to help foster growth of the fleet there.”
His classic Purple Haze is already in Texas in preparation
for the April races before crossing the border yet again. “Purple
Haze also had some upgrades since last season and after the
Texas regatta she will come home to Maryland for some cosmetic
work before heading to Midland for the remainder of the season.”
Thanks to the generous support of the Midland Bay Sailing
Club and Bay Port Yachting Centre, two regattas are planned,
June 19-22 and August 25-29, 2025.
For information on the North American fleet contact American
Dan Rossi daniel@rossi-engineering.com or Canadian John Lister
listersjohn@gmail.com
40 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

NATIONAL REPORT - AUSTRIA
Inaugural
Austrian Open in 2025
The Austrian Open Regatta for the 5.5 Metre
class will take place from 22-24 August 2025 for
the first time in the UYCT, and the traditional
Salzkammergut Prize will also be awarded
during this regatta.
The Traunsee is known worldwide for its beauty, it is
one of the lakes in Salzkammergut, lies at an altitude of 422
metres above sea level, is 12 km long, 3 km wide and about
200 metres deep and by its volume is the largest lake located
entirely within Austrian territory.
In the summer months, when the weather is nice, the
classic Niederwind of Traunsee, (the low wind from the north
corresponds to the typical thermal-induced-anabatic- wind)
prevails from about 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, a thermal wind
with up to 15 knots from the northeast, in the early morning,
from about 6:00 am, the Oberwind (the upper level wind on
Traunsee) blows from the south with up to 27 knots, often lasts
until 9 am and can be up to Force 6 (generally Force 3-5) due
to the strong jet.
In days with not so nice weather, the wind on the Traunsee
blows usually from the west, gusty and shifting with variable
wind strengths, up to 26 knots.
Stephan Holzinger looks forward to
inaugural 2025 Austrian Open, which includes
the Salzkammergut Prize
Standard courses are sailed with a target time of 50 minutes,
and this time seven races are planned.
The craning is done using the club’s own crane, and there are
enough berths available AND the UYCT team are all glad to help
in each way possible...
So, please don’t be shy, and register yourself for the first
Austrian Open Regatta jointly with Salzkammergut Prize.
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 41

Top and other photos: Arcano at the 2024
German Open in Berlin
Above: Dirk Harms and Werni Koellmann
agree the sale of Arcano
Below: Arcano as SUI 141
42 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

ARCANO - AUT 24
Austrian
enigma
After the 5.5 class world championships in
Geneva in 1982, Werni Koellmann was seized
by the ambition (Swiss German ‘Furor’) to have
a new 5.5 constructed. Werni favoured the
design of Britton Chance Jr’s winning boat SUI
134, which was very fast in light to medium winds and flat
water. The shape of the boat impressed him at that time and
still fascinates him today.
Werni gave the order to Transléman, Jean Psarofagis in
Geneva. The boats SUI 140, SUI 142 and SUI 143 were built
according to the same plans, with the first launch in the summer
of 1983. Arcano was built especially for alpine lakes and is a very
fast boat, especially in a small wave, due to its pointed bow and
short waterline. Arcano also has the then upcoming chines and a
kicked bow.
Werni initially opted for Melges sails, but these did not fulfil
the potential of the light wind boat. After several disappointments,
Werni switched to Sobstad sails from Daniel Staempfli – with great
success and corresponding joy. However, the path to success
always led via a good helmsman, an outstanding co-sailor/
navigator and an excellent foreman, reports Werni.
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 43

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Automatic
3100 Series
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44 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

When Dirk Harms started looking for a sailing boat in 2012, he
remembered Zephyr (AUT 7) and started looking for a classic 5.5,
then an Evolution made of wood with a curved stern. Kaspar was
a very patient counsellor in this search. In 2014, Dirk travelled to
see Charli and Werni Koellmann in Zurich to view Arcano. When
Dirk asked Werni if Dirk could take care of Arcano, the deal was
quickly done.
TRAUNSEE
Arcano was moved to the Traunsee. In the first few years, Dirk
sailed local regattas and focused on the refit of fittings on the
boat. The hull and the standing rigging were in perfect condition
thanks to the care of Charli and Werni Koellmann.
In 2014, Dirk travelled to Berlin for the first time for a regatta,
which has since become a favourite tradition for the Arcano
team. In 2019, team Arcano won the Salzkammergut Prize, which
was held for the first time that year. In 2021 and 2023, team
Arcano won the Evolution classification of the Salzkammergut
Prize. In 2021, team Arcano also won the Evolution classification
of the Herbstpreis in Thun.
The refit of the boat continued and will probably never be
completed. In 2022 a carbon mast, a carbon main boom and
two carbon spinnaker poles were installed because the original
aluminium mast had become very soft. The hull was planed, restained
and repainted by Johannes Bandtlow.
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 45

NATIONAL REPORT - FRANCE
Fine year
for the French fleet
After the success of the 2024 World Championship in Benodet, Jean-Bernard
Datry looks back at good ytear for the French fleet and the hopes the growth
will continue in the coming years.
At the start of the season, Enez C’las 2
(modern) and Joker (evolution) took part in the
international circuit in Italy and Switzerland.
And like every season, the French class
organised its Atlantic Metric Challenge, three
regattas in three ports: Bénodet, La Trinité and Noirmoutier.
This year, we had the pleasure of welcoming two foreign
crews, POL 17 and BAH 25, to the magnificent waters of La
Trinité-sur-Mer. Let’s hope that these three races welcome
more international racers in the future. Eleven boats were
entered in this year’s Atlantic Metric Challenge which was
part of the world championship, with Joker taking first
place ahead of Aspire and New Moon III, which only took
part in one event. During the Noirmoutier event, Joker had
a close encounter with the 8m JI Enchantement - 1923, but
fortunately the damage was minor.
This year, in addition to the usual programme, the French
class and the Yacht Club de l’Odet were organising the world
championship and the Scandinavian, Hanko and Kaag Classic
cups. Eight French crews were mobilised to take part in this
major event in the class, including the two 5.5 JI shared by the
Yacht Club de l’Odet, which meant that 11 members of the Yacht
Club took part in the prologue and the championship. Enez C’las
2 (FRA 63 - Schmidt) in the modern class, and Joker (FRA 50 -
Peterson) in the evolution class, did honourably well. Korrigan
(FRA 19 - Copponex) and Twins (FRA 25 - Ohlson), both classic,
46 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

