SPIRIT YACHTS TO BUILD ‘SUPER J’

SPIRIT YACHTS Ltd is proud to announce an historic collaboration with SPARKMAN & STEPHENS Inc to build a new J-Class yacht. This iconic new ‘J’ will be named ‘CHEVEYO’ (pronounced shu-Vay-o), a native American word meaning “spirit warrior.” Registered in the United States, the yacht will carry sail number J1.

CHEVEYO will be steeped in rich history, built to the RANGER 77B design. This is one of the original series of six designs submitted by Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens to Harold Vanderbilt for the 1937 America’s Cup defence.

In 1936, each of the six RANGER designs was extensively tank tested by Burgess and Stephens to select the optimum hull-form to defend the America’s Cup against the challenger ENDEAVOUR II, designed by Charles Nicholson.

Vanderbilt selected the ‘C’ version because it was found to have the best potential for racing solely in the sheltered waters off Newport RI. The ‘Super J’ RANGER was thus born, and went on to triumph decisively over ENDEAVOUR II in the 1937 series.

For 2012, S&S and Spirit Yachts have further evaluated the RANGER design series. The prestigious US-based design house conducted an in-depth survey of all of the original Burgess/Stephens J-Class lines in their library. These designs were optimized for two variables: Spirit Yachts’ advanced wood/composite construction techniques as well as for the more exposed conditions of today’s Classic regattas.

The RANGER 77B version was identified as the clear star.

CHEVEYO will marry the classic design of yachting’s golden era with modern build techniques of the 21st century. Spirit Yachts – the world’s foremost expert in sophisticated wood/epoxy construction – will build the ‘J’ using this sophisticated technique mated to laser cut stainless steel ring frames to create an exceptionally stiff yet lightweight hull. Spirit and S&S are currently finalising construction drawings suited to this superb wood/composite build system.

Bruce Johnson, President and Chief Designer of Sparkman & Stephens, observes:
“By utilizing the wood composite construction technique that Spirit Yachts has perfected over the years, CHEVEYO will break from the current norm of modern J’s aluminum construction and return to a more historically accurate construction method, albeit with the use of modern epoxies and laminating techniques to maintain a light-weight structure. As a further nod to historical accuracy, she will float on her lines as designed in 1936, not requiring the J-Class Association’s additional freeboard allowance, thus resulting in less wetted surface area.”

On deck, this new ‘Super-J’ will remain true to the beauty and grace of the original design. The authentic low-profile deckhouse has been retained, resulting in a clean, unobstructed working deck and an exquisitely beautiful sheerline. Complementing this heritage will be high-modulus carbon spars, carbon rigging, state of the art sails and all the modern sophistication of a contemporary performance yacht that will allow her to be raced competitively against any modern yacht and, most importantly, in the spectacular growing J-Class fleet. Authenticity continues below deck with a beautiful 1930’s-inspired interior that will offer excellent accommodation for up to ten guests in five handsomely appointed and comfortable cabins. There will also be excellent facilities for eight crew able to offer exceptional service from modern and well equipped 'hotel' facilities.

For nearly twenty years, Spirit Yachts has designed and built unparalleled modern classic yachts. Exquisite handcrafted wooden ships with simple elegance, exceptional performance and impeccable quality are the hallmarks of the firm, all of which will be exemplified by CHEVEYO.

Sean McMillan, Managing Director and Chief Designer at Spirit Yachts, notes:
“From the dawn of history, wood has been the finest material in which to build a boat and it remains so to this day. With modern advances in laminar wood technology, many of which have been pioneered by Spirit Yachts, we are now able to build complex sophisticated yachts with a strength-to-weight ratio earlier designers could only dream of. Imagine what Herreshoff would have achieved!”


“But beyond the very considerable structural advantages of wood, there is a 'soul' to a wooden yacht that cannot be replicated in steel or aluminium or carbon. Wood is a breathing organic material that creates an ambience of quiet comfortable calm with superb insulating qualities, both thermal and sound.”


“Because the hull structure of CHEVEYO will be built in wood/composite, the natural beauty of the wood will be celebrated below and there will be no need for heavy linings or insulation. The weight savings from this, and in the hull itself, translate directly into an increased ballast ratio resulting in further improved performance.”

