505 sailboat weight

505 AT A GLANCE 

A POWERFUL HIGH-PERFORMANCE DINGHY

The 505 is a double handed dinghy raced worldwide, that incorporates a high performance hull design with a powerful sail plan and one trapeze. The boat has become very refined over the years and is unique in that it has outstanding performance in all conditions.

The class rules are one design, with the emphasis on controlling aspects that most directly affect boat speed. The sail plan and hull shape are tightly controlled, while the rigging layout, spars and foils are open. This allows the boat to be set up in many ways to suit different sailors. Most boats currently have adjustable shrouds, forestay and mast ram which allows rig tension, rake and mast being to be changed whilst racing.

The ideal sailing weight varies with the prevailing local conditions, with most successful racers being between 140 – 180kg.

Association Link 505.org

International 505 hull

Ovi white hull, light grey deck.

Devolved entirely by our in-house design team, drawing upon the knowledge and experience of Holger Jess- one of the most prolific 505 sailors of a generation. The new Ovington 505 is a result of over 6 months of R & D culminating in a complete 3D model from which the final tools have been CNC cut.

Fully optimised within the class rules – with feedback from the International 505 class association – key features include:

• Narrower sections forward
• Flatter and more powerful run-off aft
• Maximum waterline length
• Increased stiffness and structural efficiency

Price:  £14,910.00

            £12,425.00 (ex VAT)

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TERMS & CONDITIONS

International 505

Class contact information.

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Class Email

Class Website

One-Design Class Type: Dinghy

Was this boat built to be sailed by youth or adults? Adult

Approximately how many class members do you have? 100

Photo Credit:

About International 505

The 5O5 is a double-handed boat that incorporates a lightweight, high-performance hull design with a powerful sail plan and one trapeze. The boat is unique in that it has outstanding performance in all conditions. In light air, it is quick and responsive, and in the breeze, it just goes faster.

Boats Produced: 9300

Class boat builder(s):

Duvoisin, Freemantle / XSP, Ovington Boats, Parker (G.W Parker & Sons), BlueBlue 505, Rondar Raceboats Ltd., Van Munster, Young Marine Services (YMS)

Approximately how many boats are in the USA/North America? 200

Where is your One-Design class typically sailed in the USA? List regions of the country:

East Coast, West Coast

Does this class have a spinnaker or gennaker? Yes

How many people sail as a crew including the helm?  2

Ideal combined weight of range of crew:  375 lbs

Boat Designed in  1955

Length (feet/inches): 16.6′

Beam: 6’2″

Weight of rigged boat without sails: 281 lbs

Draft: 4’9″

Mast Height:

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• Sailboat Guide

505 is a 16 ′ 6 ″ / 5 m monohull sailboat designed by John Westell and built by Rondar Raceboats, Fairey Marine Ltd, Fountaine Pajot, Butler Mouldings Ltd., Binks Yacht Contructions, Gmach & Co. Ltd. (J. L. Gmach & Co.), Parker Yachts, La Prairie, Honnor Marine Ltd., Lanaverre, Aubin, Chippendale Boats, Clark Boat Company, and Mader Bootswerft starting in 1954.

Rig and Sails

Auxilary power, accomodations, calculations.

The theoretical maximum speed that a displacement hull can move efficiently through the water is determined by it's waterline length and displacement. It may be unable to reach this speed if the boat is underpowered or heavily loaded, though it may exceed this speed given enough power. Read more.

Classic hull speed formula:

Hull Speed = 1.34 x √LWL

Max Speed/Length ratio = 8.26 ÷ Displacement/Length ratio .311 Hull Speed = Max Speed/Length ratio x √LWL

Sail Area / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the power of the sails relative to the weight of the boat. The higher the number, the higher the performance, but the harder the boat will be to handle. This ratio is a "non-dimensional" value that facilitates comparisons between boats of different types and sizes. Read more.

SA/D = SA ÷ (D ÷ 64) 2/3

• SA : Sail area in square feet, derived by adding the mainsail area to 100% of the foretriangle area (the lateral area above the deck between the mast and the forestay).
• D : Displacement in pounds.

Ballast / Displacement Ratio

A measure of the stability of a boat's hull that suggests how well a monohull will stand up to its sails. The ballast displacement ratio indicates how much of the weight of a boat is placed for maximum stability against capsizing and is an indicator of stiffness and resistance to capsize.

Ballast / Displacement * 100

Displacement / Length Ratio

A measure of the weight of the boat relative to it's length at the waterline. The higher a boat’s D/L ratio, the more easily it will carry a load and the more comfortable its motion will be. The lower a boat's ratio is, the less power it takes to drive the boat to its nominal hull speed or beyond. Read more.

D/L = (D ÷ 2240) ÷ (0.01 x LWL)³

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds.
• LWL: Waterline length in feet

Comfort Ratio

This ratio assess how quickly and abruptly a boat’s hull reacts to waves in a significant seaway, these being the elements of a boat’s motion most likely to cause seasickness. Read more.

Comfort ratio = D ÷ (.65 x (.7 LWL + .3 LOA) x Beam 1.33 )

• D: Displacement of the boat in pounds
• LOA: Length overall in feet
• Beam: Width of boat at the widest point in feet

Capsize Screening Formula

This formula attempts to indicate whether a given boat might be too wide and light to readily right itself after being overturned in extreme conditions. Read more.

CSV = Beam ÷ ³√(D / 64)

Developed from the CORONET, the 505 soon became an international gold standard for high performance dinghys. The class rules have allowed experimentation in both rigging and construction techniques so that, as can be seen, many well known builders have, at one time or another, been involved in the building of 505s. The list of present and former builders shown is far from complete. The latest Information about current builders etc. can be found on the excellent class web site.

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November 30, 1999 by Sail1Design Editor Leave a Comment

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505 Dinghy: The Ultimate Guide to Sailing the High Seas

by Emma Sullivan | Aug 13, 2023 | Sailboat Gear and Equipment

Short answer 505 dinghy:

The 505 dinghy is a high-performance, two-person racing sailboat that was first designed in 1954. It features a trapeze system allowing crew members to hike out over the water for increased speed. The boat’s strict one-design class rules ensure fair competition at all levels.

How to Sail a 505 Dinghy: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Title: Mastering the Art of Sailing a 505 Dinghy: An Enthusiast’s Delight

Introduction: Embarking on your sailing journey with a 505 Dinghy is akin to stepping into a world of exhilarating adventures, where wind and waves become your allies. As a beginner, it’s important to set sail with confidence and knowledge. Fear not! This comprehensive step-by-step guide will walk you through the intricacies of sailing a 505 Dinghy, providing valuable insights alongside witty hints to elevate your sailing experience.

1. Getting Acquainted with Your 505 Dinghy: Before embarking on any new adventure, taking the time to familiarize yourself with your vessel is crucial. Begin by understanding the different parts of the dinghy – from bow to stern, mast to rudder. Discover how each component contributes to its smooth maneuvering and enhanced control.