Left: Beta Crucis in Cannes • Bottom left: Joker-Enchantment collision (8 m JI); Marc Penther • Above (CW from top left); Diagram of the French boats in
Benodet; Enez 2 (R Holmes), Silver Fox photo (R Holmes); Twins XII (R Holmes); John B win Trophe Hauvette in Benodet • Below: Downwind in Cannes
had their work cut out in front of the excellent Manuela V at the
Kaag Classic and at the World Championship. Silver Fox (FRA
64 – Peterson-Howlett), a newcomer to the French fleet, was still
working on her trim. Our French crews still have some progress
to make in terms of trimming and reading the race course, but
they all appreciated the quality of the 5.5s and the sporting and
friendly spirit of the crews in the class.
PRESENTATIONS
This was the occasion for the French class to present its
traditional trophies:
• The “Pierre Penther Trophy”, for classic boats, was presented
by our doyen, Marc Penther, aged 91, to Guido Tommasi. Marc
and Pierre Penther organised the first world championship
in Bénodet in 1977. Marc, Pierre Penther’s brother, owner of
several 5.5 m and 6 m JI boats, and former vice-president of the
international class, took the opportunity to tell us about his trip
to the Glénan Islands with the 5.5 Némésis, and how his cargo of
rabbits destined for the island’s keeper had brought him bad luck.
• The Christian Hauvette Trophy, the perpetual prize of the French
association, was awarded to the first Corinthian, John B (Gavin
McKinney, Lars Horn Johannessen and Justin Cunningham).
As is tradition, each present nation offered a drink on their
return from sea, allowing the crews to meet each other in a
convivial atmosphere. The French evening, hosted by the French
class at the Domaine de Bot Conan, owned by the Polaillon
family (Joker), was enjoyed by the entire international class.
The property was decorated for the occasion with the tricolour
flag of the former ocean liner ‘France’, the dimensions of which
impressed the competitors. Langoustines and oysters, part of
Brittany’s gastronomic heritage, were also on show.
The Yacht Club de l’Odet extended a warm welcome to all the
competitors and provided faultless organisation. The prize-giving
ceremony and the traditional crew dinner brought the ten days of
intense racing to a close. As is tradition, the International 5.5 JI
Association presented the Yacht Club de l’Odet and its President,
Yves Monmoton, with the half-hull of the latest boat to be built:
The Jean Genie - GBR 43 designed by David Hollom, architect of
the 12-metre Hippo and numerous 14-foot and model yachts.
At the end of September, the French Open, traditionally
held in Cannes at the same time as the Royal Regattas, was
only attended by six boats. Many last-minute cancellations for
professional reasons. Only three races were sailed due to weather
conditions that were not typical of the Côte d’Azur. Beta Crucis
(AUS 63, Martin Cross, Bob Stoddard, John Cross) won the
Open de France 2024 in the 5.5 Metre class after a final day full
of surprises in spectacular conditions. They won the only race
contested on Friday and handed the title to Australia. But Cannes
is always an attractive stopover for the European fleet. And
what a spectacle it was when the ‘small’ metric boats crossed
paths with the 12m JI boats that had come to compete in their
Mediterranean challenge.
Let’s hope that the success of this 2024 World Championship
in the Atlantic attracts new French crews to the 5.5 JI class and
sparks interest in the club’s shared boats. There are plenty of
boats for sale, all with a glowing track record.
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 47

RABICANO
48 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

Museum
piece
Rabicano, ITA 55, came from the drawing board of the
famous Swedish designers, Einar and Carl-Eric Ohlson,
and was the only boat built by Cantiere Salata of Rapallo,
in Italy. Built from carvel planked mahogany, she was first
registered on 1 January 1967.
Rabicano was built for Agostino Straulino, an Italian Olympic sailor, to
participate to the 1968 Olympic Games in Acapulco. However, the boat
was rejected, and it disappeared until 1981, when it was sold to Gian
Alberto Zanoletti, father of Ferdinando Zanoletti, president of the Museo
della Barca Lariana and current owner. Rabicano is currently owned by the
museum, which is located at Pianello del Lario, on Lake Como.
The name of the boat came from Ludovico Ariosto’s epic poem,
Orlando Furioso, where Rabicano is the name of Astolfo’s horse “…so light
that it leaves no footprints on the sand or on the snow and when it gallops
across a meadow it doesn’t even break a blade of grass…”
During 2024, on the initiative of the Museum and Ferdinando Zanoletti,
Rabicano was sailed in several regattas across Italy, principally by all
female teams. Arancia Malaspina picks up the story.
“In 2024 our female crew started hitting the 5.5 race courses on board
Rabicano. But what’s the story behind the ‘Rabicano’s Girls’, as we called
our WhatsApp group?
Our story is a mixture of gratitude, luck and Excel files. Luck, for being
the lucky person that Ferdinando Zanoletti chose to manage this project.
Gratitude, because every time we got in the car to go to a race or we saw
our Rabicano being craned into the water, we can’t stop being grateful to
the Museo della Barca Lariana, for supporting us on this journey. Excel
files, because I probably have done more Excels to manage this project
than to graduate in engineering.
Joking apart, this project started thanks to a couple of coincidences
and the help of Duccio Colombi, who is a professional sailor, and racing in
the 5.5 Metre class since many years.
Top right and left: Arancia Malaspina, Gaia
Pizzini, Maddalena Rossi at the Trofeo Valdetaro
Rest of top row: Rabicano on Lake Como
Left: Arancia Malaspina, Nina Pavanini and
Gaia Pizzini, in Venice
Above: Rabicano internals; Rabicano at the
2018 Swiss Open with on Lake Como with
Ferdinando Zanoletti at the helm
Main photo: Training on Lake Como
Right: Trofeo Serbelloni on Lake Como
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 49

