World Championship of the 5.5 Metre Class at Yacht Club de l’Odet
5.5 Metre Class World Championship Preview
29 August – 7 September 2024
Twenty-nine teams from 10 countries, including Australia and the Bahamas, are gathered at the Yacht Club de l’Odet for the prestigious 5.5 Metre class world championship.
The competition in this fleet is always fierce, featuring several former Olympic sailors and national and international champions across various classes. This year promises to be another intense battle, with numerous teams vying for victory.
Defending champion Aspire, featuring Przemek Gacek, Mateusz Kusznierewicz, and Kilian Weise, is a strong contender despite not qualifying for the final races of the Scandinavian Gold Cup last week. Kusznierewicz, a holder of both Gold and Bronze Olympic medals, remains a formidable force.
The Norwegian entry Artemis, with Kristian Nergaard, Johan Barne, and Trond Solli-Saether, finished second in Porto Cervo last year, just one point behind Aspire. In the Scandinavian Gold Cup, they showcased impressive speed and boat handling, although they missed out on victory in the final race’s closing stages.
Another boat to watch is the Bahamian entry John B, crewed by Gavin McKinney, Lars Horn Johannessen, and Mathias Dahlman, who reached the finals of the Scandinavian Gold Cup, closely contesting with the eventual winner, Ali Baba.
Additionally, The Jean Genie, sailed by Peter Morton, Andrew Palfrey, and Ruairidh Scott, won last year’s Scandinavian Gold Cup and is optimized for stronger winds, making them a team to keep an eye on. This team also clinched the 2022 world championship in Hankø, Norway.
Palfrey, a member of two world-champion 5.5 Metre teams, noted the challenges in competing for the title: “Although it’s a development class, it feels like you’re in a one-design fleet, so the details matter: teamwork, communication onboard, and preparation with sails and boat handling are crucial.”
In addition to the overall championship, there’s also close competition among the older Evolution and Classic boats. Notably, Ali-Baba in the Evolution division and Manuela V in the Classics stood out in the recent warm-up regattas, winning all their races.
The world championship is set to start under different weather conditions, with gusts up to 20 knots or more anticipated. A total of ten races are scheduled over the next five days, with results available on the event website.
For the latest updates, visit the event website including results and notice board at www.yco-voile.fr/5-5-benodet-2024.
Sarah Mitchell, an experienced sailor and marine journalist from Sydney, has nurtured a love for the ocean throughout her life. After earning a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Sydney, Sarah quickly made a name for herself with her compelling and vivid storytelling. Her work captures the thrill of sailing and the unique culture of maritime life, making her a respected figure in the sailing community. Outside of writing, Sarah spends her time exploring Australia’s stunning coastlines and competing in local regattas, always on the lookout for her next great adventure.