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THE 505 IN SWEDEN |
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It has not taken long for the 505 to become respected and accepted in this country; at the end of 1962, this boat was almost unknown, but today everyone
interested in yachting has seen a 505, or has heard or read about them.
Indeed, 25 boats are now doing intensive racing.
During the first phase of our publicity campaign, the boat was virtually foisted on the public: it was exhibited at Shows, photographed in club journals and yachting magazines, and there were even articles in the daily press.
A small group of Gothenburg enthusiasts, headed by Orvar Nystr�m, Per-�ke Lundberg, and Lars Wiklund, could not wait for the ice to disappear before beginning the first tests, and one of the first boats to arrive in Sweden, the one belonging to Leif Kristofferson, was pushed over the ice to clear water; this was in February 1963, and, by July, 14 Swedish 505's were taking part in the Marstrand regatta, in the presence of Messrs. Toureau and Naillet.
Hardly any of those who began in this way with the 505 had had experience of fast yachts, but they got used to the boat in no time. Members of the small F.D. fleet very kindly gave advice at first, and a sort of collaboration then developed between 505 and F.D. clubs, thanks to Bj�rn Ros�n, the distinguished F.D. helmsman, who, by the way, has decided to help with the organizing of future regattas, championships, and other friendly meetings.
We also had the pleasure, in August 1963, to see the world champion, Brian Price, sailing at Gothenburg. He spent a few days with us, racing with the entire fleet, and giving us valuable advice about the fitting out of the boats. He seemed to like our tideless and sharkless watercourse. At the same time, Mr. Ralph Wadham, of London, was also visiting Sweden, and was kind enough to supply us with publicity material, saying how pleased he was to see his �line� doing well in his native town.
The first Swedish 505 fleet was in existence by the end of the season, and Gothenburg's example will soon be followed
in the
east side of the country, which will lead to valuable meetings at Marstrand on the occasion of the Swedish championships. We hope that 505'ists from all over Europe will attend this event (6th to 12th July next) and take the opportunity of racing with us and spending an enjoyable week in exciting surroundings.
Finally a few crews have decided to visit Cork for the 1964 World Championships: Ulf �stman with "Gamin 11", Thomas Haraldson with "Johan Bl�t", Karlsen and Stellan Westerdahl with "Chibass", Lars Wiklund with "Cavalier", who, having sailed among the ice, are all eager to do well in this championship.
At the Stockholm and Gothenburg Boat Shows this year, Catamarin, Swedish importer and distributor of 505's, exhibited a magnificent 505 which will certainly attract new enthusiasts and make this craft even more popular.
Per-�ke LUNDBERG and Lars WIKLUND
Brian Price, 505 World Champion 1964, on a visit to Gothenburg and the Swedish 505 Fleet.