In May 2023 I held my graduation party at the Museo della Barca
Lariana. The museum curator found out that I was passionate about
classic boats, and so he invited me to join the team on Rabicano for
some training and he put me in contact with Ferdinando Zanoletti,
the museum owner.
A few months later, in Porto Cervo, in the Royal Kaag
Classic Cup, I had my first racing experience onboard Rabicano
as a substitute. In the same event I also had the chance to step
on a modern 5.5 Metre, again as a replacement (thank you
Daniel and Mark from team Black&White). From that moment
on, I fell in love with this boat.
At the end of the season, Ferdinando asked Duccio and I to
support him managing the racing department of the Museum.
Indeed, according to his vision – which we totally share – the goal
of the museum is not only to conserve classic boats and show
them as old furniture, but also to support racing teams who bring
his patrimony outside the dust and on the racing courses.
We decided to use Rabicano and race around Italy. To have
more visibility, Duccio suggested to introduce a female team to
race in the circuit and in the classic regattas, and so… here we are.
Being a female crew had many implications, which were
new for me, since as an engineer and sailor, I’m not used to be
in girl’s teams.
The good things are, that we always receive a lot of help going
in and out of the moorings and we get many pictures, interviews,
articles, posts on the social etc... On the other side, we find out that
male crews get (secretly) upset when we finish in front of them and
always try to give funny justification for their bad performances.
The schedule in 2024 was busy, with many days of boat
works, training and races. The beginning of the season was
challenging. We had to build the crew, find coordination,
understand the boat, build our own playbook, and optimise the
boat. I still remember the first time I had to drill into the 1967
wood of Rabicano, my hands were shaking.
I’m happy to say that we kept improving all the season.
For sure, part of this process was also the people who patiently
answered my hundred thousand questions and shared precious
suggestions. (Thank you, Duccio, Ryno, Andy, Gustavo, Chriso…)
The 5.5 Metre season started in May in La Spezia at Società
Velica Marina Militare. Rabicano rewarded our efforts with a
fourth place at the Italian Championship. The first podium came
one month later in Venice in June, at the Enoshima Trophy, where
we ended up third, just one point from second.
Finally, the first victory came in October, in Vele Storiche di
Viareggio, a costal race which we won in front of Grifone by more
than 30 minutes. I won’t deny, that this was the end of the season
that we were dreaming about.
Above: Rabicano in Venice in 2024
Right: Early training on Lake Como
Below: Alice Lorenzon, Caterina Balzani and
Fabia Parola at the Trofeo Serbelloni
Besides the circuit, we took part to Velaviva Trophy in July
(first in real time) and the Trofeo Serbelloni in September. This is
a prestigious regatta for all metre classes in Bellagio, one of the
most iconic places on Lake Como.
Well, probably if you are still reading this, you might be
curious to know who we are.
From the stern to the bow we have Gaia Pizzini, from Milan,
30 years old and a degree in Economics. We met each other
as opponents in the Laser 4000 class. I was impressed by her
motivation, her focus at the helm and her method. She took the
helm of Rabicano from the first to the last day of the season and
sometimes it was even hard to take her off from the tiller to go to
dinner. Her support with the boat works was crucial, such as her
patience in discussing until midnight ways to improve the mast
tuning, drawing new circuits for the deck and thinking about all
possible improvements to make our boat as quick as possible.
In the middle there is me, Arancia Malaspina, 25 years old and
PhD student in Engineering. I’m trying to sail as much as possible,
combining bigger boats (RC44 and TP52) and smaller boats as
dinghy (Laser 4000), 5.5 Metre or other one-design classes.
The third member is still under investigation; girls feel free to apply!
For the next season we are planning again to take part in
the 5.5 Italian Circuit and to do an event in the Dragon class.
Personally, I will also sail occasionally on a modern 5.5 Metre,
where I can steal new optimising solutions to apply to the classic.
This is our story; we wait for you in Lake Como to visit the
museum and join us for training.”
50 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 51

BRUNO MARAZZI
REMEMBERING
BRUNO MARAZZI
My beloved father and sailing mentor Bruno
Marazzi who sailed away on his last voyage
on Monday, 23 December 2024.
When my father first took me on his
Star boat Ali Baba, it was after a successful
amateur career that almost ended in an Olympic participation at
Los Angeles 1984.
Shortly afterwards he decided to change boats and bought
his first Melges 5.5 Metre, SUI 155. My family was very happy
to be able to share his passion on numerous summer cruises
on Lake Thun and he also started racing first with me and later
Bruno and I were professional colleagues. He
successfully managed his construction company
with many large-scale projects throughout
Switzerland. In the construction industry, the
company was known by the four Ms. Bruno
Marazzi, Elisabeth Marazzi, Werner Müller, Hans Moser.
In 1992, I switched from the Lightweight class to the 5.5
Metre and bought SUI 155 from Bruno, later in 1995, SUI
189, and finally SUI 203, true to the motto: “All good things
come in threes.” All three boat purchases went smoothly and
without complications. Bruno happily left the administrative
work to his wife Elisabeth.
We sailed against each other in countless regattas. I
fondly remember the sometimes noisy buoy manoeuvres. We
were used to speaking loudly on the construction site. After
the regatta, any ambiguities were settled over a relaxed beer,
and everything was immediately forgotten. It was fascinating
how Bruno put the construction tycoon aside in his free time
and was able to enjoy the variety of things on the water.
Bruno was always generous and enjoyed organising parties
to properly celebrate his sailing successes. The major event at
the Kursaal Bern, the various parties at the Thunersee Yachtclub,
and his birthday parties were always great occasions.
Bruno strongly supported the young talent of the
Thunersee Yachtclub and, in addition to various equipment,
also sponsored a camper. All of this contributed greatly to the
current successes of the TYC sailors.
With Bruno, the 5.5 Metre class has lost a great sponsor
and supporter. I fondly remember Bruno as an enthusiastic, very
likeable sailor, a tough but fair competitor.
H.P. Schmid v/o Häsu
In December 2024, one of the class greats passed
away. Bruno Marazzi was a multiple champion and
a great influence on the class with multiple boats
all named Ali Baba, most of which are still sailing
regularly today. Flavio Marazzi pays tribute to his
father.
together as a family team with my brother Renato in Switzerland
and international events.
Ambitious racing started for him with our Steinmayer boat,
SUI 177, in 1992 when we won both the Swiss Championship in
Neuchatel and the European Championship in Torbole.
But it was in 2002 when Bruno had a new boat designed by
Schmidt and built by Christof Wilke that brought us the edge
in Helsinki by winning our first World Championship as a family
team. This was his greatest sailing achievement and first ever
successful father-son combination.
We were able to follow up this success by also winning the
Scandinavian Gold Cup in Sydney 2004 with the same team.
2007 was another special year. During the same time when I
was winning the Star boat Europeans on Lake Garda with Enrico
De Maria, he was winning the Gold Cup again in San Remo
with my brother Renato and Stefan Haftka, our long-time sailing
friend. One week after that I was able to win my second 5.5 Metre
Worlds in perfect Mediterranean conditions.
I
met Bruno right when he started racing with his 5.5
Metre, and was immediately impressed by his skills to
handle the boat.
I also met him as a very generous person: before a regatta
in Thun, he came to our boat and asked: is this the best sail
you got? Yes, I answered. He asked me to follow him, and we
went to the storage room where he had all his sails. He pulled
out several of them, and finally said: this here you can use, it
is the sail I won the world championship with (the one with the
red dot). I was speechless, but very thankful, and used this
sail proudly for many regattas.
Thank you, Bruno, for all you did to the fleet and for being
the great person you were. We will always remember you
André Bernheim
52 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

