5.5 Metre (keelboat)
The International 5.5 Metre class was created to yield a racing keel boat giving a sailing experience similar to that of the International 6 Metre Class, but at a lower cost.
![]() Class symbol | |
![]() | |
Development | |
---|---|
Designer | Charles E. Nicholson (rule designer) |
Year | 1949 (rule design) |
Design | Development class |
Boat | |
Crew | 3 |
Draft | Maximum: 1.35 m (4 ft 5 in) |
Hull | |
Type | Monohull |
Hull weight | Minimum: 1,700 kg (3,700 lb) Maximum: 2,000 kg (4,400 lb) |
LOA | About: 9.5 m (31 ft) |
Beam | Minimum: 1.92 m (6 ft 4 in) |
Hull appendages | |
Keel/board type | Fixed |
Sails | |
Spinnaker area | About: 50.0 m2 (538 sq ft) |
Upwind sail area | Minimum: 26.5 m2 (285 sq ft) Maximum: 29.0 m2 (312 sq ft) |
Former Olympic class |
The main class regulation is a restriction on a single quantity output from a formula involving the boat's rating length L, weight (expressed as a displacement D) and sail area S; the regulation states that the output of this formula must not exceed 5.500 metres. There is considerable scope for variations in design while still meeting this restriction, and as a result each 5.5 metre boat is unique.
If the design parameters of a proposed new boat result in a formula output exceeding 5.5 metres, then one or more of the parameters must be suitably adjusted. Performance data gained from testing models towed in a long water tank (referred to in yacht design as Ship model basin) can suggest optimal combinations of parameters. The 5.5. metre rule is a variant of the International Rule (sailing) that was established already in 1907. The 5.5. is therefore closely related to larger metre boats such as the 6mR, 8mR and the 12mR.
Since 2010 the 5.5 Metre is one of the Vintage Yachting Classes at the Vintage Yachting Games.
History
![](../I/1952_5.5m_race.PNG.webp)
The 5.5-metre class was a redesign of the 6-metre class by Charles E. Nicholson in 1937. The first boats conforming to the 5.5-metre rule were built in 1949. There had been an earlier attempt to build a cheaper alternative to the Sixes. In 1929 the 5-metre class was established by the French "Union de Societes Nautique Francaise" and the class was accepted in London. It achieved a position as the smallest new international metre class and some hundreds boats were built. Nevertheless, the 5 metre never managed to achieve an Olympic status. The 5.5-metre class replaced it quickly and was raced in Olympics for first time in 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. The Scandinavian Gold Cup has also been competed with 5.5m boats since 1953. 5.5 metre boats replaced the International 6-metre at the 1956 Olympic Games held in Melbourne, Australia. The 5.5 metre participation in the Olympic sailing events continued at the 1960 Olympic Games and 1964 Olympic Games. During the 1960s it however began to draw similar criticism as preceding six-metre class - namely, increasing costs - and the boat lost Olympic status after 1968 Olympic Games, due to excessive design and building costs of one off boats, marking the end of development class keel boats in Olympic regattas. However, the class remained active thereafter and 5.5-metre boats are still very actively raced.