The yacht has been commissioned by a US-based syndicate of investors and sailing enthusiasts. A driving force behind the project is the desire to experience the thrill and elegance of yesteryear’s yacht racing on a modern vessel with the essence of tradition.

Kevin Felix, Chairman of Spirit Yachts, commented:
“CHEVEYO will capture imaginations and evoke the romance and excitement of the finest expression of yacht design as epitomized by the J-Class. She blends contrasting elements of the old with the new, historic design with modern construction, and classic aesthetics with superior performance. There are no two firms better suited to realize CHEVEYO than Sparkman & Stephens and Spirit Yachts. We could not be happier with this partnership and relish the opportunity for Spirit Yachts to place its imprint on this classic J.”


“The yacht is reminiscent of the historic America’s Cup competition between England and the United States. From design through construction to eventual competition with her peers, CHEVEYO will espouse this history. Imagine: US sailors commissioning a British company to build a classic yacht from designs by an American firm that were originally created to compete against England in the America’s Cup – that is an impressive and somewhat ironic dynamic.”

The Spirit Yachts/Sparkman & Stephens ‘Super-J’ CHEVEYO will be the truest interpretation of the splendour of the J-Class for the modern age. Any yachting connoisseur will appreciate the care, effort and respect that has been demonstrated toward a yacht that is a jewel of the America’s Cup culture and reflects the very close history of competition between the US and the UK during the heyday of the J-Class era, which is once again flourishing in today’s modern age.

Holland Jachtbouw launches Rainbow

First J-class yacht with hybrid propulsion


Holland Jachtbouw has launched the J-class yacht Rainbow at its yard in the Netherlands. Based upon the lines of the original America’s Cup winner in 1934, this spectacular 40-metre J features a high-end superyacht interior and a unique hybrid propulsion and power system inside a racing boat hull, all topped off by a grand prix racing deck and rig. Rainbow is currently being stepped and sea trials will commence in March as she gears up to complete in this summer’s regattas, including the J-class races in England.

For her launch Rainbow was brought outside the ultra-modern main construction hall at Holland Jachtbouw, wheeled onto a barge and lifted by two cranes into the water. This sophisticated operation took full advantage of the yard’s rare capacity to launch vessels with a draught of five metres (Holland Jachtbouw can actually accommodate yachts of up to 5.5 metres draft and 65 metres in length).

“It is such a thrill to be able to fully appreciate a design that was last seen in the open almost eighty years ago,” says the yard’s co-director Tako van Ineveld. “This ‘new’ Rainbow took us over two years to build while her predecessor was completed in just one hundred days. This does not mean we are slower… It is a reflection of the incredible degree of sophistication that is now contained within these timeless lines. The original Rainbow was an empty boat with a deck of sailing gear and a powerful aluminium rig. This Rainbow is a different proposition altogether.”

The project’s naval architects were Dykstra & Partners, and this office also partnered with deVosdeVries design on the interior. The original Rainbow was drawn by William Starling Burgess in the early 1930s and the vessel was scrapped in 1940. This design has now been incorporated into an all-aluminium yacht that meets the J-class Association maximum performance rules.

All modern functional requirements have been integrated with full respect for Rainbow’s heritage, while the decks have been kept as clean and flush as possible featuring only a mahogany doghouse and skylight. The latter offers a quite spectacular contrast with the superb jet black-coloured hull and gold leaf cove stripe. “We believe that Rainbow is the most beautiful J on the water today,” says Van Ineveld. “But more importantly, she is built to win races!”

Gerry Dijkstra and his team have utilised all their vast experience and the very latest computer modelling to optimise Rainbow’s performance via a lightweight construction with a high degree of overall stiffness. The rig includes a Southern Spars high-modulus carbon mast, boom and spinnaker pole, continuous carbon fibre rigging, North Sails 3Di racing sails and Lewmar high-speed hydraulic winches. All are entirely customised to Rainbow’s specific requirements and, like everything metallic on deck, anodised to create a light grey look.