I
met Bruno for the first time at the 5.5 1992
Europeans at Lake Garda. He sailed with his two
sons, Flavio and Renato and I sailed with my father
Kalle. A windy regatta in the beautiful surroundings
of Lake Garda. After a hard fight over the gold
medal the Marrazzis won with us coming second.
It was certainly great and inspiring to race against Bruno
with a successful family project. I am happy to see that Bruno
experienced the third Marazzi generation - Julie and Eline
winning the Gold Cup in Benodet last summer.
I sailed against Bruno in different championships and he
was always a tough challenge and with different merits to
become an important part of the 5.5 history.
Rest in peace, Bruno!
Kristian Nergaard
After my 2012 London Games
we decided to race once again
together with my brother on Lake
Uri for the Swiss Championship,
which we were able to win in
great weather and surrounded
by all our friends. This was our
last championship together but
not the end for Bruno as a sailing
enthusiast. He continued his
passion by supporting my sailing
career and was extremely happy
seeing us succeed in last year’s
Gold Cup in Bénodet.
Sailing together with Bruno
opened up my world perspective by
travelling to numerous amazing locations around the globe and
sharing our experience with our Swiss and international friends.
The International 5.5 Metre has been a class of gentleman
and highly respected sailing friends who joined the racing events
because of their love for the sport and their boats. I’m very happy
to continue Bruno’s legacy with my daughters Julie and Eline by
racing his Ali Baba again in future events.
We would like to thank all 5.5 Metre owners, team
members, friends and families for their longtime support of the
class in their participation in racing and spending time as a
family near and abroad.
His 5.5 Metre championship wins include:
World Champion (2002)
Scandinavian Gold Cup Winner (2004, 2007)
European Champion (1992)
Swiss Champion (1992, 2012)
RIP Bruno Marazzi 25 July 1946 - 23 December 2024.
Above left Flavio, Bruno and Renato Marazzi • Below: Ali Baba, SUI 206
Above: 1992 Worlds in SUI 177 • Top: Photos by Jürg Menzi
I
have known Bruno since my early days at the
Thunersee Yachtclub TYC in 1972. A club member
since 1970, he soon began a long and successful
sailing career in the Star class. In the mid-
1980s, he switched to the 5.5 Metre class, which
experienced its peak in Switzerland at that time and in the
following years. I came from the Soling class and joined
the 5.5 Metre class in 1994. From then on, we sailed many
‘sea battles’ against and sometimes with each other in
team regattas for three decades.
Sailing was a strong bond between us, even though we
were very far apart professionally. I fondly remember how
Bruno could immediately switch into sailing mode both at
the home club and abroad and became a playful child on the
water. He was then in his element! Bruno was a fun and fair
sailor and sometimes didn’t always follow the racing rules
down to the letter. But he was never vindictive. For him, it was
always mostly a sporting game!
Two little anecdotes: We had just won the Anniversary
Scandinavian Gold Cup in Helsinki 2002. Jürg Menzi with
Jürg Christen and Daniel Stampfli. Bruno, Flavio and Renato
Marazzi went on to become world champions in Helsinki in
2002. We finished the series in second place and didn’t even
had to sail the last race. Only the black boat was in our way
in every race... Bruno could sail that fast when he wanted to!
At a 5.5mIC ski team event in Gstaad, Bruno’s very popular
friend and former Federal Councillor and Sports Minister
Adolf Ogi asked who I was. Bruno replied that it is Menzi,
who always wins everything in sailing! The appreciation was
always mutual!
On land, Bruno was always extremely generous. He
invited us to very big parties many times and promoted our
beloved sport of sailing throughout his life, in the class, in the
club and also in the Swiss sailing federation. Bruno Marazzi
has won numerous titles, including World, European and
Swiss championships as well as national titles in Italy and
the Netherlands. One of his greatest successes was winning
the Scandinavian Gold Cup in 2005 - together with his sons
Flavio and Renato. This victory, in the second oldest sailing
cup in the world, was repeated in 2024 by Flavio Marazzi, this
time with his daughters Julie and Eline. Sailing thus remains
a living family tradition that is carried on from generation to
generation.
I will fondly remember Bruno as a passionate sailor with a
generous heart! So sadly, he has now sailed away into eternity
forever. RIP Bruno.
Jürg Menzi
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 53

2026 WORLDS IN GREECE
First time for
5.5s in Greece
Stavros Papagiannopoulos invites
the fleet to travel to Greece for the
2026 World Championship and Cups
I
first came across the 5.5 Metres in 2018 when we were
looking for a classic boat to race at the Spetses Classic
Yacht Regatta. We bought Lizza (ex-SUI 17), raced
her in Greek waters and then at the Regates Royales,
where we came across the moderns. Fascinated by
the performance of these boats and the atmosphere among
the 5.5 sailors, in 2019 we chartered Clark Kent (now AUS 70)
for the German Open. In 2020 we bought MELX III (ex-AUS 60)
and then came Covid. We kept our heads down for a couple
of years and surfaced again in 2023 at the German Open and
the Worlds at Porto Cervo. After the Worlds we stepped-up to
MELX IV (ex-BAH 22), which we have today.
We love the 5.5s, we love the format of the races and the venues
where racing takes place, and we have a plan for progressive
improvement in as far as performance and results are concerned.
Following popular demand among the 5.5 sailors, with the
encouragement of the Commodore (George Prokopiou) and the
Flag Officer (Stratis Andreadis) of the Yacht Club of Greece we
submitted our bid for 2026 to be held in Lavrion, Athens, Greece,
at the Olympic Marine: Gold Cup from 1-4 October and World
Championship from 5-9 October.
The YCG (pictured above) – formerly the Royal Yacht Club of
Greece – was founded in 1933 and has been home to Olympians
and World Champions since its inception. It hosts about 20
regattas annually, from club racing to dinghy championships, to
classic, offshore and superyacht regattas.
Olympic Marine is a spectacular full-service marina, designed
to the strictest international standards to serve a discerning
clientele from all over the world, continuously awarded a Blue Flag
for its clean waters since 2020, and home of the AEGEAN 600
regatta. It is located at the south-eastern tip of Attica, less than
30 mins drive from the Athens International Airport and minutes
away from the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion (below). From
northern/central Europe it can be reached via the E70/E75, or
alternatively there is a regular ferry service from Italy to the port of
Patras, which is then less than 3 hours drive on the E65.
Sailors can bring their boats to Olympic Marine in advance for
training train and if we have enough boats we can organise informal
regattas. Those who would like to prolong their season can leave
their boats there after the event, as in Greece you can sail practically
throughout winter, and then straight to Garda. Think about it.
One advantages of the venue is that the main race area A, is right
outside the marina entrance. Normal conditions in early October
are north-easterly winds 5-20 knots, temperatures are around 22°C
and precipitation is close to zero. With winds up to 10 knots the
water is almost flat, but it becomes choppy when wind picks up.
For windy northerly conditions, we have race area C, which is leeward
of Cape Sounio, thus protected from the heavy seas.
As for accommodation, there are several hotels in the vicinity, from
3 to 5 stars and plenty of short-term rental apartments. Alternatively,
why not stay in the marina. In October all charter boats are still in the
water, but with low bookings. There will be plenty available.
On the social side, the marina set up is such that facilitates
after race dock parties. We aim having the gala social events at the
clubhouse of the YCG, which although it is a 50 min drive from the
venue, has a spectacular view overlooking the Saronic Gulf.
Last but not least, although I am fearful that this might sound
anachronistic nowadays, we aim the 2026 Gold Cup and the
Words to be ‘Sailors for the Sea’ certified Platinum regattas.
We intend to make regular announcements on preferential
deals we will agree on with local providers (accommodation, boat
rentals etc) as we move closer to the event. If any member of our
community, at any time, has any questions or would require any
facilitation for the event, please do not hesitate to reach out.
54 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