2. Safety First: Preparing for Launch: While setting sail in your beloved dinghy entices you with promises of freedom and excitement, ensuring safety remains paramount. In this section, we delve into essential safety precautions such as checking weather conditions, wearing appropriate attire, familiarizing yourself with life-saving equipment and navigation rules – guaranteeing memorable experiences without compromising well-being.

3. Rigging Your 505 Dinghy: The artistry of rigging lies in its marriage between functionality and finesse. Adjusting sails, tuning rig tensions, securing sheets – these are just some aspects that demand attention if you’re aiming for optimum performance on waters. Our step-by-step instructions paired with clever tips will empower you to harness the power of winds efficiently.

4. Gliding Through Wind & Waves: Setting Sail Techniques Mastering the art of sailing involves understanding the dynamics between wind direction and boat movement instinctively. Learn how to harness wind power through techniques like pointing upwind or bearing off downwind while navigating gusts effortlessly using responsive steering controls. This section not only enlightens you on sailing theory but also imparts practical wisdom to enable you to glide confidently across various conditions.

5. Mastering the 505 Dinghy: Advanced Maneuvers As your skills and confidence grow, it’s time to explore the realm of advanced maneuvers that enhance your sailing prowess. Delve into clever techniques like tacking, jibing, and optimizing your use of sail controls for superior speed , grace, and control in every sailing scenario – transforming yourself from a mere enthusiast to a true dinghy maestro.

6. Troubleshooting & Maintenance: Sailing journeys inevitably face challenges – be it unexpected wind shifts or equipment malfunctions. But fret not! Our detailed troubleshooting section unravels common issues encountered by beginners and provides witty solutions to tackle them head-on. Additionally, we equip you with essential maintenance knowledge so that your 505 Dinghy remains shipshape for years of exhilarating adventures.

Conclusion: Undertaking the art of sailing a 505 Dinghy as a beginner has never been more exciting or easily accessible than with this comprehensive guide at your disposal—combining professional insights with wit and cleverness throughout each step. As you absorb the information within these pages, let the winds carry you towards endless days of mastery on tranquil waters – content in knowing that every journey undertaken will be embraced with enthusiasm, confidence, and pure joy!

Exploring the Versatility of 505 Dinghies: FAQs Answered

Have you ever wondered what makes 505 Dinghies so special? Perhaps you’ve seen these sleek and stylish sailing boats cutting through the water with grace and speed, leaving onlookers in awe. If you’re curious to learn more about these versatile vessels, look no further! In this blog post, we will be diving deep into the world of 505 Dinghies and answering some frequently asked questions to help you understand their unique qualities.

Question 1: What is a 505 Dinghy? Answer: A 505 Dinghy is a high-performance racing sailboat that has gained immense popularity over the years. It was designed back in 1954 by John Westell, who aimed to create a fast and versatile boat suitable for both racing and cruising. Its compact size, lightweight construction, and modern design make it an ideal choice for competitive sailors seeking thrilling experiences on the water.

Question 2: What sets 505 Dinghies apart from other sailboats ? Answer: One of the main aspects that distinguish a 505 Dinghy from its counterparts is its double trapeze system. This innovative feature allows two crew members to hang off trapezes on either side of the boat while suspended above the water. By balancing each other’s weight dynamically and controlling the sails’ position accordingly, they can maximize speed without compromising stability.

Furthermore, 505s are renowned for their exceptional upwind performance due to their powerful rigs and efficient foil profiles. The boat’s planing capabilities enable it to reach exhilarating speeds when reaching or running downwind, adding an adrenaline-fueled element to any sailing experience .

Question 3: Can I race a 505 Dinghy even if I’m not an experienced sailor? Answer: Absolutely! While being primarily designed for racing enthusiasts, a 505 Dinghy can also serve as an excellent platform for sailors at all skill levels. Its forgiving nature and responsive controls make it an ideal vessel to learn the ropes of high-performance sailing . With time and practice, even beginners can take full advantage of its speed potential.

Question 4: Are 505 Dinghies suitable for long-distance cruising? Answer: Though primarily known as a racing dinghy, many owners enjoy using their 505s for longer cruises and adventurous explorations too. While not as spacious as larger sailboats designed solely for cruising, the versatility and performance of a 505 Dinghy can provide an exhilarating experience for those looking to push their limits on extended journeys.

Question 5: How do I maintain a 505 Dinghy? Answer: Proper maintenance is crucial to keep your 505 Dinghy in top shape. Regular cleaning, inspection of the hull and rigging, and greasing moving parts are essential tasks that should be performed to ensure longevity and optimal performance. It’s also recommended to store your boat out of direct sunlight when not in use to help preserve its vibrant appearance.

In conclusion, the versatility of 505 Dinghies makes them stand out among other sailboats . With their exceptional speed capabilities, forgiving nature for beginners, and potential for both racing and cruising adventures, these boats have earned a special place in the hearts of sailing enthusiasts worldwide. So why not consider exploring the exciting world of 505s yourself? The experiences they offer will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories on the water!

Mastering the Art of Racing in a 505 Dinghy: Tips and Techniques

Have you ever dreamed of gliding effortlessly across the water, feeling the rush of wind in your hair as you expertly navigate the waves? If so, then mastering the art of racing in a 505 dinghy may be just the challenge you’ve been craving. In this blog post, we will dive deep into the world of dinghy racing and provide you with valuable tips and techniques to help you become a true master of this exhilarating sport.

Firstly, let’s talk about what exactly a 505 dinghy is. The 505 is a high-performance double-handed sailing boat that has gained immense popularity in competitive racing circles. Known for its versatility and speed, the 505 demands a unique set of skills and knowledge to truly harness its potential on the water.

One key aspect to mastering racing in a 505 dinghy is understanding and controlling sail trim. Sail trim refers to the configuration and adjustment of sails to optimize performance. In the case of a 505 dinghy, this involves carefully adjusting both main and jib sails to match wind conditions. Maintaining proper sail tension ensures maximum power while preventing excessive heeling or stalling. Experimenting with different sail shapes and settings during practice sessions will allow you to develop an intuitive sense for finding that perfect balance between speed and control.

Another crucial skill for success in 505 dinghy racing is having excellent boat handling techniques. As these boats are highly responsive, it’s important to have precise control over steering, weight distribution, and hiking technique (leaning out from the boat). Perfecting your boat handling abilities will enable swift maneuvers such as tacking (changing direction by turning into the wind) or jibing (changing direction by turning away from the wind) – essential moves for overtaking competitors or navigating around buoys during races.

In addition to technical skills, mental agility plays a significant role in dinghy racing success. Being able to read wind patterns, anticipate changes in conditions, and make split-second decisions are all essential for gaining a competitive edge. Developing an intuitive understanding of your boat ‘s capabilities and limitations will give you the confidence to take calculated risks and react swiftly to changing circumstances.