All the new generation of Js need to have a fully functioning interior under JCA rules, and Rainbow’s owner has spared no expense when it comes to luxury accommodation and premium equipment, including full air conditioning. The original Rainbow did not have an engine room so there was obviously not a great deal of space to accommodate one within the lines plan. Holland Jachtbouw’s solution, developed in partnership with WhisperPower, has been to create an ingenious  hybrid propulsion  and power system especially for this project.

As a result, Rainbow can be operated entirely on her Hy-Store Li-ion batteries, including sailing, navigation and hotel load. This also meets the owner’s request for silent periods onboard, without generators running, from 11 pm to 7 am. And that in turn promises much for those who enjoy cruising and, potentially, chartering Rainbow.

 This hybrid solution replaces the conventional main engine and two generator configuration found on other Js, which have a larger engine room than the comparatively lighter Rainbow (170 tonnes). The main engine replaces the second generator, while the remaining generator is a variable speed electric unit. The main engine generator can also act as an electric motor that can also run the propeller. This solution is smaller in size and saves on fuel. The batteries can also be charged while sailing without losing more than 1.5 knots of speed.

Other key overall benefits of this innovative propulsion solution include a dramatic reduction of the ecological footprint, a 30 percent reduction in the fuel required to generate the hotel load, and a similar reduction in the maintenance costs for the power plant in hotel load. Redundancy is built-in with five power sources available: The hybrid battery, the variable speed generator, the variable speed engine generator, the shaft generator (when sailing) and shore power (when available). There is also a substantial reduction in audible noise levels both inside the yacht and out.

In terms of styling, Rainbow’s interior features raised and fielded mahogany panelling with art deco details. The owner’s stateroom is aft and there are two ensuite twin guest cabins, each with a Pullman berth. In addition to offering accommodation to up to eight guests, Rainbow will have a permanent crew of seven led by Captain Nick Haley who has previously skippered two other members of the Holland Jachtbouw fleet, namely Windrose of Amsterdam and Athos.

This April a team of race professionals will join the permanent crew for the first time to embark on seven days of extensive training in the North Sea. All will look very impressive thanks to a sponsorship agreement with Pelle Petterson. This renowned competition yachtsman has taken a keen interest in the Rainbow project and offered to supply his trademark Pelle P technical sailing clothes. During the J-class regattas in Falmouth and Cowes, Rainbow will be accompanied by a support vessel to accommodate the larger crew at night.

Rainbow also has a full schedule of engagements to compete in the other major regattas of 2012. The general public will be able to admire her at the Monaco show where Rainbow will be on display close to the Holland Jachtbouw stand.

Endeavour JK4 Launched

 

 

Yachting Developments proudly launched the iconic J Boat Endeavour on Saturday 8th October 2011, the launching marks the completion of an extensive 18 month refit at Yachting Developments yard based in Hobsonville, Auckland.

Endeavour touched the water at 8am, onboard systems were commissioned and checked, the new mast was stepped at 11am, the boom was fitted at 1.00pm, Endeavour then moved to her berth at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on schedule at 2.30pm.

Absolute care has been taken throughout the refit to preserve as much of the vessel as practical while taking advantage of twenty first century sailing systems, enhanced performance and improved functionality.

The comprehensive refit includes removal and replacement of the complete weather deck including all deck equipment. Steel deck framing has also been relocated to accommodate the new load paths of the new deck layout.

There has been a long term philosophy of longevity and serviceability throughout the refit ensuring Endeavour will remain the historic Icon she is today for future generations.

Dykstra & Partners, Naval Architects, have been instrumental in the design of the new sail plan, deck layout, and structural engineering.

The main engine, generators, hydraulic systems, winches, electrical system, electronics, bow thruster and air conditioning have been replaced or upgraded.

The new carbon fibre mast was built by Southern Spars Auckland, the mast features carbon standing rigging.

Accommodation forward of the mast has been reconfigured by John Munford and Adam Lay, the new interior has been built in-house by Yachting Developments tradesmen.

The owner’s project management is by Jon Barrett Associates whom have had over 25 years experience in this role with Endeavour.

Yachting Developments Managing Director Ian Cook describes working on Endeavour as “an honor, she is something special, everyone involved has put their heart and soul into the refit, I think the care, and passion is very evident in the end result”.