NATIONAL REPORT - ITALY
New boats bode well
for Italian fleet
An important year has come to an end, full of
good news for the Italian Class, starting with
the end of an important restoration of a historic
boat of the Class: the Manuela VII designed by
Britton Chance Jr. in 1967, masterfully restored
to new condition on Lake Garda. Manuela VII will be added to
the Italian fleet for the next regattas, increasing the number
of 5.5 Metres on Lake Garda to five, (Cibele, Girls on Film,
Manuela VII, Volpina and Volpina III). The boat is located at
the Fraglia della Vela in Malcesine, one of the most beautiful
and active clubs on the lake.
The other good news is the formation of an Italian women’s
team that will participate in the regattas with Rabicano, with the
support of the Lariana Boat Museum and Phi Number on Lake
Como, ‘Buon vento’ Gaia, Giorgia and Maddalena,
A few weeks before his sad passing, Fabrizio
Cavazza reported on the Italian fleet and the very
successful 2024 regatta season
The Italian Championship and the Volpina Trophy were
masterfully organised by the Italian Navy which hosted us in
May in the splendid base of La Spezia. Manuela V with Guido
Tommasi was the winner, and second was Grifone, the historic
boat owned by the Italian Navy, with Roberto Savella at the helm.
In June the Class raced for the Enoshima Trophy in the
splendid setting of Venice. Logistically it was a bit complicated,
but the racing in the Grand Canal was an unforgettable and unique
experience. Guido Tommasi on Manuela V was again the winner.
At the end of August we participated in the 5.5 World
Championship in Benodet. Picturesque village, variable sea and
wind conditions, excellent organisation of the club. I missed the
regatta for health reasons, (a big disappointment after 1,400 km
of travel...) but Guido Tommasi’s Manuela V won the Royal Kaag
Cup, so another success for Italy.
Overall, a good season with many good regattas and with
new boats that bode well for the future of the Italian 5.5 Class.
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 55

MARC PENTHER
Tales from
Benodet and other places
In the 2024 issue of fivepointfive Magazine, p45, the
story of the French class included a section on Marc
Penther and his brother Pierre. Marc Penther, now
91, was present at the 2024 World Championship in
Benodet, and told some super stories about sailing
5.5 Metres during the prizegiving. He represented the French
Class in Nassau in 1981, where he was elected vice-president
of the international fleet.
From 1970, the brothers Pierre and Marc Penther, started to
generate a lot of activity in the class in Brittany, convincing their
friends to bring back many classic boats, in and around La Forêt
Fouesnant and Bénodet. The first Penther boat was Armide
(1952), then Arion (FRA 21-Olson), followed by Tara (FRA 41) and
Némésis (FRA 42).
Marc writes, “From 1963 to 1974, we were the only ones with a
5.5 Metre in Finistère. Then Jean Desmaret came to Bénodet, who
had just had a Britton Chance design built at the Swiss shipyards.”
This group then succeeded in convincing the president of
the International Class, Thomas Sprecher, to organise a world
championship and then a European championship in Breton
waters, at Bénodet.
“I contacted Thomas Sprecher, Swiss and International
President of the class. He travelled especially to Bénodet to
examine the body of water in order to run the 1974 European
championship there. But a thick fog and the faulty engine of
the Odet Yacht Club President’s launch – too weak to face the
strong tidal current – prohibited visiting the race area. Thomas
Sprecher nevertheless gave his approval for an international
event. In the sailing instructions, I included the map of La Ferme du
Letty, a restaurant that served langoustines. These little crustaceans
won over the Swiss, who, remembering how excellent they tasted,
returned in 1977 to compete in the world championship there. The
Swiss enjoyed their langoustines at the Ferme du Letty so much that
they ended up spending all their evenings there.”
Top left: Arion F21 European championship in 1974 in Bénodet
Top right: Joker (left) with Thomas Sprecher and Némesis (right)
at the 1981 European Championship in Bénodet
Above: Némesis, F107, at the 1977 World Championship in Bénodet with
Z 90, Louis Noverraz’s silver medal boat from the Acapulco Olympic Games
Left: Némesis in 1978 with Marc Penther’s wife, Marie-Ange, at the helm
56 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

Top row: Marc Penther; Pierre Penther; Marcel Penther; The Penther brothers
and Michel Desjoyaux (twice winner of the Vendée Globe) racing
on Edmond de Rothchild’s 6 Metre Gitana in 1989
Above: Bewitched, ex Armide F 2, which had two cockpits took
part in the 1952 Olympic Games in Helsinki
Right middle: Némesis at the 1981 European Championship in Cannes
Below: M. Flinkenberg’s Finnish Xantippa L9 in 1956 in Monaco, which raced
in the same year at the Melbourne Olympics
Right: Marcel Penther’s ‘5.5’ (length overall) in the 1920-30s
To Marc, who complained that he didn’t see them often
enough in the evenings, someone replied: “You have to go
to dinner at the Ferme du Letty.” This craze for langoustines
almost caused a diplomatic incident, since the Swiss forced
Marc to cancel the final gala dinner, insisting on spending their
last evening at their usual table. Apparently, Marc Penther was
subsequently known in Switzerland as ‘Mr. Langoustine’!
The organisation of the 1977 World Championship in Bénodet
was the highlight of this period, and won by the Australian
helmsman Harold Vaughan on Antares II (AUS 31).
“The Australians had not won the events of the first two days,
contrary to their ambitions. As the telephone was not available
at their hotel, they came to my home very late at night during the
weekend (given the time difference) to call Australia to have another
team member flown in, saying: “Antares, she’s a winner”. The new
team member arrived two days later, and Australia took the trophy.”
Then in 1980, still in Bénodet, the European Championship
was won by Thomas Sprecher, with a 14-year-old design, the
famous Janaël (FRA 29 - Britton Chance Jr - Egger).
Marc continued, “In Bénodet from 1974 we organised three
European Championships and four World Championships. One
of the photos is of my father’s 5.5 Metre. Since then, the class
has evolved.
“I raced in 1956 on the Finnish dragon Xantippa, L9,
skippered by John Flinkenberg who went on to the Olympic
Games in Melbourne. I left Monaco and the Xantippa to go
aboard Blue Bottle, the boat of Prince Philip, the Duke of
Edinburgh, but this time it was on the dry road. As a student in
Paris I had little money, and the English had taken me on their
royal boat. At noon one day we stopped for lunch in the town
of Orange. At the end of the meal, I took out my wallet but an
Englishman said to me: ‘No, no it’s the Queen paying...’
“A few years later at the Deauville regatta I again found my
friend Blue Bottle who had the right of way on the starboard
tack a few lengths from the finishing line. Voices rose from the
Race Committee boat, swelled by my own voice as we were
about to collide with our Royal competitor. At my imperative
command our helmsman narrowly turned, and we crossed the
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 57

