fivepointfive - April 2023

WORLDWIDE BOAT COUNT
Worldwide
Boat Count
Compiled by Kaspar Stubenrauch
Over the last decade, the International 5.5
Metre Class has been following good Class
development, for which the annual boat count
has been used as a benchmark.
The overview informs us about the basic
number of boats per country, its different categories of Modern,
Evolution and Classic boats, new boats being built over the
years and participation in World Championships. It also presents
the minimum needs for holding the status of International Class
with World Sailing, in Nations with 6+ boats and continents,
which we perfectly fulfil. Additional features cover boatyards
building 5.5s, the number of designs and information about
boats for sale, in the different categories.
The count has, together with the 5.5 Metre Inventory
(5.5inventory.org) helped to get boats integrated, of which we
had lost sight. It shows 438 boats worldwide today – out of
over 700 built – and we are sure to find more, which can help
for Class growth.
Still, the most important thing for the continuity of this
construction class is the building of new boats. While for some
time it had been believed, that improvements in design for better
performance was showing only marginal steps forward, the most
recent examples can prove, that this Class has the potential for a
good future.
APRIL 2023 • fivepointfive • 35