446 replies to this topic

[JSW]

Hi Everybody,
Steve White here-owner of Vortex, 1990 built cold molded Swede 55. I just discovered this forum yesterday and have spent the weekend reading it-and recovering from a touch of flu or something. Fascinating and fun stuff. Amazingly, I don't have many pictures of my boat-I just never carry a camera around with me. But I'll try to figure out how to post them and put a few on. Can anyone give me the short version of how to do it?
Vortex is currently tucked away in her shed here in Maine, waiting for the summer. A couple of years ago I shipped her via Dock Express to St Thomas and kept her in West End, Tortola for the winter. Had a great winter of sailing and a little racing around there and then down to Antigua for the Classic Regatta. Was able to win first in Class B, Spirit of Tradition and first overall in Spirit of Tradition, beating the J Class boats Ranger and Valsheda (but only because they dropped out of the last race when they hit each other beating to windward!)
It has been interesting to read about your modifications for the boat and what has worked. Being a builder I'm always trying something new. I switched to the 2:1 mainsheet system like Slow 6 years ago and it is great! I added a small pair of Harken 16's (I think-maybe I'll go look) to handle the running backstays. I mounted them at the forward end of the aft cabin, so they are just right behind me.
3 years ago I replaced my 1x19 standing rigging with PBO. This was shrouds only. The headstay is rod. Backstay and running backs are Kevlar. The shrouds and 6 turnbuckles I took off weighed 100 lbs. The PBO and 6 turnbuckles I put back on weighed 33 lbs!!! I don't think I would save that much weight by buying a carbon mast. At the same time I decided to put more roach in my mainsail, so I moved the backstay chainplates all the aft on the deck to allow more clearence for the top of the main. I bought new Doyle Stratis main and blade jib. What a performance improvement! I could actually feel the difference of the weight savings and bigger main. I raced in the Opera House Cup that summer and was doing very well, leading ourclass when I happened to look up and saw the stb lower spreader bent up at the end! had to drop the main and withdraw, but didn't lose the rig. I had welded new terminal fittings to the ends of the spreaders and it broke there. I ended up buying new spreaders and end fittings, which is what I should have done in the first place. All has been good ever since.
Anyway-I'm happy to find such a bunch of enthusiasts. Should help make the winter go by.
Cheers
Steve

[K38BOB]

I hopped a few beer can rides with David and Bird way back when... Definitely a unique individual, and a fun boat to sail. Sad to hear that he was lost. Found this link that has a little more information:

http://www.inwap.com...10/usenet/poole


Hello Puddin,

found this quite interesting although sad to read. Sailing a Swede 55 singlehanded that late in the year in high latitudes in the northern hemisphere ... Thank you for providing the information.

Best, Zebra

The boat was in Alameda and admired by many. I ac tually was walking out of the sailmaker when he was walking in with a furled headsail (long!) and asked what that was!
we had some nice chat . he departed for alaska shortly after and I remember reading that the cooler cover was part of the id at the time.. in www.latitude38.com and chat on the island

[knockabout]

SBW, in the harbor where Vortex is moored, she's a standout boat among all the other beauties nearby. If you post some pix, make sure to include one of the custom wheel. Amazing.

[Doc Häagen-Dazs]

Trophy Wife and I have admired these forever. Send me your pix (email) and I'll set up your posting them!

[ajbram]

Never sailed on one, but it almost makes me think of a bigger version of a Cayenne 41, which I have sailed on and is a pretty cool old boat.

Attached Files

•  confortatar-cayenne-42-71347060072349676766556765534569.jpg   61.51K   95 downloads

[Haji]

Hi Everybody,
Steve White here-owner of Vortex, 1990 built cold molded Swede 55. I just discovered this forum yesterday and have spent the weekend reading it-and recovering from a touch of flu or something. Fascinating and fun stuff. Amazingly, I don't have many pictures of my boat-I just never carry a camera around with me. But I'll try to figure out how to post them and put a few on. Can anyone give me the short version of how to do it?
Vortex is currently tucked away in her shed here in Maine, waiting for the summer. A couple of years ago I shipped her via Dock Express to St Thomas and kept her in West End, Tortola for the winter. Had a great winter of sailing and a little racing around there and then down to Antigua for the Classic Regatta. Was able to win first in Class B, Spirit of Tradition and first overall in Spirit of Tradition, beating the J Class boats Ranger and Valsheda (but only because they dropped out of the last race when they hit each other beating to windward!)
It has been interesting to read about your modifications for the boat and what has worked. Being a builder I'm always trying something new. I switched to the 2:1 mainsheet system like Slow 6 years ago and it is great! I added a small pair of Harken 16's (I think-maybe I'll go look) to handle the running backstays. I mounted them at the forward end of the aft cabin, so they are just right behind me.
3 years ago I replaced my 1x19 standing rigging with PBO. This was shrouds only. The headstay is rod. Backstay and running backs are Kevlar. The shrouds and 6 turnbuckles I took off weighed 100 lbs. The PBO and 6 turnbuckles I put back on weighed 33 lbs!!! I don't think I would save that much weight by buying a carbon mast. At the same time I decided to put more roach in my mainsail, so I moved the backstay chainplates all the aft on the deck to allow more clearence for the top of the main. I bought new Doyle Stratis main and blade jib. What a performance improvement! I could actually feel the difference of the weight savings and bigger main. I raced in the Opera House Cup that summer and was doing very well, leading ourclass when I happened to look up and saw the stb lower spreader bent up at the end! had to drop the main and withdraw, but didn't lose the rig. I had welded new terminal fittings to the ends of the spreaders and it broke there. I ended up buying new spreaders and end fittings, which is what I should have done in the first place. All has been good ever since.
Anyway-I'm happy to find such a bunch of enthusiasts. Should help make the winter go by.
Cheers
Steve

Steve...you JUST found this thread? Where have you been? ...

[JSW]

Doc Haagan Daz,
Can't find you e mail address to send pics to.