The formula
The measurement formula is given in the 2006 International Five Point Five Metre Rating Rules:
where
- = length for rating
- = measured sail area
- = displacement in cubic metres
Events
Olympic Games
Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 2 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
2 | ![]() | 2 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
3 | ![]() | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
4 | ![]() | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
![]() | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
6 | ![]() | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
![]() | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
Totals (7 nations) | 5 | 5 | 5 | 15 |
Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
---|---|---|---|
1952 Helsinki |
![]() Britton Chance Michael Schoettle Edgar White Sumner White |
![]() Peder Lunde Vibeke Lunde Børre Falkum-Hansen |
![]() Folke Wassén Carl-Erik Ohlson Magnus Wassén |
1956 Melbourne |
![]() Lars Thörn Hjalmar Karlsson Sture Stork |
![]() Robert Perry David Bowker John Dillon Neil Kennedy-Cochran-Patrick |
![]() Jock Sturrock Douglas Buxton Devereaux Mytton |
1960 Rome |
![]() George O'Day James Hunt David Smith |
![]() William Berntsen Steen Christensen Sören Hancke |
![]() Henri Copponex Pierre Girard Manfred Metzger |
1964 Tokyo |
![]() William Northam Peter O'Donnell James Sargeant |
![]() Lars Thörn Arne Karlsson Sture Stork |
![]() John J. McNamara Joseph Batchelder Francis Scully |
1968 Mexico City |
![]() Ulf Sundelin Jörgen Sundelin Peter Sundelin |
![]() Louis Noverraz Bernhard Dunand Marcel Stern |
![]() Robin Aisher Paul Anderson Adrian Jardine |
World Championship
Year |
Gold | Silver | Bronze |
---|---|---|---|
1961 Helsinki Boats [2] |
Ylliam XIV![]() |
Web II![]() |
Volpina![]() |
1962 Poo Boats [3] |
Complex III![]() |
John B3![]() |
Bjarne![]() |
1963 Seawanhaka Boats [4] |
Chaje II![]() |
Rush VII![]() |
Pride![]() |
Not Held - Olympic Year | |||
1965 Napoli Boats [5] |
Grifone![]() |
Southern Cross III![]() |
Complex V![]() |
1966 Copenhagen Boats [6] |
D - Web III![]() Paul Mik Meyer |
FRG - Sünnschien![]() |
K - Yeoman![]() |
1967 Nassau Boats [7] |
US - Cloud IX![]() |
K - Yeoman XV![]() |
US - Cadenza![]() |
Not Held - Olympic Year | |||
1969 Sandhamn Boats [8] |
F - Cybèle![]() Nikolas le Guillou Daniel Tassin |
![]() Ulf Sundelin Jörgen Sundelin Peter Sundelin |
![]() Thomas B. Nathhorst Håkan Lindquist Claes Boje |
1970 Sydney Boats [9] |
KA - Carabella![]() |
US - Nemesis![]() |
US - Sundance![]() |
1971 Seawanhaka Boats [10] |
US - Tiger![]() |
KA - Carabella![]() |
N - Bingo II![]() |
1972 Genève Boats [11] |
Z - Alphée VI![]() |
US - Tiger![]() |
US - Sundance![]() |
1973 Lysekil Boats [12] |
US - Sundance![]() |
US - John B V![]() |
KA - Antares![]() |
1974 Sydney Boats [13] |
Southern Cross IV![]() |
Skagerak![]() |
Barragoola![]() |
1975 Neuchâtel Boats [14] |
no champion decided | ||
1976 Hankø Boats [15] |
Arunga![]() |
Sundance![]() |
Bingo II![]() |
1977 Bénodet 22 Boats [16] |
Antares II![]() |
John B![]() ![]() ![]() |
Odyssée V![]() |
1978 Sandhamn 19 Boats [17] |
Arunga III![]() |
Ilias![]() |
Joker IV![]() |
1979 Hankø 19 Boats [18] |
Arunga III![]() |
Patricia![]() |
Wildfire![]() |
1980 Sydney 19 Boats [19] |
John B 6![]() |
Arunga III![]() |
Wildfire![]() |
1981 Nassau 18 Boats [20] |
Rapsody![]() |
Arunga III![]() ![]() |
Pop's John B![]() ![]() |
1982 Genève 40 Boats [21] |
Z - Saphir![]() L'Huillier Serrasin |
Z - Onyx![]() Psarophagis Truant |
Z - Naryl![]() Homberger Lehmann |
1983 Hankø 26 Boats [22] |
US - Firestorm![]() |
US - Arunga IV![]() |
US - Warrior III![]() |
1984 Porto Cervo 22 Boats [23] |
Z - Naryl![]() |
N - Norna XI![]() |
US - Warrior III![]() |