line, with a small piece of our bow in the lead. That evening the
helmsman of Blue Bottle came to see me at dinner and said,
‘You are a good mate’.
“Another amusing anecdote about Brittany and its
involvement in all forms of high-speed transportation: in 1981,
I ran a European championship
in Cannes with Némesis. Hénaff,
the pork pâté specialists, gave me
a tin of the Breton product to fill
our sandwiches between the daily
events. Today we know that this
company feeds the astronauts in their
international space station.”
“As an architect in the Glénan Islands, I had several building
sites on Saint Nicolas Island. I went there in my 5.5 Metre,
Nemesis, and I had taken a bag of apples for the lighthouse
keeper, three rabbits and a product to kill rats. I then heard that
carrying the long-eared beasts on a boat was bad luck. During
my inspection of the works, the wind kept increasing and I had
to leave Nemesis at anchor on the island and hitch a ride back. I
was punished. A fishing boat brought me home.
“In Nassau in 1981, I had just been elected world class
vice-president. I was enjoying a whisky in the clubhouse when
I was called over the loudspeaker to hoist the French flag to
the sound of the Marseillaise. I made my way to the foot of the
flagpole designating my nationality. The King of Norway followed
in alphabetical order, and I realised that I’d kept King Olav of
Norway waiting. Embarrassed, I saluted him respectfully, and he
ceremoniously returned the salute.”
Left: Nemesis behind the boat of His Majesty King Olav
of Norway in 1982 in Geneva
Above: Marcel Penther with his sons Pierre and Philippe 1963 on F2
58 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

BOAT COUNT and INVENTORY
Inside
view
Compiled by Kaspar Stubenrauch
The new version of the 5.5m Inventory site has
been technically finalised. It can now be further
filled with information on boats and regattas.
In order to prominently present the latest
designs, owners are encouraged to place comments
on racing experiences and boat details. This can help to grow
interest for these boats with sailors considering entering the
class. Registration is easily done and will give access to several
elements of this data collection.
The new site is largely thanks to the work of its initiator,
Seb Schmidt, the support of the International 5.5m Class
and individual sailors, as well as the tasks completed by the
previous and actual software engineers.
Over more than 17 years, historic and actual data and images
had been compiled, and today we have one of the most complete
historic mirrors of any existing sailing class.
Another point resulting from the 5.5m Inventory, has been
the chance to display the existing 5.5 Metre boats worldwide, in
different aspects, summarized annually in the 5.5 Metre Boatcount.
Not only does the Boatcount show statistical numbers, it also
reflects the countries where the International 5.5 Metre Class
has regained racing activities. Together with the Inventory the
Boatcount has helped to gather information on many boats.
The overview informs us about the basic number of boats
per country, the different categories, new boats being built over
the years and participation in World Championships. Additional
features cover boatyards building 5.5s, the number of designs
and information about boats for sale, in the different categories. It
currently shows 401 boats worldwide today – out of over 700 built.
Finally a big thank you to all who have helped to bring the
5.5m Inventory to the next level.
The site can be accessed here: www.5.5inventory.org
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 59

NATIONAL REPORT - SWITZERLAND
A big thank you
and a new course
First and foremost, a huge thank you to André
Bernheim for his years of dedication and
leadership. Under his guidance, the Swiss
5.5 fleet has continuously developed and
strengthened. His great commitment has kept the
class active in Switzerland and reinforced its international
presence. Now, we set sail towards new horizons with Simon
Pfändler as the new president from 2025. The future looks
promising, and we are ready to embrace it with full energy.
The year 2024 was characterised by high-quality regattas,
outstanding team spirit, and unforgettable moments on the
water. While participation numbers fluctuated, the quality and
experience of each event remained at the centre.
There were two special stories: Flavio Marazzi and his
daughters & Pascal Radue and his sons – two exceptional
achievements.
MARAZZIS WIN GOLD CUP
Flavio and his daughters Julie and Eline was a triumph with
Bittersweet emotions.
A major highlight of the season was the outstanding
success of Flavio, who, together with his daughters, Julie
and Eline, won the prestigious Scandinavian Gold Cup. This
is one of the most significant trophies in the 5.5 class and a
remarkable testament to Flavio’s exceptional sailing skills.
New Swiss President, Simon Pfändler reports
on the fleet activities in Switzerland and some
of the many highlights of 2024
Top: André Bernheim at the helm of Skylla V in Cannes • Above: Julie, Eline
and Flavio Marazzi after winning the Scandinavian Gold Cup in Benodet
• Below left: The fleet at the Swiss Championship at Rolle • Top right:
Restoration of ChlikaChlikaChlika • Right: Swiss Champions, Caracole
This impressive victory continues a family tradition, as
Flavio’s father, Bruno Marazzi, had also won the Scandinavian
Gold Cup for Switzerland. This triumph was even more
significant for Flavio, as his father was able to witness the
success before sadly passing away shortly before Christmas.
Flavio now follows in his father’s footsteps at the highest level.
But that was not all: Flavio and his girls finished fourth
overall at the Worlds. His fourth-place finish in Bénodet made
him the best Swiss participant in the event, continuing his
family’s legacy in competitive sailing. This success underlines
that the Swiss fleet is not only competing at the top but is also
taken seriously on the international stage.
Flavio’s success with his daughters, who sailed alongside
him with great dedication and team spirit, highlights the
importance of family bonds and generational transition within
the class. It proves that the 5.5 class remains a platform for
extraordinary sailing stories where tradition, ambition, and
passion are united.
60 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

