The International 5.5 Metre Class is a class of racing yachts initially designed under the rules of the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU) that is now known as the International Sailing Federation (ISAF).
Yachts of the Class are not identical but have to be strictly built as per the Class Rating Rules.
The 5.5mIC World Fleet Online Database estimates that approximately 800 boats have been built around the World.
The Class is divided into three divisions:
- Modern
- Evolution
- Classic
Why 1990 ? A major breakthrough took place on that year when Chlika-Chlika SUI-169 hit the water in Geneva. Designed by Sébastien Schmidt and Philippe Meier, this boat was the symbol of a radical change in conception and approach. The hull had a different shape, the keel had winglets and a trim tab, every detail had been checked and optimised. With different crews Chlika-Chlika won many World and Swiss championships.
The Evolution division includes boat built between the 70's until 1990. Most boats where designed by Britton Chance Jr. and Ben Lexcen. The hull is a radical change from a Classic boat, it is less deeper and the wetted surface is decreasing drastically. The rudder is separated from the keel. The naval architects also explore new combinations allowed by the rules with lighter boats (1750 kg) therefore very short at waterline.
Synaril Z-130 a boat designed in 81 by Britton Chance Jr. and built by Hermann Egger distinguished herself by winning many World Championships and other title. She was owned by François Homberger. Philippe Durr was at the helm and Daniel Stampfli was crewing.
Ben Lexcen also designed Arunga and many other very successful boats.
Most boats where built using plywood. Some Australian boats made in fiberglass appeared in the 80’s. Then the American Melges Boatyard produced a important series of boat all in fiberglass based on Warrior a hull designed by Fay/Luders.
The mast is still fairly heavy as it is built according to the old rule and can only be made of aluminum.
From a performance point of view there is not such a great difference between the Evolution and the Modern yachts.
The fleet of the Classic division was built between 1949 and 1969, the number of boats built during this period was about 650 !. Famous architects designed them: Arvid Laurin, C. Raymond, Hunt, Alfred. E. (Bill) Luders Jr., the Ohlsson brothers,Henri Copponex , Olin Stephens and of course Britton Chance Jr.
All the boats did not make it into the new century but those still sailing are coming to life again as they take regularly part in the World Championship since 1994. In Europe there are large fleets of classic 5.5 like in Holland, Germany, France, Italy or Finland where they have been sailing again as a class since 1986. In the USA, there are some scattered boats around the Great Lakes and a significant active fleet of 30 5.5 Columbia in the Bay area of SF.
Within the Classic fleet some boats are modified and some not. The most valuable and 'real' classic 5.5s are not modified. They can be called vintage classic. Their main feature is the originality and there are no separate rudders. In this group you'll find Banaan, Dalgra III, Geisha, Chaje 3, Grifone, Remi, Struten, Teresita and Web.
Modified classics have a separate rudder. Famous modified classic 5.5s are Topaze, Chaje 2, Aero, Willy Lehmann, Caeskop, Cibele II, Manuela VII and Swift Swiss. Most of the modified classics are from 1967-68.
One can find cheap classical 5.5 for sale, usually they require some repairs... but this is also part of the joy of owning a classic boat. When you have a classic 5.5 it is less for her performances than for the beauty of her lines. But then again there is always a fierce competition in the classic division during World Championship and the Classic Cup. The Classics are generally characterized by a longer keel to which the rudder is attached.