Yachting Developments, Jon Barrett Associates, Dykstra & Partners will be attending this years Fort Lauderdale International Boat show.

www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz
www.gdnp.nl
www.JBAyachts.com

EXCITING END TO J CLASS REGATTA, NEWPORT USA

The last race was held in light northerly breezes, and the Race officer bravely issued a course with a downwind start, passing the crowded spectator fleet off Fort Adams and Castle Hill.

Both yachts got away cleanly but Velsheda elected the pin end, closer to the next gate and gained a quick advantage. A gybing duel followed, but after a few inside gybes, Ranger caught her spinnaker high in the rigging and it quickly split, loosing them more ground for the recovery.

At the bottom mark Velsheda had gained a 2 minute lead, enough for them to command the windward berth on the long slow upwind leg back to the shortened course finish line, right in front of the many spectators at Castle Hill.

The exciting tactical race was a fitting end to a great regatta,  where many thousands of spectators were enthralled by these great yachts.  Just a few of the comments included
" It was wonderful to see these boats from a pas era"
"we could not believe the size and power of the se yachts"
"and the teamwork on these boats is astounding"
"we can't believe that they were designed and built in the 1930's

CORUM WATCHES  presented a wonderful perpetual trophy to Ranger, the overal winner, who also won a unique timepiece - a CORUM TIDE WATCH

The legend lives on and the J's will be back in Newport in the future!

NEWPORT J CLASS REGATTA - Report No.5

With Friday's race postponed, two were held on Saturday, in bright sky's with a strong 15 know South Easterly into the Newport harbour entrance.

the first race got away with Ranger holding a short, five boat length lead and the distance never really changed on the subsequent top spinnaker reach, and run to the finish. With a small time correction factor , RANGER won by 25 seconds, and winning the event overall at that point with a 3:0 score.

The start of race four saw a repeat of the first start where RANGER managed to push VELSHEDA above the committee boat, then bear away to cross on time, leaving VELSHEDA to complete a slow gybe before crossing the line.

RANGER had pulled out a massive 4 minute lead by the top mark. The two yachts headed off with spinnakers pulling, into a bank of famous Newport fog before piping out later on the downwind leg, past the Castle Hill headland and New York Yacht Club, packed with spectators.

VELSHEDA slowly ground down the distance but was never to be in contention, finishing a creditable 2 minutes 40 seconds behind.

One more race completes the series, already now won by RANGER.

NEWPORT J CLASS REGATTA - Report No.4

After a long and frustrating wait at the dock, the third and critical race in the Newport J Class Regatta, was postponed to be raced another day.  A deep depression covered the area and with strong wind and torrential rain it was decided to re-run the race, if possible, on Saturday 18th June.

The next race is critical for Velsheda, as Ranger has a 2-0 lead in the 5 race series.  If weather permits, many thousands of spectators, both on the shore and on the water are expected for the weekend.

NEWPORT J CLASS REGATTA - Report No.3

A simply stunning day of racing was experienced by the thousands of spectators who took to the waters to see RANGER and VELSHEDA battle in the near perfect conditions of Newport Harbour - 16 knots southerly with sunshine.

The two yachts circled and manouvred for best position to cross the start line , laid across the bay from Fort Adams. Both got away cleanly, but RANGER quickly got the advantage and covered VELSHEDA most of the way up to the first mark, laid well out into the bay. nly several boat lenghts seperated them along the next four mile power reach with their massive spinnakers driving them at around 16 knots.

Downwind the yachts had to pass a gate at Fort Adams, where many spectators had lined the shore to see these yachts glide past with more than 16,000 square feet of area in the mainsail and spinnaker. Sailing through the gate, the gap was down to half a boat length. Both gybed simultaneously in true America's Cup style and trimmed sails for every inch of advantage, continuing alongside each other under the Newport bridge and down to the leeward turning mark.

RANGER, just managed to turn the leeward island one boatlength ahead, giving them the advantage to hold a cover up to the finish. RANGER, the bgger boay, gives VELSHEDA a small handicap in these conditions, but won by 27 seconds on corrected time. RANGER now has a 2:0 win with three races to go in the series.