1985 Newport Beach 14 Boats [24] |
Z - Sinaryl![]() |
US - Warrior IV![]() |
US - Morea![]() |
1986 Sydney 18 Boats [25] |
BA - John B VII![]() ![]() ![]() |
L - Helena![]() |
N - Busy B![]() |
1987 Hankø 31 Boats [26] |
Artémis VII![]() |
Vinnia![]() |
Firestorm![]() |
1988 Genève 52 Boats [27] |
Z 150 - Tasman![]() |
Z 130 - Sinaryl![]() |
Z 144 - Maria-Christina![]() |
1989 Houston 18 Boats [28] |
![]() G. Francisco IV |
![]() Peter Masterson Tom Dickey |
Southern Cross 5![]() |
1990 Torquay 24 Boats [29] |
![]() Kalle Nergaard Kristian Nergaard Espen Stokkeland |
![]() Peter Masterson Tom Dickey |
![]() Albert Fay |
1991 Sydney 33 Boats [30] |
![]() Christian Wahl |
![]() M. Haines |
![]() Kalle Nergaard Kristian Nergaard Herman Horn Johannesen |
1992 Nassau 20 Boats [31] |
![]() Christian Wahl |
![]() Peter Masterson Tom Dickey |
![]() Henrik Dahlmann |
1993 Hankø 33 Boats [32] |
![]() Kristian Nergaard Kalle Nergaard Christen Horn Johannesen |
![]() Henrik Dahlmann |
![]() Glen Foster |
1994 Crouesty 41 Boats [33] |
![]() Dominique Lauener |
Zenda Corn![]() Christen Horn Johannesen |
![]() Marc Pajot |
1995 Hanko 18 Boats [34] |
USA-97 My Shout![]() |
SUI-181 Odyssée Junior![]() |
FIN-40 Dododoo![]() |
1996 Muiden 41 Boats [35][36] |
Zenda Corn![]() ![]() ![]() |
My Shout![]() |
Baba Jaga![]() |
1997 Key Biscane 12 Boats [37] |
USA 97 - My Shout![]() ![]() ![]() |
SUI 199 - Ali Baba![]() ![]() ![]() |
FIN 44 - Kandoo![]() Mathias Dahlmann Tom Borrenius |
1998 Cowes 19 Boats [38] |
USA - My Shout![]() |
SUI - Marie-Françoise XIII![]() |
SUI - Artémis X![]() |
1999 Torbole 32 Boats [39][40] |
SUI 201 - Marie Francoise XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
SUI 199 - Ali Baba![]() ![]() ![]() |
USA 97 - My Shout![]() Ronald Rosenburg|USA}} ![]() |
2000 Medemblik 34 Boats [41] |
SUI 201 - Marie Francoise XIV![]() Daniel Stampfli Jürg Christen |
SUI 189 - Pungin![]() Lionel Rupp Roland Baumgartner |
BAH 17 - John B Once Again![]() ![]() ![]() |
2001 Glücksburg 38 Boats [42][43] |
SUI 205 - Artémis XI![]() ![]() ![]() |
SUI 204 - Marie-Françoise XV![]() ![]() ![]() |
BAH 17 - John B Once Again![]() ![]() Joe Thompson |
2002 Helsinki 29 Boats [44][45][46] |
SUI 206 - Ali Baba![]() ![]() ![]() |
SUI 204 - Marie Francoise XV![]() ![]() ![]() |
BAH 17 - John B Once Again![]() ![]() ![]() |
2003 Bénodet 36 Boats [47][48] |
NOR 57 - Artémis XII![]() ![]() ![]() |
FIN 47 - Addam³![]() ![]() ![]() |
SUI 204 - Marie-Françoise XV![]() ![]() ![]() |
2004 Torbole 36 Boats [49][50] Boats |
SUI 206 - Ali Baba![]() ![]() ![]() |
SUI 204 - Marie-Françoise XV![]() ![]() ![]() |
FIN 47 - Addam³![]() ![]() ![]() |
2005 Sydney 27 Boats [51] |
SUI 210 - Artémis X![]() ![]() |
FIN 47 - Addam³![]() |
SUI 206 - Ali Baba![]() ![]() |
2006 Medemblik 41 Boats [52] |
SUI 219 - Ali Baba![]() Etienne Huter Stefan Haftka |
SUI 220 - Artémis XI![]() ![]() ![]() |
NED 35 - Maitresse![]() ![]() ![]() |
2007 Sanremo Boats [53] |
SUI 219 - Ali Baba![]() ![]() ![]() |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
BAH 19 - John B![]() ![]() ![]() |
2008 Nassau 18 Boats [54] |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
SUI 219 - Ali Baba![]() ![]() ![]() |
BAH 19 - John B![]() ![]() ![]() |
2009 Hankø Boats [55] |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
NOR 65 - Odlo![]() ![]() ![]() |
NOR 64 - Clark Kent![]() ![]() ![]() |
2010 Lake Garda 29 Boats [56] |
SUI - Ali-Baba![]() ![]() ![]() |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
FIN 66 - Kan-Bei 2![]() ![]() ![]() |
2011 Helsinki 29 Boats [57] |
FIN 66 - Kan-Bei 2![]() ![]() ![]() |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
SUI 222 - Marie Françoise XVIII![]() Andreas Honegger ![]() |
2012 Boltenhagen 37 Boats [58] |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
