5.5m IC
The International 5.5 Meter Class (5.5m IC, International 5.5 Meter Class (5.5mR)) is a construction class ( meter class ) of sailboats .
The birth of the 5.5 meter class is closely linked to the history of the International Sailing Federation (ISAF, formerly: International Yacht Racing Union - IYRU) and the sport of sailing at the Olympic Games . In 1908, meter class racing yachts took part in the Olympic Games for the first time. Initially, these included large 12mRs, but the yacht sizes were gradually reduced to make sailing more popular. For example, the 6mR were the smallest boats in 1908, but were already the largest at the 1948 Olympic Games.
After the Second World War, however, the 6er (6mR) turned out to be too expensive. The acquisition costs and maintenance were no longer responsible. It was now a matter of finding a more economical boat as a successor to the 6mR yachts. Charles E. Nicholson , a leading yacht designer of his time, developed a new formula in 1948 and in the winter of 1948/49 the first prototype, THE DEB, was built. The new yacht was very well received and the new formula was confirmed by the IRYU in October. In 1952 the 5.5mR were already at the Olympic Games in Helsinki . Germany was represented at the Olympic Games in 1952 and 1956 by Hans Lubinus and his crew.
Similar reasons, however, like those that led to the withdrawal of the 6mR from the Olympic program, finally overtook the 5.5mR: They were replaced by the then more modern Soling .
All new materials have found their way into both the shipbuilding and sails sectors : carbon masts, high-tech sails such as laminate sails are not uncommon. Nonetheless, the ingenious conception of Nicholson's formula proves itself again and again: at many large events, old boats keep up with the new ones.