NEWPORT J CLASS REGATTA - REPORT NO.2

In a stunning text book manoeuvre, RANGER locked out VELSHEDA at the start of the First race of the Newport J Class Regatta. both boats lined up in perfect conditions - 16 knots northerly and sunny - to give them a beat away from the spectator start area off Fort Adams, and up into the harbour under the famous Newport bridge.

RANGER crossed on the gun leaving VELSHEDA to gybe back and return to the line, leaving her 40 seconds behind from the very start. Both yacht held the same distance as they turned the island mark to run back down the harbour under spinnaker, creating a superb sight for the shoreline spectators at Fort Adams and Castle Hill.

Having rounded marks in the bay, the two yachts worked back to windward into the harbour entrance, each trying to gain best advantage. At the finish it was RANGER clear ahead with a 79 second lead, winning the first race by just one second on handicap from her rival.

NEWPORT J CLASS REGATTA - REPORT NO.1

Two of the most competitive yachts in the world are coming together for the first race of the Newport J Class Regatta, R.I. USA - a series of five races from 15-19 June. The yachts, their entourage of support boats, containers and Crew have been arriving over the last few weeks in preparation for this event: bringing the famous J Class yachts back to sail on Newport waters.

Both yachts have been practising on the proposed course around the harbour and under the famous Newport Harbour bridge. With 175 feet of mast above the deck there is little clearance for these yachts, making sailing under the bridge truly spectacular. Racing is due to start at 1.00pm local time on a start line near Fort Adams, allowing spectators stunning views of these wonderful classic yachts.

VELSHEDA dates back to 1933 when she was owned and built by Mr Stephenson, to spar against the UK yacht ENDEAVOUR. RANGER is a replica build of the famous original, launched in 2002. The original successfully defended the America's Cup against ENDEAVOUR II in 1937.

This has been a big commitment by the J Class Association to bring these wonderful yachts back to the home waters of the 1930s era of America's Cup sailing. It had been hoped that more would be competing, but SHAMROCK V could not make the Atlantic crossing due to European commitments and HANUMAN (a replica of the 1937 ENDEAVOUR II) declined to race.

This event starts the run-in to the 2012 series of J Class regattas in the UK planned for Falmouth, June 2012, The Solent, July 2012, and the final "Hundred Guinea Cup Race" around the Isle of Wight on the original 1851 America's Cup course.

J CLASS REGATTA ANNOUNCED FOR NEWPORT, JUNE 2011

click here to view the Newport Regatta page...

The J Class yachts VELSHEDA, RANGER and SHAMROCK V will be participating in the J CLASS NEWPORT REGATTA, the first of a series of global J Class events, culminating in the Hundred Guinea Cup race, Cowes 2012.

JANUARY 27, 2011, Newport, RI – David Pitman, Secretary of the J Class Association announced that the first event in the J Class Global Calendar of events will be staged in Newport, RI. Racing in the famous waters of the America’s Cup, the J Class will use this regatta to kick off a four regatta programme culminating in a race around the Isle of Wight in July of 2012 on the original 1851 America’s Cup course, for the HUNDRED GUINEA CUP.

In 1930, Newport was the venue for the start of the remarkable J Class era. Between 1930 and 1937 there were just 10 of these stunning yachts constructed for the purpose of winning the America’s Cup. Two of the originals (Shamrock V and Velsheda) will participate in Newport, together with Ranger, a true replica of the original. Negotiations continue with other new J yachts for them join the regatta.

Sail Newport and the J Class Association are responsible for the on water race management of the regatta. The yachts and their teams will be based at the Newport Shipyard with crews staying at the Newport Harbor Hotel & Marina.

The regatta series of 5 races will be run from June 15th to 19th, 2011 with starts and finishes off of Fort Adams. Viewing stands will be set up on the Northwestern corner of Fort Adams and other excellent viewing options will be at Castle Hill Inn and various spots in Jamestown.

Working with the US Coast Guard, Sail Newport will establish safe water viewing areas along the entire course.

Mr. Pitman closed the announcement by saying, “We hope to provide five days of spectacular racing and with the continued support of the State and the city of Newport we look forward to planning arrangements for a major regatta in Newport during 2014, featuring up to 10 yachts.”