SUI 224 - Ali-Baba![]() Stefan Haftka Marc Friedrich |
GER 55 - Oro Nero![]() ![]() ![]() |
2013 Curaçao 21 Boats [59] |
GER 79![]() ![]() ![]() |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
NOR 64 - Clark Kent![]() ![]() ![]() |
2014 Porto Santo Stefano 37 Boats [60] |
SUI 224 - Ali Baba![]() ![]() ![]() |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
BAH 19 - John B![]() ![]() ![]() |
2015 Nynäshamn 29 Boats [61] |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
BAH 22 - John B![]() ![]() ![]() |
BAH 21 - New Moon![]() ![]() ![]() |
2016 Copenhagen 35 Boats [62] |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
DEN 19 - Arnold P![]() Rasmus Knude Mikael Pedersen |
BAH 22 - John B![]() ![]() ![]() |
2017 Bénodet 26 Boats [63][64][65] |
BAH 22 - John B![]() ![]() ![]() |
BAH 21 - New Moon![]() ![]() ![]() |
NED 26 - Feng Shui![]() Ron Azier Kim Chabani |
2018 Cowes Boats [66][67][68] |
BAH 21 - New Moon![]() ![]() ![]() |
SUI 218 - Marie Françoise XVX![]() ![]() ![]() |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() Kristoffer Spone ![]() |
2019 Helsinki 24 Boats [69][70][71] |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
BAH 21 - New Moon![]() ![]() ![]() |
BAH 22 - John B![]() ![]() ![]() |
2020 Pittwater Boats [72][73] |
NOR 57 - Artemis XIV![]() ![]() ![]() |
BAH 24 - New Moon![]() ![]() ![]() |
BAH 23 - Ali Baba![]() ![]() ![]() |
Vintage Yachting Games
Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
2 | ![]() | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
3 | ![]() | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Totals (3 nations) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
---|---|---|---|
2012 Lake Como | ![]() Anders Nordman Robert Segercrantz Johan Hjelt |
![]() Hubert 'Biwi' Reich Wolfgang Oehler Christian Hemmerich |
![]() William Borel Yves Duclos-Grenet Adrien Baumelle |
Pan American Games
Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
2 | ![]() | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
3 | ![]() | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Totals (3 nations) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
---|---|---|---|
1959 Chicago | ![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
European Championships
Rank | Nation | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | 7 | 4 | 7 | 18 |
2 | ![]() | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 |
3 | ![]() | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
4 | ![]() | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
5 | ![]() | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
![]() | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
Totals (6 nations) | 10 | 9 | 9 | 28 |
Event | Gold | Silver | Bronze |
---|---|---|---|
1968 Neuenburger See[77] | ![]() Louis Noverraz |
![]() Konstantin Alexandrov |
![]() Breteche |
1980 Bénodet | ![]() Sprecher |
![]() Souben |
![]() Capecchi |
1993 Cannes[78] | ![]() Christian Wahl |
![]() Kalle Nergaard |
![]() Glen Foster |
1995 Thun[79] | ![]() Daniel Schenker Christoph Schenker Eric Waser |
![]() Jürg Menzi Jürg Christen Dino Fumasoli |
![]() Bruno Marazzi Stefan Haftka Flavio Marazzi |
1997 Le Crouesty | ![]() Glen Foster |
![]() Jean-Claude Vuithier |
![]() Jürg Menzi |
1998 Cannes | ![]() Christian Wahl |
![]() Kalle Nergaard |
![]() Glen Foster |
2000 Genoa[80] | ![]() Thomas Moser Felix Meyer T. Sprecher |
![]() Jonathan Janson Mark Downer Rupert Richardson |
![]() Jürg Menzi Juerg Christen Daniel Stampfli |
2005 Attersee | ![]() Jürg Menzi Daniel Stampfli Gaume |
![]() Christoph Burger |
![]() Hans-Peter Schmid |
2008 Mariehamn | ![]() Kristian Nergaard Petrus Eide Johan Barne |
![]() Christoph Burger Christof Wilke Mathias Dahlman Dominik Neidhart 1st race only |