Now let’s discuss some tips and techniques specific to racing in a 505 dinghy. Firstly, teamwork is paramount when sailing a double-handed boat like the 505. Effective communication between skipper (helmsperson) and crew is crucial for maintaining coordination during maneuvers. Clear and concise instructions, along with trust and mutual respect, foster a harmonious partnership on board, allowing for seamless teamwork that can make all the difference during intense race moments.

Strategic decision-making is another important aspect of dinghy racing. Assessing wind shifts relative to the course layout and adapting your tactics accordingly will give you a considerable advantage over competitors. Similarly, understanding rules such as right of way will help avoid penalties or collisions during races.

Finally, while mastering the art of racing in a 505 dinghy requires practice and dedication, never forget to have fun! Embrace the challenges and relish in the adrenaline rush that comes with slicing through the water at top speeds . Don’t be afraid to push your limits – it’s through trial and error that true mastery is achieved.

In conclusion, mastering the art of racing in a 505 dinghy demands a combination of technical skills, mental agility, teamwork, strategic thinking, and above all else – passion for this exhilarating sport. By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a force to be reckoned with on the racecourse. So hoist those sails high, trim them just right, communicate seamlessly with your teammate – because soon enough you’ll find yourself at the forefront of 505 dinghy racing excellence!

Choosing the Right Equipment for Your 505 Dinghy: Common FAQs

Choosing the right equipment for your 505 dinghy can make all the difference when it comes to performance on the water. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming for first-time buyers or even experienced sailors looking to upgrade their gear. In this blog post, we will answer some common FAQs about choosing the right equipment for your 505 dinghy. So, sit back and relax as we guide you through the world of 505 dinghy equipment.

1. What are the essential pieces of equipment for a 505 dinghy? When outfitting your 505 dinghy, there are a few essential pieces of equipment that you shouldn’t overlook. These include sails, spars (mast and boom), rigging, hiking straps, and tiller extensions. Each of these components plays a crucial role in optimizing your boat’s performance and ensuring an enjoyable sailing experience.

2. How do I choose the right sails for my 505 dinghy? Selecting the right sails for your 505 dinghy is vital to maximize speed and maneuverability. Generally, you’ll want to consider wind conditions and personal preferences when choosing sailcloth material and sail cuts – whether it is Dacron or laminate materials like Mylar™ or Technora™. Consulting with experienced sailors or sailmakers can help determine what works best for your sailing style.

3. What should I consider when selecting spars? The mast and boom are key components that affect how your sails perform in different conditions. When choosing spars for your 505 dinghy, factors such as weight, stiffness, and durability should be considered carefully. Consider utilizing carbon fiber options if you’re aiming to maximize rigidity while reducing weight.

4. How important is rigging in optimizing performance ? Rigging may sound like a minor aspect of your boat’s setup but never underestimate its significance in optimizing performance on the water! Properly adjusted rig tension affects how well your sails work , steering responsiveness, and overall boat stability. Tension gauges can help ensure consistent rigging adjustments.

5. Are hiking straps really necessary? Absolutely! Hiking straps play an integral role in keeping you connected to your boat during high-speed maneuvers . These adjustable straps provide additional leverage and stability when hiking out – allowing you to maintain balance and control while increasing the power on the sails .

6. Do I need a tiller extension for my 505 dinghy? A tiller extension is highly recommended for 505 dinghies as it allows the helmsperson to operate more efficiently by extending their reach from the center of the boat. This helps maintain balance while steering without needing excessive movement or stretching.

In conclusion, choosing the right equipment for your 505 dinghy is crucial for optimizing performance on the water. It’s essential to consider factors such as sails, spars, rigging, hiking straps, and tiller extensions to enhance your sailing experience . Remember that each component plays a significant role in ensuring speed, maneuverability, stability, and control – so take the time to research and consult with experts before making any decisions. So get ready to sail like a pro with well-equipped gear built specifically with your 505 dinghy in mind!

Setting Up Your 505 Dinghy: A Step-by-Step Process Made Easy

Setting up your 505 dinghy can sometimes seem like a daunting task, especially for new sailors. However, with a step-by-step process and a little bit of practice, it can actually be quite easy and enjoyable. In this blog post, we will walk you through the setup process in a detailed, professional manner while injecting some wit and cleverness to keep you entertained along the way.

Step 1: Find an Ideal Location for Assembly Before you start unfolding your 505 dinghy like an origami master, make sure you find a suitable location for assembly. Avoid rickety docks or crowded spaces where you might accidentally elbow someone’s latte out of their hand (trust us on this one). A peaceful spot by the water with plenty of room to spread out is ideal.

Step 2: Unpack the Parts Like Christmas Morning As you unpack the various parts of your 505 dinghy, embrace your inner child on Christmas morning. Revel in the excitement of unboxing each component like it’s the coolest toy ever – because let’s face it, sailing is pretty much adult recess anyway. Lay out all the pieces in an organized manner so that no vital part goes missing amidst all the packaging materials. Pro tip: resist the temptation to use bubble wrap as a makeshift sail; trust us again.

Step 3: Assemble the Hull – The Dinghy Skeleton Now comes the fun part – assembling the hull! Think of it as building a puzzle without any missing pieces. Connect each section securely together following the instructions provided. Treat each connection point with care and precision, just like assembling IKEA furniture but hopefully without any leftover screws mocking you at the end.

Step 4: Mounting Hardware – Putting It All Together With your hull successfully assembled, it’s time to mount all hardware components such as daggerboards and rudders. Make sure everything is installed correctly using proper tools to avoid turning this into a “ship of fools” situation. Take a moment to appreciate the craftsmanship of these parts and your masterful assembly skills (cue self-praise).

Step 5: Raising the Mast – The Erection, If You Will Now that your 505 dinghy is taking shape, it’s time to raise the mast. Steady yourself; this may require some coordination and possibly an extra pair of hands. Raise the mast using a halyard and attach any necessary rigging ropes carefully – think less Indiana Jones, more professional sailor. Feel free to indulge in a couple of pirate-inspired “arr matey!” exclamations though, because let’s be honest, who doesn’t secretly want to be a swashbuckler?

Step 6: Rigging the Sails – Dressing Your Dinghy for Success With everything in place, it’s time to rig the sails . Attach them securely while ensuring everything is properly tensioned for optimal performance . Think of it as dressing up your dinghy – those sails need to look fly while catching wind like they just stepped off the cover of Vogue.

Step 7: Double-Check Everything – Sensei Sailor Level Activated Now that you’ve gone through each step meticulously, channel your inner sensei sailor and double-check everything. Give each connection a gentle tug or wiggle (don’t overdo it or you’ll end up doing a little dance with your 505) to make sure nothing comes loose unexpectedly mid-sail.

And there you have it – setting up your 505 dinghy like a pro! Follow these steps with both professionalism and humor, and soon enough you’ll be sailing away with confidence and style on your trusty water steed. So go forth, my fellow sailors, and embark on many memorable adventures aboard your perfectly assembled 505 dinghy!