Haji- As the famous Maine-iac said, "Harrd sayin', not knowin'"

[Zebra]

Hi Everybody,
Steve White here-owner of Vortex, 1990 built cold molded Swede 55. I just discovered this forum yesterday and have spent the weekend reading it-and recovering from a touch of flu or something. Fascinating and fun stuff. Amazingly, I don't have many pictures of my boat-I just never carry a camera around with me. But I'll try to figure out how to post them and put a few on. Can anyone give me the short version of how to do it?
Vortex is currently tucked away in her shed here in Maine, waiting for the summer. A couple of years ago I shipped her via Dock Express to St Thomas and kept her in West End, Tortola for the winter. Had a great winter of sailing and a little racing around there and then down to Antigua for the Classic Regatta. Was able to win first in Class B, Spirit of Tradition and first overall in Spirit of Tradition, beating the J Class boats Ranger and Valsheda (but only because they dropped out of the last race when they hit each other beating to windward!)
It has been interesting to read about your modifications for the boat and what has worked. Being a builder I'm always trying something new. I switched to the 2:1 mainsheet system like Slow 6 years ago and it is great! I added a small pair of Harken 16's (I think-maybe I'll go look) to handle the running backstays. I mounted them at the forward end of the aft cabin, so they are just right behind me.
3 years ago I replaced my 1x19 standing rigging with PBO. This was shrouds only. The headstay is rod. Backstay and running backs are Kevlar. The shrouds and 6 turnbuckles I took off weighed 100 lbs. The PBO and 6 turnbuckles I put back on weighed 33 lbs!!! I don't think I would save that much weight by buying a carbon mast. At the same time I decided to put more roach in my mainsail, so I moved the backstay chainplates all the aft on the deck to allow more clearence for the top of the main. I bought new Doyle Stratis main and blade jib. What a performance improvement! I could actually feel the difference of the weight savings and bigger main. I raced in the Opera House Cup that summer and was doing very well, leading ourclass when I happened to look up and saw the stb lower spreader bent up at the end! had to drop the main and withdraw, but didn't lose the rig. I had welded new terminal fittings to the ends of the spreaders and it broke there. I ended up buying new spreaders and end fittings, which is what I should have done in the first place. All has been good ever since.
Anyway-I'm happy to find such a bunch of enthusiasts. Should help make the winter go by.
Cheers
Steve

Hey Steve,

how nice to meet you here. In case you won't manage with the pics, perhaps I can help with what I have in my files of your boat.

For the time being, something from Capetown. They have summer right now.

"Spilhaus III" (ex. Counterpoint, winner of the Annapolis - Bermuda Race soem years ago) is the second Swede 55 of this particular chap, so there is at least one fellow being mad about the boat as we are - in the southern hemisphere.

Best Zebra

Attached Files

•  Swede 55 Spilhaus III.JPG   96.11K   96 downloads
•  Swede 55 Spilhaus III upwind tuning.JPG   88.32K   122 downloads
•  Swede 55 Spilhaus III blue Gennaker.JPG   35.92K   131 downloads
•  Swede 55 \"Shilhaus III\" red Gennaker.jpg   41.37K   96 downloads

[casc27]

I remember watching Bird sailing into Berkeley marina single handed (at least I could only see one body on board) waaaayyy back in the day (like mid 80's). Don't know if David owned her then but the Swede 55 sure was and is a pretty boat...

I also recall hearing about the loss up north. Sad, indeed...

I hopped a few beer can rides with David and Bird way back when... Definitely a unique individual, and a fun boat to sail. Sad to hear that he was lost. Found this link that has a little more information:

http://www.inwap.com...10/usenet/poole


Hello Puddin,

found this quite interesting although sad to read. Sailing a Swede 55 singlehanded that late in the year in high latitudes in the northern hemisphere ... Thank you for providing the information.

Best, Zebra

The boat was in Alameda and admired by many. I ac tually was walking out of the sailmaker when he was walking in with a furled headsail (long!) and asked what that was!
we had some nice chat . he departed for alaska shortly after and I remember reading that the cooler cover was part of the id at the time.. in www.latitude38.com and chat on the island

[Zebra]

Boys (I assume few girls are around here)

all lanterns, anchorlight and steamlight working (at the same time!)

a meaningful moon,

a possibly warm and dry saloon

not to much snow on deck

a mostly pleasant or sensible gift situation

Best Zebra

Attached Files

•  Christmas.jpg   13.53K   82 downloads

[Zebra]

Hello Swede 55 sailors,



most of us live in the northern hemisphere with the boat on snow or ice covered hard right now. Thanks to youtube we can step aboard „Flying Cloud“ powering along Guam in way better conditions.



http://youtu.be/_nnk-cyHRWg?hd=1



Best,



Zebra

[razorback]

Hi Everybody,
Steve White here-owner of Vortex, 1990 built cold molded Swede 55. I just discovered this forum yesterday and have spent the weekend reading it-and recovering from a touch of flu or something. Fascinating and fun stuff. Amazingly, I don't have many pictures of my boat-I just never carry a camera around with me. But I'll try to figure out how to post them and put a few on. Can anyone give me the short version of how to do it?
Vortex is currently tucked away in her shed here in Maine, waiting for the summer. A couple of years ago I shipped her via Dock Express to St Thomas and kept her in West End, Tortola for the winter. Had a great winter of sailing and a little racing around there and then down to Antigua for the Classic Regatta. Was able to win first in Class B, Spirit of Tradition and first overall in Spirit of Tradition, beating the J Class boats Ranger and Valsheda (but only because they dropped out of the last race when they hit each other beating to windward!)
It has been interesting to read about your modifications for the boat and what has worked. Being a builder I'm always trying something new. I switched to the 2:1 mainsheet system like Slow 6 years ago and it is great! I added a small pair of Harken 16's (I think-maybe I'll go look) to handle the running backstays. I mounted them at the forward end of the aft cabin, so they are just right behind me.
3 years ago I replaced my 1x19 standing rigging with PBO. This was shrouds only. The headstay is rod. Backstay and running backs are Kevlar. The shrouds and 6 turnbuckles I took off weighed 100 lbs. The PBO and 6 turnbuckles I put back on weighed 33 lbs!!! I don't think I would save that much weight by buying a carbon mast. At the same time I decided to put more roach in my mainsail, so I moved the backstay chainplates all the aft on the deck to allow more clearence for the top of the main. I bought new Doyle Stratis main and blade jib. What a performance improvement! I could actually feel the difference of the weight savings and bigger main. I raced in the Opera House Cup that summer and was doing very well, leading ourclass when I happened to look up and saw the stb lower spreader bent up at the end! had to drop the main and withdraw, but didn't lose the rig. I had welded new terminal fittings to the ends of the spreaders and it broke there. I ended up buying new spreaders and end fittings, which is what I should have done in the first place. All has been good ever since.
Anyway-I'm happy to find such a bunch of enthusiasts. Should help make the winter go by.
Cheers
Steve

Steve...you JUST found this thread? Where have you been? ...

