The following images are of some International 5.5 meter boats and a Westphal 28.
The first 5.5 meter shown was acquired in the Winter of 2018 and it's history was traced to USA-96 "Jalapena" originally owned by Norman Owens (of Ownes Yachts) and competed in the 1989 5.5 Worlds in Houston, Tx. The boat was designed and built by Norman and friends Charles Milby amongst others in his garage near Seabrook, Tx. The boat was built of wood in a traditional manner of plank on frames, at a time when others were building composite. The name "Jalapena" was given for the build-up of putty added to the hull sides so that the boat would measure in. Rebuild was completed to race the 2023 season.
The second 5.5 meter shown was named "Purple Haze" and it's pedigree was traced to it being the first 5.5 metre (and perhaps first racing yacht) designed by Britton Chance Jr. Complex V (US-51) was built in 1963 by Vator in Finland and placed 3rd in the 1965 5.5 Worlds. She is currently on a trailer and in sailing/racing condition.
The third 5.5 meter shown was acquired in the Fall of 2006 and it's history was traced to US-75 "Savage" originally owned by Al Cassel and competed in the 1968 Olympic trials in Newport, Ca. The boat was the only 5.5 meter designed by Bruce King and it had a unique mechanism to tilt the mast to windward that was hotly contested during the trials, but allowed. This boat was rebuilt and after the 2018 sailing season it was decided to install a spade rudder to improve steering characteristics, and the original attahached rudder is rigged to operate as a trim tab. Savage now sports grey paint and updated spars.
The Westphal 28 is a fiberglass OD, hull #21, built in 1969. Since the class is long gone and the keel needed considerable repair it was decided to modify this boat for inshore/club handicap racing. The underwater appendages were reconfigured from the full keel/attached rudder configuration to a fin keel/spade rudder configuration. Also, the sailplan/rig was reconfigured to compensate for the underwater changes and improve sail performance. Lastly, the modifications allow the boat to measure in as a 5.5 Metre.
All boats are located in Maryland.
USA 96 Jalapena
USA 96 is a Norman Owens design and build for the 89 International 5.5 Worlds that was held in Houston Texas. The design is very unique having a trim tab and wing keel configuration and a "step" in the hull just forward of the spade rudder. The boat resurfaced from hiding in 2017 and was quickly acquired to save another 5.5. She has been rebuilt and was back racing again during the 2023 season with new spars and sails.