Unlocking the Potential of a 505 Dinghy: Expert Advice and Insider Tips

Title: Unlocking the Limitless Potential of a 505 Dinghy: Expert Advice and Insider Tips

Introduction: When it comes to sailing, the 505 Dinghy is an epitome of pure perfection. Its sleek design, exceptional performance, and remarkable versatility make it a force to be reckoned with on the water. Whether you’re an experienced sailor looking to enhance your skills or a novice ready to dive into this exhilarating world, unlocking the true potential of a 505 Dinghy requires expert advice and insider tips that will elevate your sailing experience to new heights. So let’s delve into the secrets that will help you master this fantastic vessel.

1. Perfecting Your Rigging Techniques: Rigging is an art in itself when it comes to the 505 Dinghy. A well-rigged boat can make all the difference in terms of speed and handling ability. Start by ensuring that your mast is properly stepped and tensioned according to prevailing wind conditions. Expert sailors recommend experimenting with various rake angles and mast bend adjustments during practice sessions to find what works best for you.

2. Mastering Sail Trim: Sail trim is crucial for obtaining maximum power from your sails while maintaining balance within the boat . With its asymmetric spinnaker setup, proper trim is all about finding that sweet spot where lift forces are optimized while drag forces are minimized. Game-changing tips include learning how to tune your mainsail leech tension, stretch-cords for fine-tuning jib halyard tension, and using adjustable tweakers on your spinnaker sheets for quick adjustments.

3. Maximizing Boat Balance: Achieving optimal balance in a 505 Dinghy is paramount for efficient sailing through variable wind conditions. Familiarize yourself with weight distribution techniques such as fore-aft positioning during upwind beats or adjusting crew weight placements downwind while gybing or surfing waves. Precise coordination between helm and crew plays a vital role in maintaining control and stability, making it essential to communicate effectively to ensure flawless maneuvers .

4. Understanding the Dynamics of Downwind Sailing: Downwind sailing with a 505 Dinghy is where the real fun begins! Expert advice for this phase revolves around mastering the art of surfing waves and using tactical approaches such as gybing before others to gain a competitive edge. A combination of helm finesse, crew weight placement, efficient sheet handling, and communication will help you unlock exhilarating downwind speeds that leave your competition in awe.

5. Exploring Advanced Racing Techniques: To truly unleash the potential of your 505 Dinghy, you must dive into advanced racing techniques favored by seasoned sailors. Consider learning about strategic fleet positioning, identifying wind shifts and patterns on the racecourse, mark rounding tactics, managing starts effectively, and utilizing sail controls tailored to prevailing conditions. With these insider tips up your sleeve, you’ll be ready to take on any regatta with confidence.

Conclusion: The 505 Dinghy offers an unparalleled sailing experience for those willing to explore its limitless potential. By incorporating expert advice and insider tips into your sailing repertoire, you’ll find yourself at the forefront of unlocking its true capabilities. From perfecting rigging techniques to mastering sail trim strategies and understanding dynamic maneuvers like downwind surfing – every aspect contributes to becoming a skilled sailor aboard a 505 Dinghy. So go forth with confidence on your next adventure and watch as this remarkable vessel propels you towards new horizons!

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The International 505 is a fast, fun and exciting two-person, high-performance trapeze sailing dinghy, raced in over 18 countries on 5 continents.

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2024 Eastern Canadian Championships Report

The 2024 Eastern Canadian Championships will be remembered for the high wind sailing conditions. Racing was cancelled after one race on Saturday, as the wind speed reached 30 knots. Three races weresailed on Sunday in 15 to 23 knots of wind before the breeze built to the point that the RC sent sailors in. Twenty teams, including 15 sailors under 25 years old, participated in the event hosted at Kingston Yacht Club on August 10-11.

Ali Meller (who moved permanently to Kingston this year) sailing with Kyber Lovshin won the event placing 1 st in 3 of the 4 races series. Two USA teams place 2 nd and 3 rd , Duane Delfosse/Mike Hull in 2 ndand Thomas Kivney/Gordon Russell in 3 rd .

During the awards ceremony, Ali told the story that when he started sailing the 505 back in the 70’s he was mentored by John Moss (Shona Moss-Lovshin’s father and Kyber’s grandfather) and now he was able to win this event with the help of his grand-child.

The top youth sailor (Under 19 years old) was Sabina Bartlewska from Toronto, racing with her father Robert. The top female skipper was Debbie Ashby from Ottawa, who placed 5 th overall sailing with her husband Dave Adams. The Storer brothers from Ottawa both U19 sailors placed 13 th overall and 1 st youth team.

Jeff Boyd high light the effort and success of Shona Moss for the recruitment of younger sailors in the class. Jeff said that he had never been to a 505 regatta were parents ask him for advises. The Canadian Class would like to thank Jeff Boyd for the organization of the event, Bill Visser the Race committee chair who did a fantastic job with his RC team, the Kingston Yacht Club and its manager Tom Wilson for their hospitality.

NB: Ali Meller (who is a Kingston Sail Loft (KSL) partner) was racing with a prototype KSL 505 Spinnaker. The spinnaker is a full triradial design with all panels arranged to line up warp threads with the loads radiating out from the corners. Kyber reported that it was very easy to fly.