SPONSOR ANNOUNCED FOR THE J CLASS 2012 REGATTA SERIES

As you will be aware, the J Class Association has comprehensive plans for a series of regattas in the UK during 2012. The J Class Association is now delighted to announce that four of the leading Dutch shipyards will form the main sponsor for these events. This is just a start of the initiative sponsoring the J-Class and their events. It is anticipated that the sponsoring group may be enlarged and broadened in scope in the months ahead.

The Sponsor Partners are, in no particular order:

Royal Huisman
Holland Jachtbouw
Claasen / Jongkind
Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw


All of these shipyards have been involved in the construction and launching of either new builds or restorations.

They recognise the importance of the J Class fleet, and its resurgence at the leading edge of modern yacht racing around the world. The J Class yachts command respect from yachtsmen worldwide and are a marker for quality, advanced technology and performance. Our sponsors are therefore proud to be associated with the Class and its future expansion and the JCA is delighted to have their support.

BLOEMSMA ALUMINIUMBOUW has now built the aluminium hulls for three yachts: ATLANTIS, LIONHEART and RAINBOW.

CLAASEN / JONGKIND has recently completed fitting out the Yacht LIONHEART and is involved in further projects.

HOLLAND JACHTBOUW is now finishing RAINBOW, which was moved to their shipyard several months ago. Rainbow will be launching in January 2012 and will be ready for the 2012 regatta series.

ROYAL HUISMAN was responsible for the restoration of ENDEAVOUR in 1986, and more recently completed the replica build of ENDEAVOUR II, now named HANUMAN.

All these yards are all heavily involved in the Class, its unique history and its very promising future, hence their desire to support this major regatta programme in the Olympic Year.


“This is a great opportunity for us,”said Jan Hart, spokesman on behalf of the sponsor group “We believe that this J Class yacht racing programme epitomises the achievements that our Dutch yards have made in the competitive field of superyacht construction. We want to build on this success and look forward to working with the Class throughout the 2012 regatta and beyond”.


David Pitman, J Class Association Secretary said “This is a big step forward for our 2012 event. It enables us to plan a great sailing programme for the competitors plus a wonderful spectacle of sailing, both in Falmouth and the Solent. We can now look forward to the real possibility of attracting at least six and possibly more yachts. It will be a breathtaking sight.”.


ABOUT THE 2012 REGATTA
In June 2012 the first regatta will be sailed in the wonderful waters of Falmouth Bay, in Cornwall. One month later the second regatta will be held in the Solent. The final regatta will be a single race, sailed over the original 1851 America’s Cup course, 65 miles around the Isle of Wight, with no time limit.


YACHTS - EXISTING AND PLANNED
Six originals or replicas now exist: SHAMROCK V, ENDEAVOUR, VELSHEDA, RANGER, HANUMAN and LIONHEART.
Two more are in build: RAINBOW and ATLANTIS.
Two more have plans approved to build : ENTERPRISE and SVEA
One more project is about to be commissioned. The grand total is ELEVEN, a long way from where we were in the year 2000 when the class association was formed.


YANKEE PROJECT
We are extremely pleased to make a further announcement. Holland Jachtbouw will shortly start the construction of the yacht YANKEE for a Dutch syndicate. Originally built in 1930 as a defender of the America’s Cup, this new yacht will also be ready for the 2012 Regatta. The contract for this exciting project will be signed on the Holland Jachtbouw stand Thursday 23rd September at 16.00 hrs.

Rainbow JH2: Transported to Holland Jachtbouw

On Monday July 19th Rainbow JH2 was transported on a barge to Holland Jachtbouw in Zaandam.

Zwartsluis based HEBO took care of the transport, across the IJsselmeer and through Amsterdam.

The 40 meter yacht is now on a cradle inside Holland Jachtbouw where she will be finished.

Early 2012 Rainbow will be launched and rigged. Immediately afterwards test sailing and crew training will commence off Ijmuiden.

At the J class event at Fallmouth and Cowes in June 2012 Rainbow JH2 will be able to compete against her sister ships for the first time.

During the Olympic Games in England, Rainbow is available for (day)charters.