No kidding!

Here's what Steve & the Vortex team looks like, swooping through the lee of a Concordia yawl haplessly steered by yours truly at the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta '10. We probably would've done better if I'd steered with my hands and put the camera down instead of just driving with my knees, but I've never seen that many beautiful boats in one place at one time before.

I met both Steve & Haji that weekend and it was a pleasure in both cases.

Vortex

[redboat]

Hi Everybody,
Steve White here-owner of Vortex, 1990 built cold molded Swede 55. I just discovered this forum yesterday and have spent the weekend reading it-and recovering from a touch of flu or something. Fascinating and fun stuff. Amazingly, I don't have many pictures of my boat-I just never carry a camera around with me. But I'll try to figure out how to post them and put a few on. Can anyone give me the short version of how to do it?
Vortex is currently tucked away in her shed here in Maine, waiting for the summer. A couple of years ago I shipped her via Dock Express to St Thomas and kept her in West End, Tortola for the winter. Had a great winter of sailing and a little racing around there and then down to Antigua for the Classic Regatta. Was able to win first in Class B, Spirit of Tradition and first overall in Spirit of Tradition, beating the J Class boats Ranger and Valsheda (but only because they dropped out of the last race when they hit each other beating to windward!)
It has been interesting to read about your modifications for the boat and what has worked. Being a builder I'm always trying something new. I switched to the 2:1 mainsheet system like Slow 6 years ago and it is great! I added a small pair of Harken 16's (I think-maybe I'll go look) to handle the running backstays. I mounted them at the forward end of the aft cabin, so they are just right behind me.
3 years ago I replaced my 1x19 standing rigging with PBO. This was shrouds only. The headstay is rod. Backstay and running backs are Kevlar. The shrouds and 6 turnbuckles I took off weighed 100 lbs. The PBO and 6 turnbuckles I put back on weighed 33 lbs!!! I don't think I would save that much weight by buying a carbon mast. At the same time I decided to put more roach in my mainsail, so I moved the backstay chainplates all the aft on the deck to allow more clearence for the top of the main. I bought new Doyle Stratis main and blade jib. What a performance improvement! I could actually feel the difference of the weight savings and bigger main. I raced in the Opera House Cup that summer and was doing very well, leading ourclass when I happened to look up and saw the stb lower spreader bent up at the end! had to drop the main and withdraw, but didn't lose the rig. I had welded new terminal fittings to the ends of the spreaders and it broke there. I ended up buying new spreaders and end fittings, which is what I should have done in the first place. All has been good ever since.
Anyway-I'm happy to find such a bunch of enthusiasts. Should help make the winter go by.
Cheers
Steve

Steve...you JUST found this thread? Where have you been? ...

No kidding!

Here's what Steve & the Vortex team looks like, swooping through the lee of a Concordia yawl haplessly steered by yours truly at the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta '10. We probably would've done better if I'd steered with my hands and put the camera down instead of just driving with my knees, but I've never seen that many beautiful boats in one place at one time before.

I met both Steve & Haji that weekend and it was a pleasure in both cases.

Vortex

Photo of Vortex is beautiful however must say all the photos in that file are magnificent. Must Some serious eye candy at that regatta.

Thanks for sharing.

[razorback]

Hi Everybody,
Steve White here-owner of Vortex, 1990 built cold molded Swede 55. I just discovered this forum yesterday and have spent the weekend reading it-and recovering from a touch of flu or something. Fascinating and fun stuff. Amazingly, I don't have many pictures of my boat-I just never carry a camera around with me. But I'll try to figure out how to post them and put a few on. Can anyone give me the short version of how to do it?
Vortex is currently tucked away in her shed here in Maine, waiting for the summer. A couple of years ago I shipped her via Dock Express to St Thomas and kept her in West End, Tortola for the winter. Had a great winter of sailing and a little racing around there and then down to Antigua for the Classic Regatta. Was able to win first in Class B, Spirit of Tradition and first overall in Spirit of Tradition, beating the J Class boats Ranger and Valsheda (but only because they dropped out of the last race when they hit each other beating to windward!)
It has been interesting to read about your modifications for the boat and what has worked. Being a builder I'm always trying something new. I switched to the 2:1 mainsheet system like Slow 6 years ago and it is great! I added a small pair of Harken 16's (I think-maybe I'll go look) to handle the running backstays. I mounted them at the forward end of the aft cabin, so they are just right behind me.
3 years ago I replaced my 1x19 standing rigging with PBO. This was shrouds only. The headstay is rod. Backstay and running backs are Kevlar. The shrouds and 6 turnbuckles I took off weighed 100 lbs. The PBO and 6 turnbuckles I put back on weighed 33 lbs!!! I don't think I would save that much weight by buying a carbon mast. At the same time I decided to put more roach in my mainsail, so I moved the backstay chainplates all the aft on the deck to allow more clearence for the top of the main. I bought new Doyle Stratis main and blade jib. What a performance improvement! I could actually feel the difference of the weight savings and bigger main. I raced in the Opera House Cup that summer and was doing very well, leading ourclass when I happened to look up and saw the stb lower spreader bent up at the end! had to drop the main and withdraw, but didn't lose the rig. I had welded new terminal fittings to the ends of the spreaders and it broke there. I ended up buying new spreaders and end fittings, which is what I should have done in the first place. All has been good ever since.
Anyway-I'm happy to find such a bunch of enthusiasts. Should help make the winter go by.
Cheers
Steve

Steve...you JUST found this thread? Where have you been? ...

No kidding!

