1. I want to talk to someone about the Class before I buy my plans, but there is no email or contact address on the website. What can I do and who do I talk to?

Please go to the Class Globe 5.80 Facebook page and leave a message there. Admin will answer your questions as soon as possible. If you have questions about the building, you can go to the Globe 5.80 forum posts on the 5.80 website and leave questions there. A current builder or admin may answer your questions.

2. Approx how long will the Globe 5.80 take to build?  

Each builder will work at a different speed. Indeed, some will not rush and building itself can be quite satisfying. Not including the mast, keel and handrails pushpit, and pullpit (usually contracted to a specialist, but possible for the owner to build) and allowing for standard fit-out, electrical and simple paint job, the average person could expect to build everything else including all deck gear etc. in approx. 500-550 hours.

With a helper it will be faster? It is more efficient to work many days a week, rather than weekends or nights after work, but all is achievable, and you can feel proud of your ultimate efforts. Building the Globe 5.80 uses the most BASIC form of construction that exists, simple, strong and with epoxy finishes and good maintenance will last probably longer than you. You can see all the usual build process by reading the SETKA A BLOGS.

3. How do I order my plans for the Class Globe 5.80?

On the Class Globe 5.80 website there is a link to the shop. You place the order and make the required payment. Once payment is received you are issued an Official Registration Number for your set of plans. Your plans and construction detail will be sent to you. You then need to read carefully, make a grid, then transfer the full-size frame patterns on the floor or a board. You have a license to build only one hull.

4. I do not want to write a blog showing others what I am doing, nor take photos of my work. What happens if I do not do the blog? 

You must make a blog so that the designer and CM5.80A can keep an eye on work to ensure it is being built to original spec. It also helps promote the Class. If you do not make a blog with photos, you will not be able to register the boat as a Class Globe 5.80.

5. I will only go micro cruising and club racing, so will not register my boat with the CM580A, but may want to do one 5.80 Transat in four years, so will join the class then. Is that ok?

No. If you do not initially register your 5.80 with the CM5.80A from the beginning, you can never in the future re-register it as a Class Globe 5.80. So best to build it to Class Rules, register, then if you like, let the registration lapse. But then you can re-register when you’re ready to do a 5.80 Transat at any time in the future. 

6. Our local club/sailing school/group of friends is planning to build three boats together at the same time. Can we get a discount by buying three plan sets?

It is a great idea to join up with another builder, or group to build your boats together. It makes all processes much easier and faster, sharing tools and ideas and encouraging each other, plus is is great fun and keeps the enthusiasm strong. There are no discounts for buying multiple plan sets together. We are not making money by selling plans.

7. I just want to buy one, not build one! What do I do? 

Buy a set of plans and find a local timber builder in your area. Our 5.80 CNC kit suppliers will happily build your hull and deck. You can ask for a sail away price, or get him to build everything except mast, rigging and sails and trailer which you can shop around for. They are easy to ship in a container, so could be built in another country. We have had contact from various builders keen to build a boat for you. Labour rates vary from €15 to €60 an hour depending on the country it is built in and remember if you ship one you will need to pay duty and VAT as well as shipping. 

8. How can we start a National Association in my country?

There is a whole section on this website explaining how. Once you have at least three builders confirmed in your country with the hull and decks all plated, then moves can be made to establish a National Class Globe 5.80 Association. You first need to notify the International CM5.80C Association of your intention and seek their support for you to do that, by filling out a questionnaire that includes a requirement for references from 4 other sailors, detailing key people involved and making a formal application for approval. The CM5.80C will then make a public announcement that a National Class Association is about to be formed in that country, by the people involved and seeking any comments from sailors for one month. If you are then approved, you will be given advice and assistance in the process. Then you need to notify all involved that a meeting will be held to appoint the initial committee members which starts the process. 

9. How do we organise our own Class Globe 5.80 races in my country?

First you need to form a National Association, or you can join an existing yacht club and see if they will make a special Class Globe 5.80 division in their existing club races. They will be happy to have new members. Some event organisers have already approached us to welcome Globe 5.80 skippers.

10. When and how do I get the Class Globe 5.80 flag, mainsail and hull official class logos?

Once you have completed your Class Globe 5.80 registration forms and inspections, your yacht will be CONFIRMED registered as an official Globe 5.80. Then you may order you class flag and two mainsail logos and two hull logos. To be delivered by international EMS Post.

11. Will there be any official Class Globe 5.80 merchandise available to buy?

Yes, there will be hats, T-shirts and stickers to be announced on the website soon. National Associations will also be allowed to develop Class Globe 5.80 merchandise for sale locally.

12. The HIGH VIS cabin sides are bright. Do I still have to use high vis orange, pink or yellow on cabin sides?

Yes, for safety reasons this is mandatory for all boats. 

13. I am a stainless steel worker and want to make my own rudder gudgeons-pintles, chain-plates and stem head-bowsprit fitting. Is this ok?

No. You MUST buy and use the official set provided by Class Globe 5.80 to ensure they are strong and efficient and have your plan number engraved to identify your boat.