Building progress and latest developments can be checked at  www.rainbow-jh2.com

Further information is available from Martine Vos. info@rainbow-jh2.com

LIONHEART NOW ON THE WATER

The sensational new J Class yacht LIONHEART has now been launched in Holland.

LIONHEART is based on a RANGER design (77F Model) which was tank tested in 1936 but never built. Design work from the original hull lines was completed by Andre Hoek Naval Architects, with construction of the aluminium hull by the now famous Bloemsma Shipyard. She was then moved by barge to Claasen Jachtbouw BV for fitting out and completion with technical installations by Cornelis Jongkind Yacht Installations.

She is finished below decks to a very high standard, befitting a yacht of this calibre. Above decks she features the very latest technology in sailing systems - Harken winches, Hall Spars carbon mast, spars and rigging and North sails. Following sailing trials she will leave for the Mediterranean.

This is now the sixth J Class yacht on the water.

Already afloat are:

SHAMROCK V (1930)
VELSHEDA (1933)
ENDEAVOUR (1934)
RANGER (replica 2002)
HANUMAN (replica 2009)

Two more yachts are currently under construction at Bloemsma, ATLANTIS and RAINBOW, both due to complete in time for the J Class Regatta programme in England (Falmouth June 2012, the Solent July 2012).

VELSHEDA WINS CLASS IN RTI RACE 2010

Velsheda had a great race in technically difficult conditions finishing first in Class '0', which comprises the fastest of the IRC yacht racing fleet. JK7 was able to hold on to a good wind band right down to the Needles, rounding second, behind ICAP Leopard, and ahead of around 1700 yachts in the monohull fleet.

At the finish of the 55 mile course, JK7 held on to her second place over the line, completing the course in 5 hrs 45 mins 2 seconds to the surprise of many onlookers.

Early quotes:

"In the light conditions, ICAP Leopard was first to the Needles with Velsheda behind her making good progress thanks to her massive acreage of sail. At this stage the mighty J was only just being caught by the first of the Extreme 40s"


"Velsheda had a great race finishing at 10.45.02 and ended up winning Class 0 ahead of Ben Ainslie on JPM Princes Trust, followed by John Caulcutt’s Swan 65 Desperado and then the ‘international incidence’ – the Farr 52 BOB, formerly Bear of Britain, who’s crew included Tony Hayward, the BP CEO, heavily lambasted recently for his company’s responsibility in the Gulf of Mexico oil disaster and who was trying to get some quiet down time with his son."


"The exquisite J Class yacht Velsheda finished at 10:45. Built in 1933 in Camper and Nicholsons in Gosport, Velsheda is the most famous of the few remaining J Class yachts left in the world today."

HANUMAN WINS SAILING YACHT OF THE YEAR in the World Superyacht Awards 2010

J CLASS YACHT 'HANUMAN' has been awarded the SAILING YACHT OF THE YEAR AWARD at the 2010 World Superyacht Awards.

Judges' Comments:
Chosen from among the three award winners in the sailing yacht classes, the judges felt that the combination of beauty and extremely high quality of construction concentrated in Hanuman made her a worthy winner of the title Sailing Yacht of the Year.

http://worldsuperyachtawards.com/2010-winners/#sailing

Press Statement from the J Class Association: 15th April 2010

It is with regret that the J Class Association has been informed that Hanuman has withdrawn from the Antigua Classic Regatta 2010.  Everyone had been looking forward to watching the three J yachts ‘Hanuman’, ‘Velsheda’ and ‘Ranger’ compete in the four day event, which starts Friday 16th April 2010.

Both ‘Velsheda’ and ‘Ranger’ will compete in the Spirit of Tradition Class, a fleet of around 7 yachts, schooners, yawls and sloops all over 90’ LOA.  

We hope to see ‘Hanuman’ sailing against other Js in future regattas.

2012 J CLASS REGATTA

"A spectacular yachting event is coming to the UK"

The J Class Association is pleased to announce outline plans for a series of spectacular regattas in England during 2012 - the Olympic Year. This will be the first time in history that more than four of these imposing yachts will race together in a fleet.

The outline plan has received a positive response from J Class owners and event planning is now proceeding. Many yachts in the fleet are now preparing to be on the start line for these 2012 events.