![]() Jürg Menzi Daniel Stampfli Léonard Gaume |
2013 Benodet | ![]() Kristian Nergaard NN NN |
![]() Bernard Haissly NN NN |
![]() Jürg Menzi NN NN |
Scandinavian Gold Cup
Class association
![](../I/5.5_Metre_keelboat_photo_d_ramey_logan.JPG.webp)
The object of the International 5.5 Metre Class Association is to promote and develop 5.5 Metre racing throughout the World. The first President of the association was Mr. Owen Aisher.[82]
Since the development of the class spanned more than half a century the early boats are not competitive to race against the modern designs. Therefore, the association made, in 2007, divisions in the class based upon age of the boat:[83]
- Classic Fleet (Designs before 1970)
- Evolution Fleet
- Modern Fleet (Designs from 1994)
During major races there are separate trophies per fleet, however if a classic fleet boat beats the modern fleet, the classic fleet boat wins the modern fleet trophy.
References
- Olympic results
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- http://www.sailing.org/regattas/55world/18results.html
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- http://www.5point5.org/results.html
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- http://www.5.5class.org/archives/01/wc2001.html
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- http://www.merenkavijat.fi/55m/resultswc.htm
- http://www.5point5.org/resultats/results_2002.html
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- http://www.5point5.org/resultats/results_2003.html
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- http://www.5point5.org/resultats/results_2004.html
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- http://docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/1e5813_dab830f8fae140629856b47ad72a73c9.pdf
- https://www.ffvoile.fr/ffv/sportif/ClmtCompetDet.asp?clid=137063
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- https://www.rys.org.uk/event/5-5m-worlds/
- https://www.yachtsandyachting.com/news/209211/International-55-Metre-Worlds-at-Cowes-overall
- 5.5 Metre at World Sailing
- http://www.njk.fi/the-scandinavian-gold-cup-100th-anniversary-regatta/
- https://www.manage2sail.com/en-US/eventonly/55worlds#!/results?classId=c1477128-c3dd-4114-8eab-cd4e00e729cc
- https://www.rpayc.com.au/sailing/5-5m-world-champ-2020
- https://www.rpayc.com.au/results/2020/events/5.5worldchampionship2020/SGrp1.htm?ty=74409
- "World Championships". Archived from the original on 2011-11-05. Retrieved 2011-08-09.
- Vintage Yachting Games
- "PanAm results". Archived from the original on 2011-11-03. Retrieved 2011-08-09.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-09-06. Retrieved 2015-04-21.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-09-06. Retrieved 2015-04-21.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-09-06. Retrieved 2015-04-21.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-09-06. Retrieved 2015-04-21.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
- "European Championships". Archived from the original on 2011-11-04. Retrieved 2011-08-09.
- "Constitution" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-06. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
- "World Championship Rules" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2015-09-06. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
External links
- Official International 5.5 Metre Class
- 5.5m IC World Championships
- German 5.5m-Klassenvereinigung
- Switzerland 5.5m-Klassenvereinigung
- A 5.5m about to be restored in Australia
- A 5.5m about to be restored in Australia (cont.)
- The 5.5m World Fleet Online Database
- ISAF 5.5m Microsite Website
- ISAF Homepage
![]() |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to 5.5 Metre. |