14. Can I build my own keel and lead bulb?

Yes, if you are a good metal worker. It is very simple engineering but must be done well. You can also make your own lead bulb mould and cast it, to bolt to the plate, but you may find another builder close by, who already has a mould you could hire? Usually it is best to give the plan to a specialist metal worker to make the keel fabrication and once the welds have been inspected, have it hot-dip galvanized, or painted, then you could fit the Lead Bulb and finally have it weighed. You can see all the typical tasks of building the keel on the SETKA A BLOGS.

15. When and how do I have the keel inspected and who must do that?

All welds and bolts must be inspected by a ‘certified’ welder and confirmed as ‘built to plan’. Bulb must be weighted by certified and calibrated scales and signed off by an independent surveyor ‘approved’ by the CM580A and all details noted on the KEEL INSPECTION FORM sent to the CM5.80A.

16. Can I build my own mast and boom?

Yes, you can. Recommended mast, boom sections sizes are in the plans as an example and at least two others will be approved for your country eventually with the final section sizes choice up to the owner. All lengths are specifically controlled and will be measured. Primary mast fitting and boom fittings are included with the plans to build your own mast so any competent stainless steel worker can make those fittings locally. You can add extra running and standing rigging. 

17. What is the best PLYWOOD to use?

It must be a Certified Marine Grade Plywood with laminations NOT larger than 1.5mm and you will be required to show the make and grade on your registration forms. All details are on the materials section of the website.

18. How can I be sure my watertight door will be watertight?

You need to check it is ridged, has many good closures to spread the load on the gasket and strong secure hinges. Buying a production brand 50 x 50 deck hatch is one good alternative. It needs to be airtight!

19. Can I make the boat unsinkable with foam flotation?

Yes. The three main watertight compartments will assist keeping the boat afloat in a bad situation, but positive foam flotation is possible. You will need about 1.2 cubic metres of foam inside the boat, including the foam crash box. See the calculations on the website. It will mean filing the aft lockers and under the cockpit, but also leaving space to access all bolts. You will also need to fill a large part of the forward compartment. This is NOT a requirement of the One Design Rules. 

20. Why do I need a foredeck hatch and deck hatch aft of the mast?

It helps with ventilation in port, but also allows access to the forward compartment for safety reasons when the watertight door is shut. The standard forward hatch allows for average body build. If you’re bigger you may need a bigger hatch. The small hatch by the mast allows you to view the mast from below. You must also have at least two 7.5cm seagoing closing vents in the boat.

21. Can I modify the companionway hatch and fit a spray dodger?

Yes, the entry below can be modified but the lower point of access in the cockpit must NOT be lower than is drawn, and the closing lock must work from inside and outside and be watertight and secured so it cannot fall overboard.

22. Can I raise the bunks to make bigger lockers and alter the galley chart table?  

Yes. But the main structure and position of bunk risers and chart galley area cannot be changed, as they assist the structural strength.

23. Do I have to have opening ports, or can I just make bigger fixed windows?

Opening ports are optional and windows can be any size up to maximum shown on plans.

24. How and when do I need to weigh the boat to check minimum weight and who do I use?

When all the timber work is complete, all plywood secure and glass/epoxy cover finished and hatch and window cut outs done, but not including bunk lids or sole but including all water tight bulkheads. The boat needs to be weighed with calibrated scales and observed by an independent third party or marine surveyor and photos and full report HULL WEIGHING FORM filled out and returned to the CM5.80A.

25. I want to put an extra full glass epoxy layer on the hull and deck and make some extra plywood strengthening, is this allowed?

Yes, but not recommended. Remember the standard boat has already been designed to sail with a sensible captain, in a seamanlike manner across oceans, so do not make the boat too heavy.

26. I want to use thicker plywood for the hull forward and on the bottom and increase the size of the stringers. Is this allowed?

It is NOT recommended. A boat can become too heavy and there is a maximum allowed weight for some events, as a heavy boat does not perform well in big seas.

27. What size blocks and deck fittings should I use?

You can see the suggested Plastimo EU part numbers for some items as a guide, but the final decision will be up to the you.

28. The twin transom lifting dagger-boards seem like a good idea, but they are not on the construction plans. Should I build them and if so how?

Owners may build dagger boards for balancing the boat at various points of sail. This is a customisation up to owners’ discretion and talent. You may find others on the 5.80 Builder’s Forum who can make suggestions and even share plans of the ones they have built. It will help handling and performance in some conditions. The reason they are not standard, is you need to research their use and operation to fully benefit. Start learning and have fun building and designing what you think is best.

29. The South Atlantic servo pendulum wind-vane looks great, but I cannot afford that. Can I make my own?

Yes, you can and there is great experience with this in the current SETKA community of builders and a Facebook page for homebuilt self-steering wind-vanes.

30. My sailmaker can build a bigger roach mainsail and a bigger asymmetric spinnaker. Is this allowed?

No. The sail dimensions are strictly controlled by the 5.80 Class and will need to be measured to confirm compliance. Your sail maker should also sign a declaration to you confirming that. You should be very clear about giving the correct dimensions to the sail maker.

