The 1930s era saw the birth of the Js - one of the greatest sailing Classes ever created.
Just 10 yachts were constructed, six in the USA and four in England. There were other designs produced but not built. During this period there were never more than four J yachts racing together.
Only three originals survived the Second World War - Shamrock V, Endeavour and Velsheda. They rested and rotted in mud berths, until their rebuild and rebirth as 21st Century racing superyachts.
With the formation of the J Class Association (JCA) in 2000, the possibility existed for replicas from history to be built and race again. New yachts have been launched and some are under construction.
Most of these projects are expected to be completed by 2012, creating a fleet of the biggest, finest racing yachts the world has ever seen. Rainbow is expected to launch in 2011 and could line up against Endeavour, repeating the historic races for the America’s Cup of 1934.
Southampton, Shamrock Quay, the Hamble River, Gosport, Cowes and the Solent all feature prominently in the rich history of this Class.
ABOUT THE YACHTS
No other class requires a crew 30 plus experienced sailors, handling more than 10,000 square feet of sail, driving a 200 ton hull at 16 knots around the course.
In the 1930s they were the ultimate racing yachts. Now, with advanced rigging, hydraulics, carbon masts, composite ropes and electronic navigation systems, the new Js still represent the most demanding yachts in the world. Sailors just off TP52s, Volvo and America’s Cup yachts declare their awe at the power, loadings, size, skill and management required to race these monsters, which are around 40 metres (140 feet) long and have a draft of 5 metres (16 feet).
Changing a genoa on a downwind leg takes 10 minutes and commits almost all the crew to lift and reposition sails, making every tactical decision critical. Yet these yachts are incredibly manoeuverable, making them probably the ultimate racing yacht.
And with no guard rails, spectacular to watch.
THE SOLENT
Probably the best known base for yachting in the world and the start of the America’s Cup,
the Solent was “home waters” of British J Class racing during the 1930s due to the varied weather and challenging tidal conditions.
THE J-CLASS REGATTA
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RSYC'S
RACING EXPERIENCE
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