Here's what Steve & the Vortex team looks like, swooping through the lee of a Concordia yawl haplessly steered by yours truly at the Eggemoggin Reach Regatta '10. We probably would've done better if I'd steered with my hands and put the camera down instead of just driving with my knees, but I've never seen that many beautiful boats in one place at one time before.

I met both Steve & Haji that weekend and it was a pleasure in both cases.

Vortex

Photo of Vortex is beautiful however must say all the photos in that file are magnificent. Must Some serious eye candy at that regatta.

Thanks for sharing.

Thanks! Glad you liked 'em. Any fan of pretty boats needs to have that event on their bucket list.

[Vigilante]

I agree, I really like the look of these boats. They just look efficient to me. The fact that the rig is small for the hull just looks right. I liked the idea of a square meter boat - measure the sail area and try to get as much boat under it as possible. I wish these boats would have been more popular rather than the International Rule or Meter boats - square meter boats were the original ULDBs.

I never like the look of a boat when the LOA looks conspicuously longer than the mast. But the Swede-55 has always been a conspicuous exception.

[Zebra]

[/quote]I never like the look of a boat when the LOA looks conspicuously longer than the mast. But the Swede-55 has always been a conspicuous exception.
[/quote]

Hi Vigilante,



enclosed two pics of „Birgit“, a kind of turbocharged Swede 55, named „Swede 75 special“. The „75“ refers to measured sail area due to the original sqm boat rule, not the lenght in feet. Boat bethed at the Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club GKSS in Langedrag/Gothenburg at the west coast of Sweden. To my mind she is he only boat to get your heart beating faster in the entire port, supposed to be the best at the west coast of Sweden.




And, Vigilante, she has a longer spar. public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif



„Birgit“ won the Toern rund long distance race in 2010. Due to the number of rocks around it is better for locals to participate.



Note the powerul bowwave as „Birgit“ powers upwind. Similar concept as „Vortex“ (Swede 55, slightly made better here and there, lighter hull, stretched appendages and sails).




The Swede 55 story goes on with most boats passionately sailed, with modifications or replicas of the fibreglass ones, be it cold moulded or in advanced composites. There are always some sailors around in the yachting world interested in real boats.




For more background on Swede 55 and her predecessors: Have a look at the download area named „more“ at www.swedesail.de




Nice weekend,



Zebra

Attached Files

•  modified Swede 55 \"Birgit\" 2.jpg   135.2K   153 downloads
•  modified Swede 55 \"Birgit\".jpg   202.68K   157 downloads

[JSW]

Zebra,

Birgit is a very iteresting boat. Is she actually a Swede 55 hull? Or is she a new design? If she is a Swede 55 hull, they must have modified her ballast to carry the large rig-do you know any more about her that you can share, or any place I can read more about her?
Ice in our harbor here in Maine today-no sailing for another 2 1/2 months!

[Zebra]

Zebra,

Birgit is a very iteresting boat. Is she actually a Swede 55 hull? Or is she a new design? If she is a Swede 55 hull, they must have modified her ballast to carry the large rig-do you know any more about her that you can share, or any place I can read more about her?
Ice in our harbor here in Maine today-no sailing for another 2 1/2 months!

Hello JSW,



Swede 55 was planned to displace 7,75 t. The fibreglass result (bullett proof with considerable resin content by Fisksätra Varv) came ¾ t heavier, half load displacement being about 8,5 t. Checked this at my boat. Some boats being even heavier, aproaching nine metric tons. Numbers from various sources and unclear how much clutter was aboard.



Accoarding to builders information (Classic Swedish Yachts, Sweden) Swede 52 is supposed to displace 7,55 t (16,640 lbs) with 4,1 t (9,036 lbs) lead. As we all know, builders weight indications use to be a bit, if not very optimistic and I have not checked the real weight of the recent manufactures (early nineties, Swede 75 and the past decade, then named Swede 52). I observed that the revamped Swede 55s, named Swede 75 floats a little higher while having a lot more lead below. Swede 75 in the early ninties was planned for 7,75 t.




The carbon spar (1/3 to ½ tube weight) makes an interesting contribution to general stiffness, comfort in a seaway and upwind perrmance of the sleek, generelly tender boat.



I assume that "Birgit" (she has a slightly different stern shape) has the Divinycell Sandwich hull of Swede 75/52 with lowered centre of gravity of the keel (now bulb shaped, draft 2,10 m) and about/beyond 50 percent ballast ratio. Principal rig dimensions accoarding to Classic Swedish Yachts:




P 17,50 m (57.5 ft)

I 16,50 m (54 ft)

E 6 m (19.7 ft)

J 5 m (18.4 ft)

Main 62 sqm (665 sqft)

110 Jib 43 sqm (461 sqft)

Gennaker 185 sqm (1.983 sqft)




I had the oppotunity to sail a Swede 75 occasionally (with aluminum mast) in the nineties in different conditions: A fantastic experience. However, I would go even further - this is being a different story/dream.





I have seen Birgit (a Swede 75 special) only in the port of Langedrag/Gothenburg.





Best, Zebra

[Zebra]

I wish these boats would have been more popular rather than the International Rule or Meter boats - square meter boats were the original ULDBs.
[/quote]I never like the look of a boat when the LOA looks conspicuously longer than the mast. But the Swede-55 has always been a conspicuous exception.
[/quote]

Seasons greetings from the german baltic seabord

Zebra

Attached Files

•  Swede 55 Baltic Sea July 2011.jpg   131.32K   33 downloads

[Slanka Frun]

Hi everybody!

Here´s som nice pic's from a race i the Baltic Sea, called "Byxelkroken", last autumn. As you can see there were tough winds coming from behind (up to 40 knots) just before the finish of day 1.

Give you also a pic from a race this spring where you se her i full lengh.

My boat is Swede 55 No 2, called "Slanka Frun" (Slim Lady in english:) ). I've owned the boat together with a friend since 2006.

Jens


/  SLF001.jpg   128.96K   46 downloads  SLF002.jpg   194.15K   72 downloads  SLF003.jpg   129.97K   70 downloads

[Zebra]

Hello Jens,

whaow, nice shots and nice sails. Is it the orginal Selden spar or is is modified? Deck looks like being refurbuished (painted) and covered with new treadmaster.