Sailed: 4, Discards: 0, To count: 4, Entries: 20, Scoring system: Appendix A

Start: Start 1, Finishes: Place

Scoring codes used

PAST EAST CANADIAN 505 CHAMPIONS

1966 KC 1926 R. Scheider

1970 US 3240 Chuck Angle

1971 KC 3338 David Court-Hampton, Phil Tillman

1972 KC 3338 David Court-Hampton, Phil Tillman

1973 KC 3339 Rick Hewitt, Colin Blandy

1974 KC 4583 Rick Williamson, Malcom McHattie

1975 KC 4645 Peter Wood, Steve Potts

1976 KC 5905 Richard Storer, Phil Tillman

1977 KC 5606 Mike Geew, Richard Geew

1978 KC6068 Mike Agrell, Dave Jones

1979 KC6910 Simon & Hugh Lewis

1980 KC6910 Simon & Hugh Lewis

1981 KC6910 Simon & Hugh Lewis

1982 Peter Wood, Peney Easterbrook

1983 KC6910 Simon & Nick Lewis

1984 KC6910 Simon & Nick Lewis

1985 KC6910 Simon & Hugh Lewis

1986 Renka & Adam Gesing

1987 KC7354 Renka & Adam Gesing

1988 KC7354 Renka & Adam Gesing

1989 KC7354 Jeff Boyd & Ian Eskritt

1990 ? – may be not contested

1991 KC8011 Brian Farnand, Hugh Morrin

1992 Jeff Boyd, Mark Rutherford

1993 Jeff Boyd, Gord Crothers

1994 KC8264 Jeff Boyd, Martin Ten Hove

1995 KC8264 Jeff Boyd, Florence Boyd

1996 Not contested

1997 CAN8264 Jeff Boyd, Martin Ten Hove

1998 CAN8264 Jeff Boyd, Martin Ten Hove

1999 CAN8442 Hugh Morrin, Michael Hoffman

2000 CAN8264 Jeff Boyd, Peter Gifford

2001 CAN8264 Jeff Boyd, Florence Boyd

2002 CAN8264 Jeff Boyd, Martin Ten Hove

2003 Jeff Boyd, Danielle Boyd

2004 Jeff Boyd, Rachelle Boyd

2005 Jeff Boyd, Pat Ware

2006 Steve Adolph

2007 Jeff Boyd, Rachelle Boyd

2008 Jeff Boyd

2009 Jeff Boyd, Rachelle Boyd

2010 John Bryan, Ron Hughes

2011 Ian Torrie, Leith Shenstone

2012 Jeff Boyd

2013 Marg Hurley, Christian De Champlain

2014 Jeff Boyd

2015 Marg Hurley

2016 Marie Gendron, David Browne

2017 John Bryan, Ron Hughes

2018 Jeff Boyd, Martin Ten Hove

2019 – 2023 Not contested

2024 Ali Meller, Kyber Lovshin

40th Anniversary Newport Regatta Report

On July 13-14 eleven 505s convened in Newport, Rhode Island for the 40 th Anniversary Newport Regatta that also served as the New England Championship.  Teams travelled from Ottawa, Toronto, Western New York and Florida to compete with a host of other classes including everything from 12 Meters to F-18 cats.  You know that when 12 Meters are involved, the quality and quantity of food is certainly improved!  Mount Gay Run was the primary sponsor, and so the Saturday party didn’t disappoint.

Weather for the weekend was not so stellar as we might have hoped with rain and thick fog keeping sailors shore side until noon on Saturday.  Eventually we got off two tricky races in SW breeze 5 to 12 knots after which the sun came out.  Peter Scannell and John Dunilea (aka “Irish”) sailed quite well to win the day with 4 points.  Following closely behind the Irish were Ethan Bixby/ Ted Huebner and Craig Thompson/Adam Wolnikowski both with 5, and Macy Nelson/Chris Brady with 6.   

Sunday looked to be set up for a classic thermal from the SW, but it took a little bit of time to push the morning northwest flow out of the way.  Racing got started a little late and three races were completed in 5 to 12 knots.     With line starts for the weekend, and a long line set for a large fleet of VX1, you had to gauge the distance to the line carefully.  Duane Delfosse/Mike Hull sailed consistently and won the day with 6 points followed by Craig/Adam and Luke Strictland/Christian Voyer each with 9.  With 5 races completed and no throw outs, Craig and Adam’s consistency won out with 14 points.  They retained possession of the Kivney Bowl for yet another year, much to Craig’s wife’s disappointment.   Second were Ethan/Chris with 15 followed by Delfosse/Hull and Peter/John tied with 17.  It should be noted that 5 different boats won the 5 races.

An underlying and extremely positive story for the weekend was how Luke Strictland and Christian Voyer upped their game throughout the event.  Before and after sailing each day, Christian and Luke were asking a ton of great questions, and through that effort they were able to figure out their issues.  Their series line of 7, 5, 5, 3,1 was not an accident, but specific and targeted improvement!  I think the final piece of their puzzle was the discovery that a couple of screws had backed out of the centerboard (beak to CB connection) causing the board not to gybe.  The whole fleet pulled together to help the young team.  Hats off the university students from Ottawa as they made a mark in Newport!!

A second happy story was the arrival of Will and Bill Platt with their vintage Lindsay.  Last year they hit a rock and tore off the transom.  This year they were all repaired and got around the course fine with big smiles!

We’ll post some pictures if we can find some.

Who are these guys?

3rd Annual Eastern North American Training Regatta- Kingston Ontario

Report from Dave Adams:

There is no question about it, travelling and participating in regattas is key to a successful 505 career. There is no substitute but sometime you just want to try stuff out in a “sorta” race environment and that is where a training regatta shines.

Every year we gather in Kingston to do just that. It is a weekend of drills, practise starts and long on-shore debriefs. They are majic!

A big thank you to the Boyd family, Steve Yates on power boat, Ali Meller coaching and Renka Gesing and Marie Gendron for organizing. Also a big shout out to the Canadian 505 Class Association for subsidizing the costs. This is an investment that pays off because we had two new boats show up!

Report From Renka Gesing:

The training event at the Kingston Yacht Club was an unqualified success — a good deal for participants, great coaching and great training for all the different levels of sailing experience, a pizza dinner arranged by Florence Boyd, and wonderful sailing conditions.

Clinic fees were a good deal thanks to the Class subsidy that covered rental of the coach boat and gas. The fees were $40 for the “older” folks, and $30 for those under 25. Out of the 16 participants, almost half were in the younger group. 

The youngest sailor was 15-year-old Luca Manning, who skipped for his grandfather, Adam Gesing. He was thrilled with the experience: “As an inexperienced sailor, this weekend was a very enriching and valuable experience. I learned so much about everything that has to do with sailing, from tactics to boat handling. There wasn’t a negative thing that I can say about it, except for it not being long enough. Another great value of this masterclass has nothing to do with sailing directly. I got to meet so many new people with great stories and experiences to share. The 505 community is truly an amazing thing that I am very glad to be a part of.”

The youngest combined crew were teenagers Evania Lovshin and Cameron Laing. Then there were the parent/son or daughter crews. It was great to see two new boats from Toronto’s OHCC. We welcome to the Class Hannah Abush and her father Joshua, and Drake Morrison and his father Conor. Another father/son team was Steve Adolph and Tommy Adolph. Yet another young newcomer to the class was Yunus Akcor, who crewed for Douglas Watson.

There was some representation from wife/husband teams: Deb Ashby with Dave Adams, and Shona Moss with Steve Lovshin.

Coaching was also a family affair. Jeff Boyd and his daughter Danielle joined Ali Meller to head up the sail training. The mornings were spent with boat setup, the afternoon sailing multiple shorter races. The three jumped in and out of the coach boat, driven by Steve Yates, to share their sailing prowess.

I sadly remained on shore but was happy to see such a successful event.

Happy Birthday – John Moss 85 Years Young

An early adopter and pioneer of 505 sailing in Canada. His passion for the class has been passed down through two generations. A fleet builder, to say the least.

Gear Review

Great gloves. Cheap, durable and comfortable.

Report on the Espoir Camp

Twelve sailors from 15 to 30+ years old took part in this year Espoir camp on Sunday June 30 at NSC. This year, all participants were members of NSC. They were part of the club’s youth 420 racing team or racers in the J22 or Shark classes.

The wind was very strong, 15kn with some gusts at 25kn, so three experience 505 skippers, Shona Moss, Luke Strickland and Evania Lovshin took their 505 out to give rides to the participants.  The Storer’s brother took their 505 out by themselves and they did great.  We had two coach boats on the water at all time for safety and to facilitate the exchange of sailors taking rides.

