2005 505 Worlds
According to Team CSC

by Jesse Falsone

The CSC International 505 World Championship was a success by all measures (accept perhaps if you're still stewing about finishing first loser). The venue delivered in every conceivable way, the competition was awesome, there was a class record turnout, and everyone had a great time on and off the water. The German fleet should be commended for their efforts, which were Hurculean in organizing this championship. Not only were there more boats than ever, there were more social events, prizes, and general convenience for the competitors. It was a bit distracting for me to be mounting a serious campaign (with all the associated logistics and training), and be the main conduit between the regatta organizers and CSC. However, the regatta chairman, Jens Hufnagel, eased the burden on the sponsorship side, and numerous CSC personnel helped me on at the corporate level. Now, some of you might think we were trying to buy the championship title by also sponsoring Wolfgang Hunger and Holger Jess. OK, we were. I figured between the two of us, we were doubling our chances of winning the title. Still and all, most world champions will tell you that unless you have a major technical development, the best teams have a 10-20% chance of winning going into it. Since there are no major developments in the 505 class (at least none on par with I-14's), we were very lucky for the Team CSC boats to end up 1st and 2nd, with a great battle in the end. I'd be lying if I told you I envisioned a slightly different order of finishes. So, what can I tell you that you won't find in other publications, or read between the lines in other reports?

First, contrary to what I have read leading up to the championship, Warnemunde is a great venue, and can deliver big conditions. The day before we arrived, Team Pegasus was out training in 25-28 knots true wind, and huge waves from the Northwest. Philippe likened it to Santa Cruz. Now, we didn't get these conditions all the time during the worlds (as we had dreamed), but we did complete all nine races, which is more some past venues with stellar wind conditions can claim. We had our share of light and tricky conditions, but the virtual lack of any other boat traffic through the course, and the even current, made it very "raceable". The only obstruction seemed to be massive clumps of jellyfish slapping on the foils, but even these seemed to largely concentrate near shore, and away from the racing area.

We had 5 races in 10-20 knots of average wind, and that's not too shabby. I wish we had 9 races in 20-25, but hey, you don't even get that in Santa Cruz... I can also tell you that sailing in a huge fleet of 505's (170) is not a problem - that is unless you are slow or have a bad start! In the races where we had a decent start, you basically end up with clear air, competing against the same guys you see in a 100 boat fleet. However, in that light and moderate wind range, with boats largeley moving the same speed, a bad start can ruin you unless you possess some kind of Buchan-like tactical genius. Clear lanes in a fleet this size in light air can be impossible to find as the wind bends and distorts around massive packs. Get a bit behind, and forced to tack, and you just may find yourself going slow and low toward the wrong side of the course. I guess the key to sailing in a fleet this size is to get a good start and sail fast to the favored side - duh.

Having a jury on the course is a double-edged sword. Some people in the class don't believe the 505 class has a kinetics issue in general, and I would agree. However, sculling, rocking, and ooching do have an effect in light air. Pumping does not. Having the jury there in force DID allow for some on-the-spot Rule 42 enforcement that was warranted, and DID immediately place blame on some competitors taking a bit too much liberty at mark roundings. Indeed, there was some well-deserved instant justice in my opinion. My GermanTeam CSC mates will disagree! Apparently, they were flagged for pumping when Wolfie was trying to clear a tangled mainsheet around the boom. I will admit that no matter how well I think I know the pumping rule, I found myself sitting pretty still when the Jury boat appeared beside us, which happened a lot! We never got flagged though - maybe I wasn't pumping enough?

Some classes don't like it when some very wealthy people move in, and create an "unfair" playing field. This is not the case in the 505. We welcome all-comers, and the commaraderie is excellent no matter what your socio-economic standing. I think most 505 sailors will agree that we have benefitted immensely from the involvement of these individuals, and speaking for myself, I'm glad they are sailing in the class. If there was a "bang for gthe buck" quotient, I'm pretty sure a 505 ranks high above a new Code 0 for a maxi boat. Check out the smiles on some of their faces on the worlds web site!

The 50th Anniversary Ball (HSH Nordbak Night) was fantastic, with a great band, excellent fare, tons of beveridges, and some honored guests. I was privledged to meet Sir James Hardy, winner of the 1966 Worlds in which he nipped Elvstrom (sailing with Pip Pearson, who is still a great crew at 62). That noteriety propelled Jim on to the 1967 and 1970 America's Cup (Gretel I and Gretel II). Jim told me some great stories of those times. Jim was a real gentleman, and he gave a nice speach at the end when the former world champions is attendence were invited up. Elvstrom, now 78, was unable to attend due to some health issues with his wife. However, he did pass along his well-wishes to the class, which were displayed on an overhead projector. What else? There are some great looking German girls, even in the former East Germany. Some of them even sail 505's. If someone has a picture of that blond German hottie driver, please send it in! I was mezmerized. Everyone knows the beer is great in Germany, but the wine is also quite good. I had some great steak and fish, but I can't figure why Germans are so into this carbonated mineral water. It was difficult just to get regular water there without getting it from a tap. So, 50 years on, and the 505 World Championship is still going strong (stronger than ever some would argue). We have survived the skiff craze, and the general downturn in dinghy sailing since the 1980's. We have survived the "super boat" revolution, and changes to our measurement rules. Now, we look to prosper in the next 50 years, with wild reaches and big grins, and remain as the best high performance dinghy the world over.

On a personal note, I couldn't have asked for a better teammate in Mike Martin. This guy has a drive to win like nobody else I've sailed with. No stone was left un-turned with Mike. From boat work, to parts fabrication, to foil design, to regatta preparation, to all-out sailing your ass off, Mike is the best. Mike - I hope I have the priveledge of sailing with you again. To CSC - a company with people that believe in me more than I do myself at times - THANKS! I hope I can deliver some ROI for your investment, and also eventually bring back the world champions trophy in the future. Thanks also to our suppliers - Ronstan and Kaenon, for some great gear and hardware. Thanks to my friends for all their encouragement and well wishes (as my buddy, Josh, said "You can do EEEEEEEET!"). To my family, I love you. Go TEAM Falsone! Jesse Falsone Team CSC Sailing

For results and more photos visit the 2005 505 Championship website

To learn more about the 505 visit the International 505 website

29-Aug-2005