Would appreciate to see more fotos. Where in Sweden is the boat berthed? Swede 55 no 2 is the previous "Swedeheart" from 1977, true?

Enclosed a foto from early July this year, the binannual "Schlank and rank" race (which translates slim and tender) Fehmarn, northern germany, last stop to Lolland/Denmark.

Greetings,

Zebra

PS: More info about Swede 55 to be found at www.swedesail.de

You may like to have a look at the recently added section "more"

Attached Files

•  Swede 55 Fehmarnsund 2.jpg   135.02K   19 downloads

[Slanka Frun]

Hello Zebra!

Yes it is the former Swedeheart. The guy we bought it from had her renamed to Immola back in 1999, so this is name No 3.

About the Seldén Spar - yes it is the original. After a little conversation with the first owner we have figured out that the profile is a little bit oversized for Swede 55, he says that it is dimensioned for the Swede 75.

We have refurbished the original Treadmaster with Treadcote paint with very nice result. You need about 1,5 litre.

The boat is berthed on the swedish east coast, in a small town called Valdemarsvik.

Give you some more pics.

Sincerely Jens

Attached Files

•  SLF004.jpg   225.33K   35 downloads
•  SLF005.jpg   243.78K   58 downloads
•  SLF007.jpg   240.33K   60 downloads

[Slowboat]

Great to see another Swede 55 owner (and boat) here.

This was taken last Wednesday night in one of our beer can PHRF races. Yes, poor Rosina is very dirty. No backstay is fast, but I didn't realize just how far foward the mast was...

 Swede-Downwind_2.jpg   337.73K   50 downloads

[Slanka Frun]

Strange how the boat tends to get dirty... Took a swim and cleaned the waterline last Friday.

See you have a Gennaker, got one too but I don't use it very much. Prefer the Spin (when I got enough crew). My sail wardrobe contains 1 main (46 sqm), 1 ST-Fock (32 sqm), 1 Genua (48 sqm), 1 Jib-Top (72 sqm), 1 Gennaker (95 sqm), 1 Spin (117 sqm). The Main, ST-Fock and Genua is from 2010, the other ones is from 1999.

It would have been nice to get rid of the backstays...

Great to see another Swede 55 owner (and boat) here.

This was taken last Wednesday night in one of our beer can PHRF races. Yes, poor Rosina is very dirty. No backstay is fast, but I didn't realize just how far foward the mast was...

 Swede-Downwind_2.jpg   337.73K   50 downloads

[Zebra]

Hello Jens,

one or two Swede 55 sailors extended the rig by riveting a slightly longer lower section to the junction (the original Selden Spar consists of two parts) thus extending the mast a little. Lifting the lower spreader slightly. Seems to be a economic way to give the boat a little more sailarea. As far as I know this was done at "Elisa", Swede 55 no. 3. Moving the headstay forward on the deck seems a common option.

Yes, the mast is pretty heavy (100 kgs bare tube weight plus standing and runnig rigging, alltogether 150 kgs). On the other hand it is rigid, withstands common mistakes in handling and lasts forever wich I do find beneficial.

Valdemarsvik is close to where all the 55s were built. Seems it takes a while to get to the sea. Beautiful waters!

Some day I would like to sail to Västervik.

Jens, do you know other Swede 55 sailors in sweden? There is one I know of in Västervik. It is number 21, she used to bear the name "Viveka" and later "Sparnoccio" and she came a couple of years ago from he south.

Your treadmaster looks quite good. Mine is pretty much worn (UV- light, abrasion etc). Did you start with the Treadmaster cleaner and then applying the Treadcote? I have mixed experience with such miraculous chemicals, therefore I am still reluctant.

Another sailing shot from July this year.

Sailors greeting to the east cost of Sweden

Best, Zebra

Attached Files

•  Swede 55 July 2011.jpg   123.75K   11 downloads

[Slanka Frun]

Hi Zebra!

Interesting to hear the information about the spar. Our headstay has been moved forward by a former owner. If you some day are planning a trip to the Swedish east coast please get in touch! It would be nice to see you, share experiences and take a look on each other boats!

About other 55 sailors in Sweden I took in the Swedish sailing association "Svenska kryssarklubben" boat register I found following boats:

No 18 - Skuggfaxe (former So Long Resarö), berthed in Vaxholm (outside Stockholm)
No 30 - Fast Lane, berthed in Nacka (Stockholm). The boat former owner was Crister Bäckström. New owner is Angelo Morano
Alda (no production number is registred. Produktion year is 1977). Berted outside Turku in Finland. Winner of the "Gotland Runt" Offshore race in 2008
Swede 75 No 2 - Stina, berthed in Bankeryd (Lake Vättern)

There should also be one Swede 55 in Norrköping that's been under a bigger recondition for several years. My boat owner friend has tried to get in touch with him for several years but has failed.

The former owner of No 30, Crister Bäckström, made a list of Swede 55 boats that he had idenitifed on the Internet back in 2002. Boats mentioned there which I can't find in this topic is:

No 12 - Excalibur, berthed in Chesapeake Bay, USA
No ? - Susaija, berthed somewhere in Finland
No ? - Scirocco, berthed somewhere in Sweden
No ? - Mystic, berthed in Block Islands Great Salt Pond, USA
No ? - Santé, berthed in Montpellier Golfe Juan
No ? - As, berthed in Marseille, France
No 10 - Vilda Matilda, berthed somewhere in Sweden
No ? - Hera, observed in Villamoura Portugal
No ? - Kaniga
No ? - Sirilois, observed at the Azores, Portugal

If you want to track more Swede 55 owners is a tip to contact sailmakers in Sweden. Give you a list of sailmakers which could help you:

www.royalmarin.se (situated in Västervik)
www.hamelsails.se
www.lundhsails.se
www.boding.se
www.northsails.se

About our Treadmaster - we just cleaned with dishwashing fluid, a stiff brush and then rinsed with lots of water. Let it dry properly. Do accurate masking around the mat you want to paint, it's hard to get rid of the paint if it gets on the wrong place. Use a small roller to apply the paint.

Hope you get a nice sailing autumn!