After a session to go over the 505 rig, four 505 were rigged and set to go sailing in windy conditions. Our three experienced skippers took off with three participants, along with the Storer brothers. The rest of the participants went out in in the coach boats. 

Everyone enjoyed trapezing fully extended and blasting around with the spinnaker. It was terrific to see the participants get back in the zodiac after their ride with their eyes wide open and big smile on their face.  In the debriefing session one participant comment “sailing a 420 is like driving a Mustang but sailing a 505 is like driving a Ferrari”.

We now have a large group of sailors keen to race on Wednesday nights and at other occasions. 

Thank you to the NSC for letting the fleet use their coach boats, to Shona, Luke and Evania for taking the sailors out and to Steve Lovshin and Marie Gendron for operating the coach boats.

Old 505 Footage

For an excellent website documenting old footage of past regattas, look no further than:

https://www.sail-world.com/news/274169/The-oldest-footage-of-505-racing

Nepean One Design – Regatta Report

Record participation at NOD 2024 NOD 2024 saw a record registration of 16 teams including 14 U25 sailors form USA, Toronto and the Ottawa areas.

Racing was cancelled on Saturday has the wind did not show up but Ethan Bixby was very generous of his time, giving instructions on different aspects of rigging, sail shape and sailing the 505. His boat was literally surround by the young and the older 505 sailors all day, curious to learn from this experience sailor and sail maker.

Three races were run on Sunday in wind ranging from 8 to 15 kn. Racing was very close with seconds separating the top boats at the end of all races.

Ethan sailing with Cameron Laing (Youth sailor on BYC Laser Racing Team) placed 1 st overall. Debbie Ashby and Dave Adams were second and Christian Voyer and Luke Strickland (U25 team from NSC) placed 3 rd . Only 1pt separate Ethan and Debbie teams and there was also 1pt between Debbie and Christian teams.

The fleet wants to thank Shona Weldon (8610) and Steve Lovshin (8468) for lending their boat to youth teams. The Fleet boat (was also raced by a youth team.

Sailed: 3, Discards: 0, To count: 3, Entries: 16, Scoring system:

Hanse 505 Standard

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• Last update: 2nd April 2020

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Ten Technique Tips for New 505 Crews by Jesse Falsone

Home » Library » Improve Your 505 Sailing » Ten Technique Tips for New 505 Crews

Having crewed a 505 continuously for 15 years and 9 world championships gives one a very good perspective on proper technique. Being a student in the evolving art of crewing, and now moving part-time to the back of the bus, I am in a unique position to see how a new 505 crew approaches the craft, and moreover, to give these people useful instruction. As Mike Martin has shown, a helmsman knowledgeable about crewing technique can quickly develop a new crew, and make experienced crews better.

A major goal in the 505 class is not only to attract the best sailors to 505 crewing, but to keep them motivated, and ultimately, to share in the dream of winning at the highest levels in our class. The best way to keep someone motivated is through continual improvement, and it is with that premise that I offer the following tips and also an accounting of the most common technique mistakes made by new 505 crews.

As a card-carrying member of the Crew’s Union, I can’t go back on the #1 rule –“It’s always the skipper’s fault”. In fact, this article could just as well be a treatise on the most common technique mistakes made by new 505 drivers, and highlight my antics holding the tiller in several regattas. However, this would be too easy, because we all know it’s harder to crew the 505, and this subject matter is best saved for a separate article. But, be certain that one will follow! I’m still waiting for an experienced helm to write a technique article, but in all the time I’ve sailed the 505, not a single driver has ever stepped up to the plate to do so despite my prodding. Will I become so lazy as a driver?

I have made nearly every conceivable mistake in the front of the 505, and some that seem inconceivable, so I will restrict this piece to basic techniques, which are the most important for rapid improvement. I have omitted any discussion on jibing with a single pole for now because it seems that the double pole phenomenon has taken hold and has made OBE many technique-related issues. Jibing a 505 from the front now seems too easy in breeze. I will have to wait until I actually have experience using the double pole before I make the necessary mistakes to comment accurately!

I would also recommend reading the many other articles I and others have written on crewing technique which are available in previous issues of Tank Talk online. Also, Drew Buttner’s recent interview with Mike Martin in Sailing World (http://www.sailingworld.com/0911martin) has some special insights into his approach and how experience in both positions is extremely valuable.

Crews should remember that their largest asset and driving force is the desire to get better, and to approach learning with an open mind. While there may be more than one technique that works in a maneuver, there will be only one that works best for a team. Even if you’ve been crewing for a long time, and have become relatively set in your ways, it may be that another technique, once perfected, will work better. Be open to change.

Wire-to-Wire Tacks in Medium and Heavy Air

Always uncleat with the back hand and unhook from the wire with the front hand before the boat is turned into the tack. This assures that a cleated jib or hooked crew won’t force a capsize during the tack.

You know you’ve done it right when you don’t have a mad scramble across the boat because your timing was destroyed by a cleated jib or unhooked ring.

Get across the boat quickly! Don’t wait for the driver to turn. Make the driver “tack around the crew”. Once the driver indicates they are about to tack, the crew should go. A good driver will regulate the speed of the turn to the speed of the crew.

You know you’ve done it right if the boat remains relatively flat through the tack, and the crew gets to the new side ahead of the driver.

Toss the uncleated jib sheet forward before crossing the boat so your feet don’t get tangled during the tack. Also, resist the temptation to hold the jib sheet too long causing the jib to backwind or the old sheet to wrap on fittings. This is especially important in heavy air when you want to get the bow through the wind quickly with a minimum of rudder movement and boat heel.

You know you’ve done it right when the rate of turn is measured and consistent and not extreme and abrupt.

Rather than standing on the side of the hull during a wire-to-wire tack as you might in a skiff, un-weight your body by swinging in on the wire. I like to lift my back leg and point it to the opposite side as I swing in. This technique allows the crew to move more smoothly into the boat by promoting transverse movement rather than vertical. It also allows the crew to place his back foot completely over the trunk and onto the new weather side, which is crucial for a smooth tack. Lead with the back foot through a tack rather than your head. No bunny hopping over the trunk! It’s slow and clumsy.

You know you’ve done it right when your tacks feel smooth with less effort.

Grab the new jib sheet at the cleat with the goal of getting it trimmed and cleated as quickly as possible. The trimming motion is a combination of spinning and pulling with your new back hand as you come to the weather side and sit. Mechanically, it may help to pull with your hand skimming along the top of the new weather tank rather than up in space. This allows for the trimming and cleating in one motion with no need to take extra time to get the sheet in the cleat. It also assures that the sheet won’t blow out of the cleat when loaded.

Get out on the wire before the boat heels up. It took me a few years to convert to the “Hook and Go” tack, but I can tell you that done properly, it’s better in every respect. I believe the trick is to grab the trapeze ring with your new front hand and place it in the hook. The best crews can do this without looking, and they are then free to throw their torso over the side and get their feet on the rail. Watch Peter Alarie do it because he’s the best in the business.