CHLIKACHLIKACHLIKA
Pascal Radue and
ChlikaChlikaChlika – a restored
evolution becomes world champion
in the evolution class.
Another remarkable highlight
of this season was the boat
ChlikaChlikaChlika (SUI 169),
which had already won a World
Championship in 1989 and
was restored in 2024 with great
dedication by Pascal’s sons Antonin
and Gregoire with the support
of the Chantier de Moratel and
Megroz Voiles. Apart from letting
the youngsters take the lead, the
project aimed to pay tribute to
the boatbuilding and sailmaking
craftsmanship of the Lavaux Region.
Their exceptional efforts paid off:
They won in the Evolution category,
proving that restored 5.5 Metres can
be highly successful with modern
sailing techniques. Pascal and his
team, who only joined the 5.5 class
in 2024, prepared for the World
Championship with extraordinary
commitment and dedication.
With passion, they took on the
challenge of competing at the highest level. Together with
Patrick Huguenin, they sailed to the top – a remarkable display
of determination and teamwork. Unfortunately, Gregoire was
unable to compete due to an injury, but the team persevered,
showcasing exceptional class. The well-deserved reward: the
Evolution World Championship title.
Chlika’s story is an inspiring example of what is possible
with commitment, passion, and strong family support. It
demonstrates that the 5.5 fleet not only welcomes experienced
sailors but also embraces committed newcomers, offering
them the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
SWISS 5.5 FLEET 2024
The regattas of the Swiss 5.5 fleet this year were not defined by
numbers alone, but by the exceptional quality of the competition
and the unique atmosphere.
The absolute highlight? The 2024 World Championship in
Benodet, where Switzerland was represented by nine boats.
Even more significantly, we have the current Evolution World
Champion – SUI 169 and the
Scandinavian Gold Cup winner
– SUI 224 in our fleet, which
proved that we are strongly
positioned internationally.
Champions and Flavio, Eline and Julie win the Scandinavian
Gold Cup.
• Autumn Regatta, Thun – A rewarding season finale.
Each event had its own unique charm and demonstrated
that in the Swiss 5.5 fleet, it is not just about numbers but
about unforgettable experiences and top-level competition.
2025: THE YEAR OF THE SWISS CHAMPIONSHIP!
The moment we have been waiting for: In 2025, an official Swiss
Championship for the 5.5 fleet will take place. Thanks to new
rule changes, this highly anticipated competition will be held
in July in Geneva. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase
our fleet, attract new sailors, and solidify our position in the
international sailing world.
With the championship on the horizon, our goal is clear: To
bring as many Swiss boats to the starting line as possible!
A huge thank you to everyone who has been part of this
journey. See you on the water in 2025.
2024 REGATTA HIGHLIGHTS
• Easter Regatta, Thun – A
fantastic season opener in
various sailing conditions.
• Pentecost Regatta, Rapperswil
– A perfect mix of light wind
competition and social event.
• Swiss Class Championship &
Coupe de la Harpe, Rolle – A
showcase of Switzerland’s finest
sailing talent.
• World Championship, Bénodet
– Antonin, Pascal and Patrick
become Evolution World
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 61

RESULTS 2024
Race Results
2024
More results can be found at
5.5class.org/regattas/results
2024 AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
RPAYC, AUS • 26-28 February
1 Rhapsody AUS 35 Thomas Spithill 9
2 Ku-Ring-Gai AUS 62 John Bacon 18
3 Black Magic AUS 64 Mark Tolhurst 18
4 Baragoola AUS 26 Damian Macey 22
5 Skagerak AUS 32 Gerard Smith 27
6 Alpha Crucis AUS 61 Martin Cross 30
7 Crest KA 22 Haydn Skelton 43
8 Arunga VIII GER 69 Joachim Fluhrer 45
9 Antares AUS 29 Gordon Hinds 50
ALPEN CUP 2024
Fragila Vela Riva, ITA • 18-20 April
1 The Jean Genie GBR 43 Peter Morton, Ruairidh Scott, Andrew Palfrey 15
2 New Moon III BAH 25 Mark Holowesko, Peter Vlasov, Christoph Burger 22.5
3 Girls on Film GBR 41 Louise Morton, Andrew Mills, Sam Haines 25
4 Artemis NOR 57 Kristian Nergaard, Trond Solli Saether, Johan Barne 36
5 Otto NOR 69 Bent Wilhelmsen, Herve Cunningham, Lasse Berthelsen 39
6 Aspire POL 17 Przemek Gacek, Mateusz Kusznierewicz, Kilian Weise 40
7 Ku-Ring-Gai III AUS 66 John Bacon, Edward Wright, Joost Houweling 41
8 John B BAH 26 Gavin McKinney, Mathias Dahlman, Lars Horn Johannessen 49
9 Ali-Baba SUI 224 Flavio Marazzi, Eline Marazzi, Julie Marazzi 58
10 Marie Francoise XXII SUI 233 Jürg Menzi, Jürgen Eiermann, Kim Chabani 60
11 Caracole SUI 214 Bernard Haissly, Nicolas Stampfli, Daniel Berthoud 63
12 Beta Crucis AUS 63 Martin Cross, Simon Reffold, Bob Stoddard 69
13 Melx IV GRE 6 Stavros Papagiannopoulos, Yannis Mitakis, Panagiotis Kampouridis 74
14 Shaolin SUI 226 Patrick Zaugg, Andreas Kindlimann, Hans Von Werdt 80
15 Manly AUS 44 Colin Ryan, Mark Dangel, Marc Ryan 88
16 Ali-Baba GER 125 Wolf Eberhard Richter, Jörg Grünewald, Beata Kallkowski 107
17 Enez Clas II FRA 63 Nicolas Abiven, Sylvie Delabriere, Yann Delabriere 114
18 Joker FRA 50 Eric Polaillon, Jean Baptiste Polaillon, Antoine La Foyer Costil 130
BRITISH CHAMPIONSHIP
Royal Yacht Squadron, Cowes, GBR • 1-4 June
1 Gelert GBR 40 James Howells, Andy Beadsworth, Simon Fry 22
2 New Moon III BAH 25 Mark Holowesko, Christoph Burger, Peter Vlasov 25
3 The Jean Genie GBR 43 Peter Morton, Andrew Palfrey, Ruairidh Scott 26
4 Girls on Film GBR 41 Louise Morton, Sam Haines, Andrew Mills 26
5 Otto NOR 68 Bent Christian Wilhelmsen, Herve Cunningham, Lasse Berthelsen 34
SWISS OPEN
Rolle, SUI • 23-24 May
1 Caracole SUI 214 Bernard Haissly, Daniel Stampfli, Nicolas Berthoud 4
2 Marie Francoise XXII SUI 233 Jürg Menzi, Cédric Evard, Christof Wilke 14
3 Dune SUI 218 Philippe Kolly, Annette Martin, Philippe Dupont 14
4 Skylla V SUI 217 Andre Bernheim, Urs Werner, Mark Buchecker 17
5 Black & White SUI 219 Daniel Schenker, Mark Dangel, Ernst Rohner 18
6 Melx IV GRE 6 Stavros Papagiannopoulos, Yannis Mitakis, Panagiotis Kambouridis 18
7 Desirade SUI 113 Patrick Huguenin, Antonin Radue, Pascal Radue 23
8 Otto NOR 68 Bent Christian Wilhelmsen, Lasse Berthelsen, Herve Cunningham 28
9 Ali Baba GER 125 Wolf-Eberhard Richter, Errands Aleksas, Beata Kallkowski 28
10 Bellagioia II SUI 175 Frédéric De Rutté, Matthieu Mac Gillycuddy, Sébastien Schneider 36
11 Enez Clas II FRA 63 Nicolas Abiven, Yann Delabriere, Sylvie Delabriere 42
12 Randale GER 86 Max Stein, Frank Stein, Bernd Selig 45
62 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025