Regards Jens

Hello Jens,

one or two Swede 55 sailors extended the rig by riveting a slightly longer lower section to the junction (the original Selden Spar consists of two parts) thus extending the mast a little. Lifting the lower spreader slightly. Seems to be a economic way to give the boat a little more sailarea. As far as I know this was done at "Elisa", Swede 55 no. 3. Moving the headstay forward on the deck seems a common option.

Yes, the mast is pretty heavy (100 kgs bare tube weight plus standing and runnig rigging, alltogether 150 kgs). On the other hand it is rigid, withstands common mistakes in handling and lasts forever wich I do find beneficial.

Valdemarsvik is close to where all the 55s were built. Seems it takes a while to get to the sea. Beautiful waters!

Some day I would like to sail to Västervik.

Jens, do you know other Swede 55 sailors in sweden? There is one I know of in Västervik. It is number 21, she used to bear the name "Viveka" and later "Sparnoccio" and she came a couple of years ago from he south.

Your treadmaster looks quite good. Mine is pretty much worn (UV- light, abrasion etc). Did you start with the Treadmaster cleaner and then applying the Treadcote? I have mixed experience with such miraculous chemicals, therefore I am still reluctant.

Another sailing shot from July this year.

Sailors greeting to the east cost of Sweden

Best, Zebra

[kimbottles]

I used to own Swede 55 Hull 34 built in 1984. I was under the impression she was the last of the original 55's built.

I sold her in about year 2000.

I understand she is now in San Francisco area and has the name "Kyte" and has been repainted dark blue.

Here is a picture of her under her original color and name "Die Nadel" (sorry about my kid blocking the shot, but it is the only electronic picture I have of her.)

Attached Files

•  derek.JPG   333.78K   54 downloads

[Slowboat]

We are finally up to speed this year, and having a great time with Rosina. We managed a 3rd last night, but it was in puffy 10-18 knot conditions. We went with the #2 and a full main. At times we had great speed, other times we were a bit over powered:

 lr_Wednesday Nights - 3888.jpg   449.11K   41 downloads


We have had better luck in our Weekend distance races. Currently first in our class (A-Class), and 3rd overall in the Spinnaker division.

[Slanka Frun]

Well done Slowboat! The Swede 55 combined with a entusiastic crew is tough to beat under the right conditions!

I saw that you have installed a new mainsheet traveler system. What is your experience of that? Are you satisfied?

We are finally up to speed this year, and having a great time with Rosina. We managed a 3rd last night, but it was in puffy 10-18 knot conditions. We went with the #2 and a full main. At times we had great speed, other times we were a bit over powered:

 lr_Wednesday Nights - 3888.jpg   449.11K   41 downloads


We have had better luck in our Weekend distance races. Currently first in our class (A-Class), and 3rd overall in the Spinnaker division.

[Slanka Frun]

Lot's of pages in this topic right now. Interesting information from you! If we all work together maybe we can track down all the Swede 55's and make a register to see what's become with all of them?

I used to own Swede 55 Hull 34 built in 1984. I was under the impression she was the last of the original 55's built.

I sold her in about year 2000.

I understand she is now in San Francisco area and has the name "Kyte" and has been repainted dark blue.

Here is a picture of her under her original color and name "Die Nadel" (sorry about my kid blocking the shot, but it is the only electronic picture I have of her.)

[Zebra]

Hello Jens,



this is the start of a condensed boat list with inevitable gaps, including rumors and guesses. Sweden, Finland, Norway to begin with:



The fraternity of Swede 55 aficionados spread over many countries is welcome to help to update and make necessary adjustments.



The design is signed by Knud Reimers in June 1975. Production must have been started in 1976 with the first boats delivered in 1977 and stopped in autumn 1979 with boat no 27 and others delivered in spring 1980, plus one hull for „Susaija".



Please note the boat list contains all Swede 55 variations, no matter there were called „Swede 75", „Swede 75 special" or „Swede 52", the boat with the mahogany superstructure („Susaija") or the cold moulded replica built in the US.





Twelve/thirtheen boats in Sweden?

- No 2 „Slanka Frun" ex. „Immola" ex. „Swedeheart" built 1977

- No 3 „Elisa" red hull, spar extended two metres, built 1977

- No 4 „Sweda" ex. „Prillan" from 1977, berthed Tyresö

- No 10 „Vilda Mathilda" built 1977, is or used to be in Stockholm waters

- No 15 „Scirocco" presumably built in 1987, now in Solna Sweden?

- No 18 „Skuggfaxe" ex. „So Long" ex „Columella II" presumbly buit in 1978, berthed in Vaxholm/Stockholm waters

- No 20 previously named „Viveka" then „Sparnoccio" now in Västervik (white hull, added jumper struts in the top)

- No 30 „Fast Lane" built in 1983, now in Nacka/Stockholm

- another Swede 55 in Norrköping for reconditioning (?)

- „Swede 75 special" named „Birgit" berthed at GKSS Lagedrag/Gothenburg

- Swede 75 no. 2 „Stina" ex. „Universal Heartbeat" came via UK, northern Germany back to Sweden, berthed Bankeryd/Lake Vättern

- another Swede 75/52 built in 1998

- one Swede 52 built in Gotland in 2006/07





two Swede 55 in Finland

There is a modified Swede 55 with wooden superstructure and shorter spar now named „Quintus" ex. „Suveren", ex. „Susaija", sailnumber L 5155. Apparently a pretty and well kept boat. Foto enclosed.



Boat no 5 „Alda", now sailnumber FIN 10481, previously in Sweden, white hulled, built 1977, berthed Turku waters



one Swede 55 in Norway

boat no S 8 (ex. „Geila III", Stockholm waters) came via Oslo to Etne/Bergen. Sail Number NOR 9091, name „Axe".




More Swede 55 mania to follow.





