Can anyone help find the first 5.5 Metre class racing yacht The Deb?

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1952_5.5m_race

5.5 Metres race at the Helsinki Olympics in 1952 (image taken from the Wikipedia)

British National Yachting Archive (BNYA) project officer David Elliott has been in touch to appeal for information about the 5.5 Metre racing yacht The Deb. Apparently she was last seen sailing with the Castle Cove Sailing Club, Weymouth.

A little investigation reveals that she is a particularly important 5.5 Metre. The International 5 Metre Class website reveals she was the first example of the class to be built in 1948 by Camper & Nicholson, and that since 1998 a cup named in her honour – The Deb Cup – has been presented to the winner of the first race in the world championships.

A Wikipedia entry for the 5.5 Metre class says that Charles Nicholson designed the 5.5 metre in 1937 as a cheaper alternative to the 6 Metre class.

If you have any information please contact David at david.elliott@bnya.org.uk or post it using the comment link below.