You know you’ve done it right when you pop out on the wire with ease just as the driver is ready to trim the main. You have expended far less energy during the tack, the boat immediately accelerates, and you have that “I’m a rock star” feeling as you roll over some chump with poor technique!

Trapeze Technique

Don’t allow yourself to get pushed around by waves, boat motions, and inertial forces during a hard turn. Recognize that there’s extraordinary strength in your legs to counter these things, and that being alert at all times will allow you to anticipate them. Be careful of being too low on the wire in heavy seas, and in extreme conditions, you may need to stabilize your body by spreading your legs slightly and holding the jib sheet more tightly to create a “tripod” stability effect.

You know you’ve done it right when you remain aft of the shrouds and forward of the driver!

Optimize your leverage for the conditions. The goal is to ring as much driving force from the rig as possible at all times. When the breeze is on and the crew is in a relatively static position on the wire, focus on getting your weight as far out as possible by going low on the wire, straightening your legs and torso, placing one or both hands behind your head, and pointing your toes. Don’t over-adjust your height. Find the sweet spot for the conditions, and if you’re low on the wire, consider bending at the torso slightly to reduce leverage if necessary rather than making a height adjustment. When sailing on a tight spinnaker reach with the boat heeled and riding on the leeward quarter, get very low on the wire to counter the heel.

You know that you’ve done it right when you are focused more on trim and tactics and less on ring height. Also, you are able to sense when more leverage is required, especially when the driver needs to trim the main harder.

Trimming Technique

Be sensitive to changes in wind speed by adjusting your jib sheet tension accordingly. Changes in wind speed can dramatically alter the shape of the jib, especially at the leech. Making timely and accurate changes are a great way to improve performance. Try using the transverse distance from the leech at the telltale to the shroud as a reference. Keeping the leech just outside the shroud at all times may be a good starting point in most conditions. Learn to calibrate this distance depending on the conditions, using your jib sheet numbers as a guide for repeating fast settings quickly.

You know you’ve done it right when the driver doesn’t need to say “trim” or “ease” the jib.

In very windy conditions, the crew needs to be ready to blow the jib instantly and momentarily (very quick in-out) to keep boat on it’s feet without losing speed through the waves. Personally, I do not like risers or angles on jib cleats in a Waterat or Rondar (jib cleat heights vary with thwart height for other boats). The risers and angles make it more difficult to get the jib blown in heavy air. In all likelihood, the crew should have a fairly tight grip on the jib sheet in heavy air anyway, and this should make it easier to effect a quick adjustment.

You know you’ve done it right after a big gust when the driver thanks you and recognizes that the team would’ve been swimming had you not been ready for the gust.

Rudder stall downwind is most commonly caused by an over-trimmed kite. Mike Martin says “Next Time you are driving on a tight reach in breeze, have the crew slightly overtrim the kite. You wont believe how much the helm loads up!” The crew has to retain focus on the kite when it’s critical, and let the driver worry about downwind tactics. If the rudder begins to stall, the only way to stop it is to immediately flog the kite. Easing it partially or too slowly will not save you!

Note: Experienced crews can sense when rudder is beginning to stall, and knows the motion the boat takes that can cause a rapid stall. This motion is caused by the leeward bow hitting the back of a wave suddenly, causing a pitch/heel coupling that forces the bow up. The driver instinctively pulls the rudder hard causing the stall.

You know you’ve done it right when boats around you are wiping out and you’re flying past them.

Benefactor Members

Robert Woelfel II Thomas Hurwitch Tyler Moore Mike Holt Duane Delfosse Tim Murphy Aaron Ross Craig Thompson Bryan Richardson David Shelton Howie Hamlin Adam Lowry Mike Martin Eric Anderson Reeve Dunne Chris Pittack Ted Conrads Sol Marini Andrew Forman Blaine Pedlow David Burchfiel Curtis Hartmann Dustin Romey Matthew Breton Peter Scott Bruce Edwards Mike Zani Jason Breeden Fred Grimm Matthew Barry Clark Hayes Keith Longson David Kirkpatrick Jeff Miller Paul Kueffner Ryan Nelson Rob Waterman Matt Merchant Paul Kurr Ian O'Leary Jimmy Franzone Adam Wolnikowski

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You may have heard that 505’s are some of the most well-made dinghy’s around. Many 505’s can stay competitive for an indefinite period of time when well cared for. Some older 505’s were not built as well, and may not be worth spending time and money on to get back on the race course. This page is organized in a way to help you determine which boat is right for your own 505 sailing goals. Visit the list of builders for more information on all the various 505 builders throughout the years. Also, hull numbers are sequential, and are issued upon initial measurement after the boat is built. The minimum weight of a 505 (weighed with all equipment required for racing except sails) is 127.4kg or 280.9 pounds. Many boats have lead corrector weights (50% located at front of CB trunk, 50% located at rear of CB trunk) to bring the boat up to this minimum weight.

The used boat ads on this page are organized based on the following classification scheme:

The Surtees Service Award was dedicated at last year’s NA’s to commemorate outstanding service to the American Section. The inaugural award was presented to Ali Meller.

It is a pleasure to introduce the 2003 winner of the Surtees Service Award – Jesse Falsone.

As all of you know, Jesse is the epitome of the “go-to guy” for our Class. When a valuable role within the American Section needs to be filled, Jesse has never been afraid to put his money where his mouth is and step up to the task.

In the eight years that he has been in the Class, Jesse has served as both Class Secretary/Treasurer, and President of the American Section.

Upon “retiring” as Class President, Jesse took on the role of Tank Talk Associate Editor, and over the past few years, no one has contributed more material to Tank Talk than Jesse.

Jesse is an incredibly focused competitor who has always found time to pass his knowledge along. After working for years to become one of the top 5o5 crews in North America, Jesse published a compendium on “High Performance Dingy Crewing,” utilizing both his knowledge and that of other top NA 5o5 crews. This pamphlet runs 33 pages, and is literally a textbook of how to climb the learning curve for a 5o5 crew. Any skippers out there up to the challenge?

Jesse has set the bar for 5o5 class members, dedicating a superhuman amount of time & effort into making the American Section the solid organization that it is today.

Although he is taking a well-deserved break from the 5o5 and cannot be here today, let’s have a big round of applause for Jesse.

Ted Ferrarone

I’m very proud to have commissioned this new service award bearing the name of one of our most distinguished members: Dennis Surtees’. Dennis is a legend in this class, both for his outstanding performance and for his superlative service. I’m equally proud to have Ali Meller as the first recipient. Ali has served in so many capacities for this class, most of which many of you don’t know about or may have forgotten. Ali has been fleet captain in the US for two different fleets (maybe more in Canada?). In one of these he was largely responsible for the creation of this fleet at a new club. He served as VP of the American Section, Editor of Tank Talk, VP of international (an office created for him), and is now completing his term as President of international. As webmaster, Ali took the 505 web page and made it the most informative class page on the Internet. US Sailing used our web page as an example of what a great class web page should look like. Ali was also instrumental in introducing countless people to the 505 through personal communications and through sailing time.