Best





Zebra

Attached Files

•  Swede 55 Quintus.jpg   434.79K   61 downloads

[tinke]

Yes, there are two swede 55's in Finland:

Boat no 5 „Alda"
and
Boat no 21, Carina, which is ours and placed in Helsinki, Suomenlinna

Quintus was sold to Sweden in 2008, but had a litlle accident in rough weather when sailing back to Sweden.
The boat
Location


br, Tinke

[Zebra]

ref. "Carina"

Hello Tinke,



some late afternoon in the mid eighties, when approaching the port of El Kantaoui in Tunisia (North Africa) I was surprized to note a Swede 55 named „Carina“ standing high and dry next to the gasoline station. It was quite an experience to find such a particular boat, in my mind the essence of scandinavian yachting culture, in this part of the world with a lot of sand, camels and tourists looking for sun. She had a white, the original gelcoat hull, then.




She belonged to Olof Hildebrand (who invented and developed the Swede 55) and had kept her for a while in the Adriatic before moving to Tunisia with the attempt to build a „Super Swede 53“ (a Peter Norlin design).



From the mid eigthies to the mid nineties, „Carina“ was owned by a swiss gentleman, who had her berthed at the Balearic Islands (Ibiza or Mallorca). Later in the nineties she was brought to the Adriatic sea by her third owner and then went to the fancy Port Grimaud at Cote d’ Azur in the hands of her fourth (a german) owner.



Apart from the inevitable work to keep a 34 year old fibreglass boat with decades in the med, are you happy with „Carina“?



It would be nice to see fotos of her today.



Best, Zebra



Enclosed a shot taken in June this year with a lot of overcast, as common this summer with mixed conditions and – yes – occasionally even sun

Attached Files

•  Swede 55 June 11.JPG   159.42K   10 downloads

[tinke]

Hello all,

thank you, Zebra, for information of Carina. Olof took the boat to the Med in 1979, kept mainly in Cannes. Then the boat was until 1994 in Ibiza, where Carina was more or less a sailing toy. The owner, a Swiss industrialist, had a bigger boat (a Jongert) for serious business. Then Carina was a couple of years in Ravenna and in 1996 the fourth owner (Mr. German) bought it. He made a major refit in 1996/97 at Pier 12, including teak deck and blue hull. The boat was kept in Port Grimaud until we saw it in the Yacht World web-site, Feb 2009.

We knew that it is not very wise to buy a boat from the Med. But if you have owned S-30, when you'll naturally buy a Swede 55 for next boat. So, we went to Port Grimaud in Apr 2009 to check the boat. There was some osmosis problem in the hull, but still we made the deal.

We didn't notice then the leakage problems caused by the teak deck and not properly installed chain plates and bolts. As I wrote before (Sep 2009), our trip back to Finland ended in Portugal and the boat was transported by the truck to Finland. One could say that it wasn't very wise to buy a boat from Med.

Lots of renovations have been made during last year, as you can see from the pics below. The boat will go back to water next spring.

br, Tinke

Attached Files

•  IMG_2327.jpg   181.65K   53 downloads
•  swede 01.jpg   188.27K   68 downloads
•  swede55_30-06-2009.jpg   231.97K   61 downloads
•  Swede lavetilla.jpg   44.96K   65 downloads
•  24082009(041).jpg   229.22K   94 downloads
•  pohja_01.jpg   130.67K   95 downloads

[tinke]

continues

Attached Files

•  pohja.jpg   180.45K   27 downloads
•  perasimen kohta.jpg   161.72K   31 downloads
•  pultit_01.jpg   240.17K   32 downloads
•  pultit_02.jpg   259.92K   31 downloads
•  IMG_0012.jpg   84.11K   25 downloads

[tinke]

and more ...

And one picture of our mahogany dragon (1966).

Attached Files

•  iphone 008.jpg   81.01K   45 downloads
•  iphone 075.jpg   84.6K   54 downloads
•  iphone 084.jpg   76.81K   54 downloads
•  iphone 126.jpg   47.33K   67 downloads
•  louhi_01.jpg   113.26K   68 downloads

[hyderally]

Boat of a similar type - the BB 10 meter. Here is mine with an asym up last weekend. Great singlehanded or with minimal crew.

Attached Files

•  bb10small.jpg   95.54K   21 downloads

[tinke]

still some pics of fiber works ...

Attached Files

•  IMG_2096.jpg   60.15K   38 downloads
•  IMG_2077.jpg   73.98K   42 downloads
•  IMG_3584.jpg   85.63K   38 downloads
•  IMG_3590.jpg   74.75K   38 downloads
•  IMG_3577.jpg   70.96K   36 downloads
•  IMG_2274.jpg   86.79K   34 downloads
•  IMG_3625.jpg   109.71K   37 downloads
•  IMG_3875.jpg   81.9K   34 downloads
•  IMG_3889.jpg   52.62K   32 downloads
•  IMG_3633.jpg   44.41K   31 downloads
•  IMG_3903.jpg   106.87K   29 downloads
•  IMG_3911.jpg   72.74K   24 downloads

[Zebra]

Hello Tinke,



after all you went through, you deserve many happy seasons with „Carina“. Puuh. Some yars ago I sanded several layers of antifouling down to the gelcoat and covered with Epoxy treatment. Awful times. I have kind of an idea of what you were facing.



At least, you had the Dragon to recover from those dusty and nasty jobs.



Due to the new engine bed laminated into the bottom, I assume you installed a new engine? I guess you put in a way lighter Yanmar (copared to the original Volvo)? Which engine did you choose?



I still have the original Vovo MD 17C. Single circle sea water cooling replaced decades ago by fresh water cooling (the original Volvo kit) seems to have been wise.

Apart from an occasional reluctance to start second after the engine has run shortly, the good old Volvo works nice.



The boat is even more elegant with the dark blue hull.



Regarding the shape of your rudder, you should have asked me for giving you the ideal NACA profile.





To continue with the Swede 55 fleet spread over the countries, today Denmark an GB:





three Swede 55 in Denmark

DEN 14 „Calypso“, ex „Santé Montpellier“ ex „As“ (used to have the sail number FRA 16232, presumably boat no 14) is now in Skive, Limfjord, northern Denmark (refurbuished, sprayed gelcoat, teak deck, mahogany foot rail etc done by Vaerfted Skive, white hull).



DEN 25 „Es“ ex „Kaniga“ (previosly berthed in Kiel Schilksee, then Kopperby/Schlei) is now at Oresund (Rungsted or nearby) Denmark (refurbuished, sprayed desk and hull, teak deck, mahogany foot rail etc, refit done by Vaerfted Skive, white hull).