31. The storage position for the life raft is shown in three different positions. Where is best?

If you store the raft below, only one raft is approved by the CM5.80A. The special order Plastimo Classe Mini 6.50 valise raft. If you store outside any raft brand is ok. Storage position is your choice.

32. Some Class Globe 5.80 events will have a maximum departure weight restriction on entrants to ensure the 5.80 is not too heavy. What is maximum all up weight and how is that measured? 

The maximum weight declared for an event will depend on the event and class. There may be a two handed and solo class in that event. Sea trials will be made with 5.80 Hull 01 to determine maximum weights. It may be approximately 1200kg. When building the 5.80, it will be a requirement to fit the top rudder gudgeon and pintle set at a specific design height above DWL. The same for the lower part of the bob stay fitting on the bow. At the start of an event, if max weight restrictions apply, when the 5.80 is fully loaded with two or one crew onboard, the static waterline position fore and aft will be measured from those two points and must be above the water level. If the 5.80 is too heavy this will not be the case, and something will need to be removed? NOT safety equipment or water. DO NOT BUILD YOUR Globe 5.80 TOO HEAVY.

33. In the Mini Globe Race 2025 there are six legs, many with PITSTOPS of a few days, up to one week. How does a PITSTOP work?

ALL DETAILS ON THE MINI GLOBE RACE 2025 WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN NOV. 2020. Each LEG has a group start line and a finish line/port. During that leg, if there is a four-day pitstop at an island, you make your way to that designated island pit stop area as fast as you can and tie up or anchor. When you tie up, or anchor, the four-day clock starts. If you arrive at 2am in the morning and it is a four day pit stop, you must stop for minimum of four days and then you can pull up the anchor or drop the lines from the marina and set sail no earlier than exactly four days later, at 2am in the morning. This means every boat holds its relative position during the Pit Stop. You may use your electric engine only as per the Notice of Race.  

34. I would like to enter the MINI GLOBE RACE 2025 now. Can I do that?

No, but expressions of interest are now open. On the 1 November entries will open. You may then submit your Official Application for an Invitation to Enter the MGR. If granted a provisional entry make the entry fee payment of AU$2000. Only those who are building a Class Globe 5.80 are able to submit an Application for an Invitation to enter the MGR. You will also then need to meet all the entry requirements for the MGR to be announced in November 2020.   

35. The first 5.80 Transat is due to start in early November 2021. Where will it start and finish?

The start will be in Portugal (already a fair way south for more stable weather) and will stop in Madeira or Lanzarote in the Canary Islands, before heading to the finish in the Caribbean – maybe Antigua or Martinique. We will announce the course in November 2020. Expressions of interest are now open.    

36. I want to enter the 2021 Class Globe 5.80 Transat. When will applications open?

Final Notice of Race will be released in November 2020 and applications for an invitation to compete available then. This will be the first main event for the Class Globe 5.80 and will be staged in the true spirit of adventure and fun. Advice and suggestions will be given on how best to ship boats to the start and back from the finish. All Pre-Race and Post-Race events will be simple and fun. Remember, you will be creating history and you can live on your Globe 5.80 before and after the start. 

36. How much will it cost to build my Globe 5.80? 

This will vary greatly depending on how much work you do yourself and what country you live in, as materials prices can vary. You may also be able to do a deal with a supplier for extra discounts. The construction materials list are on the website. Print that out and get some quotes to give you an idea of budget. The Plastimo shopping list will give you suggestions of what fittings you can choose. Some will choose a lot, others will keep it simple and minimalist, but it is a good guide and again you can pick the things you want, make a list for your items and then give it to a supplier to quote, or suggest similar fittings and hardware.

Some could get sailing for around €12,000 others may spend double that easily. To enter the 5.80 Ocean Races, you will also need quite a bit of safety gear which will send it over €25-30,000 and again, just make a list of the items and give it to a supplier for a local quote. Every Globe 5.80 builder will run a blog, and many will list hours spent and the cost of buying bits, so very soon you will have real world answers. One thing is certain, BANG FOR BUCK is huge for the Class Globe 5.80!

37. I am planning to have a custom trailer build for my Class Globe 5.80. Are there any special considerations or tips and what size car should I tow with?

The most expensive trailer option is to fit the 5.80 with keel attached, mast support and utility box for gear, on a trailer with brakes. It is NOT oversize with width or length, so does not need permits to travel. The brakes will mean most small cars can tow the boat, trailer and gear onboard, as all up weight will still be less than 1350kg. Without breaks some small cars are often limited to 750kg. If you rarely use a trailer you could build a collapsible cradle designed to fit a standard car trailer. Then you can just hire a trailer when needed, put your cradle on the trailer, use it and then take the boat and cradle off and return the trailer. It also means then you have a cradle for boat yard storage anytime. With the keel and rudder removed, the skeg acts as a support for the hull keeping it level. You can design a lay flat support for the keel to sit on an ordinary trailer, then put the 5.80 hull on top supported by tires maybe and strapped down you’re ready to go. All it takes is some creative thinking!