Ali’s leadership came along at a crucial time for the 505 class. In the early 90’s we were a class teetering precariously on the seesaw of success and failure. Our numbers in the US had steadily declined, and the class lacked direction. Ali was the catalyst for our resurgence, and a large reason why we all enjoy fine competition today.

Simply put, nobody in the world has put more into the 505 class in the past decade than Ali Meller.

Ali, on behalf of the 505 American Section, it’s my honor to present you with the Dennis Surtees Service Award for 2002.

“I nominate Bill McKinney and Stine Cacavas for the Cahn award. Bill has been with the San Diego for over ten years, and is the guy who always spends regattas in good spirit, with lots of humor, humbleness and grace. And style. After coming in from the race course early one day in Santa Cruz, while sitting in his chair, he greeted every sailor at the ramp with a cold Corona with lime. Yes, his regatta kit includes chairs, a cooler on wheels, and a cutting board. Stine has been sailing with Bill for a few years now, and while she shares Bill’s positive attitude, she also brings a new level of competition to the team. They competed in the 2010 worlds in Denmark sailing Fever Pitch, Dave Cahn’s own Lindsay. For the 2012 worlds in France they upped their game, buying a newer Waterat. I take this as a good sign that they will continue to favor us with their company for many years to come.”

Aaron Ross, USA 7156

Nominated and presented by: Mike Martin

The Dave Chan award goes out to the individual or team that expresses sportsmanship in the unique way of 505 sailing because they love 505 sailing. The award is not necessarily for the guy that wins all the races, but the guy you would most like to have a beer with at the end of the day.

These guys fit that description perfectly. They both came into the 505 picture from illustrious lead mining careers. After the first day of proper breeze in a 505 they were hooked. Since then they have enjoyed attending many of the events in northern and southern California. At the end of the day they are always thrilled with whatever they experienced and learned on the water. They are always willing to lend a helping hand despite the fact that they are usually involved in some major repair project themselves. It is always a pleasure having these guys around both on and off the water and we would all have more fun if we adopted their attitude. That is why this year the Dave Cahn award should go to Brad Wheeler and Bill Mais.

As most of you know, the Dave Cahn trophy was created in 1998, in memoriam of Dave Cahn, and his special brand of sportsmanship. Past winners have included Eric Willis/Wendy Herzburg, Barney Harris, Dan Merino/Bill Jenkins, Henry Amthor, and in 2002, Stuart Park.

Please give a big round of applause for the winner of the 2003 Dave Cahn Trophy: Paul Von Grey.

Paul’s nomination for this award was so excellent, that we will just read it to you:

“I would like to Nominate Paul Von Grey of the Pacific Northwest Fleet for the Dave Cahn Trophy. Paul has virtually single-handedly (no pun intended) been the motivation for the resurgence of the 505 fleet in Washington. He has helped push attendance at regattas from an average of three boats to a recent high of 16. He regularly rounds up sailors following races to debrief on successful and unsuccessful strategies and rigging tips. He serves as the unofficial parts warehouse for most of the sailors in Washington and probably has contributed parts, time or rigging advice to a majority of boats in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. He helped obtain a container of highly competitive boats that have raised the quality of racing dramatically. Whether you are a current 505 owner who needs to locate crew or a prospective 505 competitor who wants to go for a test ride, Paul is the guy who helps make the connection. He successfully poaches new 505 sailors from other fleets at regattas and every new sailor in the local fleet has probably been pointed to Paul as the guy to talk to about 505’s.

The Pacific Northwest fleet is a knowledgeable, friendly and helpful group of people and the description above could apply to every person in the fleet, however, no person embodies all of those qualities as completely as Paul.”

Let’s give another round of applause for Paul Von Grey!!

Nominated by Dave Stetson

Jesse, I wish to nominate Graham Alexander for an honorary life-membership in the class.

Graham first became a 5-oher around about 1967 and he has been one ever since. I know only a few on this side of the pond with that kind of longevity in the class. He has owned at least six boats, beginning with a 2XXX series boat; he currently owns two, a 45xx Rondar rigged to race with other classics, and Parker 7685. Not only has Graham been loyal to the class with his presence, he has been one of the class’ most ardent recruiters here in the Midwest. Within two weeks of the day I moved to Columbus in 1985, he was in my kitchen pushing me into the fray, getting me onto the boat, and helping me to find a crew slot. He has introduced dozens of people to the boat during the 17 years I have been around to watch.

In addition to recruiting, Graham has been the organizer of the class in Region 3 for as long as anyone can remember. Ki Kaiser and Graham have worked together ensuring a variety of regattas and spreading the word. He was the formal Midwest coordinator for most of the years since 1970.

Graham has been extremely generous with his time helping people to buy boats, helping them to rig them well, and helping to repair them when they broke. He has loaned his garage, his tools and equipment, his hands, and his expertise for fiberglass work, vacuum bagging, and rigging. Each winter, he has taught Sunday-evening courses on racing rules and tactics, crewing and helming skills to groups of local sailors, including newbees and hardened veterans.

Graham has been one of the true fixtures in the class and he has been one of its best public-relations specialists. Through his energy and love of the boat and the class, he has kept 505s in the Midwest and has kept Fleet 17 alive at Hoover Yacht Club. He may not be the most jolly of 505 sailors because he takes his sailing very seriously. It is integral to his core as a person and his love for the class is infectious. Because of his dedication and generosity, I believe he is as close to a life member as one could come.

Nominated by: Mike Martin and Ryan Cox Presented by: Dennis Surtees

Most of the time when we think about an award for service to a class we think about class officers or people that have volunteered their time in a very broad manner. Howard has served this way in the past by being an international class president but that is not why he deserves this award. Everyday Howard provides service to the class on a much more personal level.

The services that he provides range from straightening a mast, to loaning out his coach boat out free of charge, or letting people use his tools or even his entire garage. If you don’t know how to fix something on your 505, you need a tool or a part, who is the first person that you ask?

His services are organizational as well. Howie is always thinking of ways to better himself and always passes what he learns on to the fleet, even if it is one boat at a time. The Long Beach fleet would simply not exist without Howie. Every year howie takes the lead in organizing our weekly practices. A few years ago Team Tuesday was 1 or 2 boats, this year we often see 7 or 8.

Howie has also provided a huge service to the development of the equipment that we use today. 25 years ago he built molds and long lasting Honeycomb Kevlar boats that are still competitive today. Howies funding of the blade development program resulted in production centerboards that cost every one else much less than the developmental price that he paid.

There is no one more valuable to our fleet than Howard. So whether or not he wins this award, next time you see him, just say “Thanks Howie”!