Crossing the Pond . . . Columbia Sabre ?

[simonmd]

Originally Posted by jobi

(((The International 5.5 Metre Class is a class of racing yachts initially designed under the rules of the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU) that is now known as the International Sailing Federation)))

The sabre is a 32.5ft full keel boat

Yes but how does that answer my question? I asked why its called the 5.5m class as it's actualy nearly 10m long!

[boatman61]

Simon... see if this makes sense... assuming it came under the IOR system...
The 12metre class were anything up to 90ft long..
Sailboat Handicap Rating Systems

[simonmd]

I give up, American boats messured in meters? The worlds gone mad I tell you!!

[David_Old_Jersey]

Originally Posted by boatman61

its like hotels... go 5* or YMCA.....
But hell.... I'm easily happy

YMCA? which one are you?

[Pete7]

Originally Posted by simonmd

Ah so it's not the length, phew. Anyone who says thay've got a 5.5m boat that would easily cross the Atlantic needs locking up! I know it's been done, there was some mad Frenchman who went over in an inflatable Zodiac in the 60's, maybe 70's but not something you'd reccomend for sure!

There was also a 5.2m Humber rib made in the UK and sailed by Irishman Enda O'Coineen. The rib had a 40 hp Suzuki, with 4 tanks of petrol, oh and a mast plus sail with a plastic sheet to make a canopy for the crossing in 1982. He wore a wet suit most of the way which rubbed like mad.

I met him at a party in 2004 and helped him jump start a yacht after the engine battery died in the Solent. He is now helping a charity for disabled children to go sailing. Despite thinking he was completely mad he is actually a nice chap.

Pete

[kk4lux]

I took a Sabre from the Pacific side of Costa Rica thru the canal up to Florida, foot of the main was rotten so we sailed with a reef. Still she moved along and took whatever we ran into. No electronics, no lights, no galley stove (just a camper we sat on our knees). But -- the boat made it just fine. We had a man-overboard once off Panama, the 'cook' jumped in after dropping his best pot... spun around and scooped him up. It was a boat that fit our youthful spirits as the time. 1979. Today our boats are bigger, but the "Corridor" (that was her name) left a fine memory. Hope she's still around (Florida maybe -- that was the the delivery destination). CD