DEN 6 „So Long“ (presumably boat no 6) used to be in Espoo/Finland (sail number L 1085), until mid nineties, then had two german owners, berthed in Kiel. She is now in Thuro/Svendborg waters (Denmark) hull sprayed dark blue.





two Swede 55 in England

US – GBR 15 named „Lotus“ (presumably boat no 15, previously named „Tiara“ (not sure) came as deck cargo from the eastern seaboard of the US to the south coast of England (white hull).

GBR 26 named „Valhall“ is moored on the Itchen River/Southampton. Boat had initially a german owner who sold her somewhat soon in Guernsey.





More Swede 55 mania to follow



Best, Zebra

[Punga Cove]

Hi!

Would you please help me identifying the make/model of the boat on the pictures below? It is currently sailed on Lake Balaton, Hungary, but it also has a German (maybe Bodensee?) license number on its bow. Can it be an S30, or S40? Is this a Swedish boat, or maybe a Beck und Söhne? I found pics of many similar boats on the internet, but none of them were an exact match.

Thanks in advance!

Punga Cove

Attached Files

•  antal1.jpg   121.82K   56 downloads
•  antal2.jpg   211.13K   59 downloads

[moody frog]

Hi!

Would you please help me identifying the make/model of the boat on the pictures below? It is currently sailed on Lake Balaton, Hungary, but it also has a German (maybe Bodensee?) license number on its bow. Can it be an S30, or S40? Is this a Swedish boat, or maybe a Beck und Söhne? I found pics of many similar boats on the internet, but none of them were an exact match.

Thanks in advance!

Punga Cove

The sail number might have been a clue, but ......
The following source: Schärenkreuzer Klasse shows photographs of a pretty different boat for GER 108, it might well be 2nd hand sails.

Let me say that you are pretty lucky to live near Lake Balaton which is a "living museum" of the Skerry Cruisers.
I had the luck to do business there in the early 90's just after the "change" and will never forget the sight of the neglected but sound pre-war SKs in the Balatonfüred shipyard, including, of course, the mighty 75s.
There were sailors around (now in their 60s) who had been active in the post-war years and some may know the boat, may be you can find them.

For you the SKs on Balaton in 1934! (in front of Tihany church is it ?)

Attached Files

•  12-05-03_Balaton1934.png   219.85K   20 downloads

[Punga Cove]

Hi!

Would you please help me identifying the make/model of the boat on the pictures below? It is currently sailed on Lake Balaton, Hungary, but it also has a German (maybe Bodensee?) license number on its bow. Can it be an S30, or S40? Is this a Swedish boat, or maybe a Beck und Söhne? I found pics of many similar boats on the internet, but none of them were an exact match.

Thanks in advance!

Punga Cove

The sail number might have been a clue, but ......
The following source: Schärenkreuzer Klasse shows photographs of a pretty different boat for GER 108, it might well be 2nd hand sails.

Let me say that you are pretty lucky to live near Lake Balaton which is a "living museum" of the Skerry Cruisers.
I had the luck to do business there in the early 90's just after the "change" and will never forget the sight of the neglected but sound pre-war SKs in the Balatonfüred shipyard, including, of course, the mighty 75s.
There were sailors around (now in their 60s) who had been active in the post-war years and some may know the boat, may be you can find them.

For you the SKs on Balaton in 1934! (in front of Tihany church is it ?)

Thnaks for the photo! Yes, there are some really nice classic skerry cruisers on the Balaton, 22s, 30s, 40s and a few 75s. Fortunately, many of them have been beautifully renovated after the "change". If you are interested, check out

http://www.nemereii.hu/gallery.html

and

http://sirocco.mcorp.hu/20090630_izsak_szabolcs_emlekverseny?pic=7#galeria

of two beautiful 75s that are actively raced on the lake.

The boat I posted the pictures about is a relative newcomer to the lake compared to the old classics, and is a kind of rarity here. So far I found contradicting info about its origins (year built - 1973 or 1990s?, builder - Fisksätra Varv or Beck und Sohne or an other shipyard?, and its type - s30 or s40?) on the web in Hungary.

Thanks anyway.

[Zebra]

Punga Cove,

an S30 cruising squaremetre hull is 12,50 x 2,50. Does this match to the boat concerned?

I suggest to check with the 30 sqm class association: www.sk30.com
or Beck & Soehne: www.bootswerft-beck.de

Beck and Soehne used to build S30s and a larger Version, the Beck 40 cruising sqm type: 13 x 2,80 m

Check with their website.

Due to the superstructure I presume it is either a modified S30, a 40 cruising sqm or an amateur built boat - perhaps coming from Sweden.

Good luck and best

Zebra

[Zebra]

A foto and drawing of another Knud H. Reimers designed cruising squaremetreboat, named S40 and built by Beck & Söhne in Southern Germany: LOA 13 m, similar to the S30 series production boat in fibreglass (12,50 m LoA).

Note the Reimers deckshouse with the raised aft end of the superstructure. This particular boat was ordered without coaming and aft cabin.

Attached Files

•  S40 Lake Konstanz 2011.jpg   124.67K   28 downloads
•  S40 drawing.jpg   151.95K   24 downloads

[HASYB]

A Reimers Jubileums 40 in Sweden.

http://www.blocket.s...3.htm?ca=11&w=3

Attached Files

•  Jubileums 40 1.jpg   19.13K   28 downloads
•  Jubileums 40 2.jpg   20.07K   46 downloads
•  Jubileums 40 3.jpg   60.39K   41 downloads

[b green]

Kyte for sale in Santa Barbara CL for $96000. Dec 10. Looks in good shape.

[Bebert]

 I would like to know more information about former Die Nagel,now called Kyte.Can you tell me how the Swede 55 sails under bad weather.Thank you for your answer.Bebert

I used to own Swede 55 Hull 34 built in 1984. I was under the impression she was the last of the original 55's built.

I sold her in about year 2000.

I understand she is now in San Francisco area and has the name "Kyte" and has been repainted dark blue.

Here is a picture of her under her original color and name "Die Nadel" (sorry about my kid blocking the shot, but it is the only electronic picture I have of her.)