The US fleet is rebuilding and 5.5 racing in NA a couple times a season is back. Currently there are eight Classic 5.5's in sailing/racing condition, three in various stages of restoration, and several awaiting new caretakers. These numbers do not include the handful of Columbia 5.5's that were built in the late 60's, but unfortunately not allowed into the class at the time. There are a handful of Evolution boats (80's) in the US with one in Canada. There are no Modern boats in the US, but perhaps that will change in the not to distant future with plans to have the 2024 5.5 Metre Worlds in the USA. Inital plans are to have the Worlds and Gold Cup in Newport, RI during the summer, then a fall/early winter regatta in Miami, FL before boats are shipped to the Bahamas for the 2025 Worlds.
Come join the fun!
The US 5.5 Metre website is under construction, check back soon.
Columbia 5.5 Meter
The Columbia 5.5s are still active on San Francisco Bay with 8-10 boats participating in regattas and they are reporting that there is renewed interest in the 5.5s. In an effort to grow the US and Canadian 5.5 Metre Fleets and provide a West Coast venue its proposed to join forces and welcome the Columbia 5.5s as "Classics" in North America.
For more information about the Columbia 5.5 Fleet in Alameda, CA please contact Robert Nelson rdnelson@rdnlaw.com
US 5.5 Metre Locations
USA 10
USA 51
USA 103 (Provisional)
USA 75
USA 98 (Provisional)
USA 79
USA 100 (Provisional)
USA 52
USA 102 (Provisional)
USA 1
USA 81
USA 61
USA - TBD (ex SWE 27)
USA 85
USA 60
USA 62
USA 31
USA 96
USA 77
USA 87
Columbia 5.5s
Others
Boats For Sale
If you are looking for a 5.5m to have as your own or are interested in participating in a 5.5m regatta please contact the US Representative, Dan Rossi.
USA 77 has returned back to the US from Canada (ex CAN 77) and will undergo a refit. In 2014 she was brought up from Florida to take part in the first NA regatta and ultimately be rebuilt. She does need some work, but nothing that can't be overcome to get her back into racing form.
She has been lifted off her ballast and removal of "cruising" modifications to the deck are underway. Some woodwork is needed which will commence after paint removal. It's also envisioned to install a detached rudder which will technically transform her into an Evolution.
More to follow...
USA 77
USA 96 and USA 31
USA 96 "Jalapena" is in Maryland and USA 31 "Woodstock" (originally Pride) is in Michigan. Both are in new hands to be restored and put back on the racecourse.
USA 96 is a mid-80's Owens design & build, wood construction but is an Evolution with modern appendages (i.e. spade rudder, keel w/ trim tab). Hull needs some work where some of the seams have opened due to drying out, new deck to be installed (currently removed), installation of the appendages, and needs spars (original are missing). No trailer or sails, but plenty of hardware.
USA 31 is a early 60's Luders design & Seabrook build. Wood construction and is a Classic with the attached rudder. The new owner quickly cleaned up Pride to make the 2018 Fall Regatta where she showed great form. Over the winter she will be further worked on to put her back into the 5.5 Rule.
Yes, the 5.5s are again actively racing in NA. Over the last four years the Americans and Canadians have been holding a NA 5.5m regatta in Midland Ontario. The inaugural regatta was held in 2014 and consisted of 4 Classic 5.5s. It was such great fun to get these boats back together on the race course for spirited competition and camradiere. Since that time it was agreed to hold two regattas each year, Summer and Fall, as more boats were dusted off or fixed up to join in. The June 2017 regatta had 8 boats on the line and a visiting German team racing a chartered boat. At least 3 more boats are expected to be on the water in the near future.
Get into a 5.5 and join the fun!
2017 Summer NA 5.5m Regatta
2016 NA 5.5m - Summer School, Nantoria, Jill, Aeolus II, O'l Spice, Purple Haze