GERMAN OPEN 2024
Yachtclub Berlin-Grünau e. V., Berlin, GER • 18-21 July
1 No Stress GER 122 Donald Lippert, Ralf Goepfert, Jörg Sonntag 5
2 MELX IV GRE 6 Stavros Papagiannopoulos, Pavlos Kagialis, Yannis Mitakis 6
3 Ali Baba GER 125 Wolf-Eberhard Richter, Bernd Selig, Beata Kallkowski 11
4 Manuela V ITA 36 Guido Tommasi, Matteo Barison, Filippo Amonti 16
5 Red & White GER 116 Morten Raecke Karin Keßler, Tom Stryi 18
6 Striezi GER 107 Johannes Schmederer, Felix Sponholz, Christian Schönbach 29
7 Cirollo GER 30 Andreas Christiansen, Martin Wehrle, Lukas Wiebel 29
8 Ali Baba GER 84 Andreas Haubold, Martina Klemmt, Daniel Brambeer 30
9 Arcano AUT 24 Dirk Harms, Eugen Kossina, Patrick Laubichler 30
10 Löwi GER 120 Susanne Struth, Nina Zibuschka, Maren Hülser 30
11 Alzira GER 117 Tamara Bandtlow, Johannes Bandtlow, Andre Bernheim 39
12 Saphir GER 34 Birgit Schröder, Robert Flach, Stefan Hellriegel 46
13 Rush VI GER 111 Odin Grupe, Jörg Strube, Manfred Regal 48
14 Alzira SUI 117 Reinhard Suhner, Olaf Schulz, Hannes Lux 48
15 Silver Fox GER 83 Jörg Grünwald, Steffen Grünwald, Anna Grünwald 56
ITALIAN OPEN
La Speiza, ITA • 10-11 May
1 Manuela V ITA 36 Guido Bernardino Tommasi, Andrea Raccheli, Matteo Barison 5
2 Grifone ITA 42 Roberto Savella, Massimo Gherarducci, Mauro Patruno 11
3 Volpina III ITA 44 Stefano Cesari, Lamberto Cesari, Antonio Cesari, Gagliardi Luca 16
4 Rabicano ITA 55 Gaia Pizzini, Maddalena Rossi, Giorgia Taddei 18
5 Kukururu ITA 6 Giuseppe Matildi/Michele Renna, Alessandro Marolli, Enzo Maria Marolli 24
6 Violetta IV ITA 21 Francesco Stefanon, Giacomo Stefanon, Giovanni Stefanon,Vania Ventrice 25
ENOSHIMA TROPHY
Venice, ITA • 28-30 June
1 Manuela V ITA 36 Guido Tommasi 7
2 Volpina III ITA 44 Stefano Cesari 14
3 Rabicano ITA 55 Ferndinando Zanoletti 15
4 Kukururu ITA 6 Giuseppe Matildi 15
5 Violetta IV ITA 21 Stefanon Giangiacomo 24
2024 FINLAND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
HSS Classic Champagne Regatta • Helsinki 24-25 August
1 Trial FIN 4 Ville Harkke 4
2 Pohjantähti FIN 12 Juho Peltonen 13
3 Figaro FIN 43 Petteri Nurminen 15
4 Gerd-Lilian II SWE 43 Jukka Alanne 15
5 Vis-a-vis FIN 9 Ari Bungers 21
6 Chaje II GER 85 Juho Grönholm 24
7 Remi FIN 41 Olli Kanerva 26
8 Lotten FIN 51 Juhana Salokivi 36
9 Kisen FIN 15 Pekko Räsänen 40
FRENCH OPEN at REGATES ROYALES 2024
Cannes, FRA • 24-27 September
1 Beta Crucis AUS 63 Martin Cross, John Cross, Bob Stoddard 3
2 Otto NOR 68 Bent Christian Wilhelmsen, Herve Cunningham, Kyle Gundersen 7
3 Skylla V SUI 217 Andre Bernheim, Mark Buchecker, Urs Werner 8
4 Ali Baba GER 125 Wolf-Eberhard Richter, Bernd Selig, Beata Kallkowski 13
5 Ali Baba in Black GER 84 Andreas Haubold, Martina Klemmt, Daniel Brambeer 16
6 Singora GER 37 Hans Köster, Mime Koster, Thore Kiesbye 16
HERBSTPREIS
Thunersee, SUI • 12-13 October
1 MF XVII SUI 233 Jürg Menzi, Christof Wilke, Jürgen Eiermann 4
2 Forza del Destino SUI 211 George Prapopoulos, Arancia Malaspina, Simon Pfändler 6
3 Ali Baba GER 125 Wolf-Eberhard Richter, Beata Kallkowski, Kristin Klieckhöfel 8
4 Shalin SUI 226 Patrick Zaugg, Andreas Kindliman, Urs Schürch 8
5 Ali Baba SUI 224 Flavio Marazzi, Julie Marazzi, Eline Marazzi 11
APRIL 2025 • fivepointfive • 63

RACING CALENDAR
2025 Racing
Calendar
The International 5.5 Metre Calendar is divided into
Category A and B Events. Category A events are the
principle international events attracting the most
competitors and from which the 5 Nations Cup events are
selected. For latest updates and links
please see: https://5.5class.org/regattas/calendar
CATEGORY A
Feb 23-25, Australian Championship, RPAYC, AUS
Apr 24-27, US Championship, Texas Corinthian YC, Houston, USA
May 1-3, Alpen Cup, Fraglia Vela Riva, ITA
May 29-31 (1 June reserve), German Open, Warnemunde, GER
Jun 5-8, Scandinavian Gold Cup, Sopot, POL
Jun 9-13, World Championship, Sopot, POL
Jul 3-6, Swiss Open, SNG, Geneva, SUI
Aug 22-24, Austrian Open (incl. Salzkammergut Prize), Traunsee, AUT
Sept 21-26, French Open, Regates Royales, Cannes, FRA
Oct 11-12, Herbstpreis, Thun, SUI
CATEGORY B
Mar 7-9, Ski-Yachting, Pongau, St. Johann im Pongau, AUT
Apr 18-19, Osterregatta, Thun, SUI,
May 9-11, Enoshima Trophy, La Spezia, ITA
May 17-18, Coupe de la Harpe, Rolle, Lake Geneva, SUI
May 23-25, Volpina Trophy, La Spezia, ITA
May 29-29, Régates en baie de Quiberon, FRA
Jun 7-9, Open de France Métrique
Jun 20-22, Challenge Métrique 2, Benodet, FRA
Jun 21-22, Seegarten Cup Meterklassen, Kreuzlingen, SUI
Jul 12-14, Challenge Métrique 3, La Trinité Sur Mer (SNT), FRA
Jul 19-20, Berliner Bar, VSaW, Berlin, GER
July 24-27, Willi Lehmann Preis/Test it Now!, Berlin, GER
Aug 1-3, Challenge Métrique 4, Noirmoutier, FRA
Aug 9-10, Mid-Summer-Racing, Thun
Aug 30-31, Evolution Cup, SRV, Chiemsee, GER
Oct 11-12, Suennschienpreis, Hamburg, Alster (NRV)
UPCOMING EVENTS
1-4 Oct, Scandinavian Gold Cup, Olympic Marine, Lavrion, GRE
5-9 Oct, World Championship, Olympic Marine, Lavrion, GRE
64 • fivepointfive • APRIL 2025