FALMOUTH
The first regatta will be based in Falmouth, Cornwall, hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. Races will be held in the bay and along the coastline.

SOLENT
The second regatta will be based in the Solent, the traditional home of J Class racing in the UK during the 1930s.

ROUND THE ISLAND
The last race will be held over the original course around the Isle of Wight, for the 1851 Hundred Guinea Cup Race, which is now known as the “America’s Cup”.

This J Class event will attract many thousands of spectators. There are numerous headlands and vantage points close to the race courses for viewing this spectacular fleet.

Read more about the Regatta here...

Rainbow :a J-class boat with a future

On Friday 22nd January, before a large crowd, the keel was laid for Rainbow.

The original Rainbow, commissioned by Harold Vanderbilt, was built in 1934 to defend the America’s Cup against Endeavour. Rainbow’s defense was successful, but Rainbow was sold for scrap in 1940.

Gerard Dykstra & Partners have been asked to redesign this Dutch flagged J-class boat, based on the original drawings.

Rainbow will be built to win but this does not mean there will be less comfort below decks. As may be expected on a yacht this size, the interior design will be luxurious and comfortable. According to the original plans a Boxboom will be used instead of the “Park Avenue” boom and the design of the rigging will be original too. But the 40 meter yacht will now have an aluminium hull and full carbon mast and rigging.

Rainbow will be fitted with a diesel-electric propulsion system. Two generators deliver 350Kw shaft horsepower. The propeller, which has hydraulically adjustable pitch, will be used to charge the batteries on Atlantic crossings. This hybrid engine is smaller and lighter than other engines. This feature makes Rainbow quite unique.

The hull is constructed by Freddie Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw in Makkum, the Netherlands. In spring 2010 the boat will be transported over water to Holland Jachtbouw in Zaandam where she will be finished. By the end of 2011 she will be launched and extensive tests and trainings will commence.

The first J-class event in which Rainbow will compete will be in July 2012 in Cowes.

Rainbow meets Endeavour again!

Rainbow will be fitted out for racing but she can also be chartered for pleasure trips or business incentives. A permanent crew of seven will look after a maximum of eight guests.

For further information contact Martine Vos (mrs) at info@rainbow-jh2.com

2010 Superyacht Cup, Antigua

Three days of wonderful racing in the strong warm caribbean winds.

Day 1
"It was a day for the ketches" commented Mike Quilter on Ranger, "It may be a small fleet but they are all excellent boats, and without being able to use the genniker we just could not keep up. We finished third".

Day 2
The J-Boat Ranger numbers among her traditional themes no safety rails when racing in these heavy seas. It truly doesn’t get much better than this, even in the rarified atmosphere of superyacht racing, than the thrill of racing on a gorgeous, and very competitive Super-J in one of the worlds most scenic racing venues.
Today, she proved that she’s still at heart a gazelle of the sea, powering through rough waters, taking on 30 knot winds, and seemingly easily achieving over 15 knots of boat speed. Despite the fact that the conditions required Ranger, for the first time ever during a race, to reef in her mainsail, she managed to also get up a staysail on the downwind runs, and the entire contingent of 35 crew and guests, scampered back and forth to the rails on seemingly endless tacks.
As for the lucky guests aboard today, Ranger’s skipper Alastair Tait, called the day’s racing “moist”, while long-time racing crewmember Paul Collen perhaps more accurately said “this is the wettest day we’ve ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, had.” Yet the full-time crew made sure that we all stayed dry in perfectly matching kit, and home-made cookies were served on a regular basis.

Day 3
Ranger and P2 had a tight battle all day, crossing tacks several times. At one point P2 looked to be clear ahead, but Ranger gained on the last upwind leg, beating them by just over 3 minutes.

See: http://www.thesuperyachtcup.com/ for full report.
1st Visione - 4 points
2nd Sojana - 10 points
3rd Ranger - 10 points

The J Class ‘Ranger’ and Mothership MY ‘Vita’ – FOR SALE OR CHARTER

A unique opportunity exists to buy or charter ‘Ranger’ and her mothership ‘Vita’.  Ranger has a proven racing record, having won the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup and Antigua Classics. She is available fully race prepared or ready for luxury cruising.  Her mahogany interior is exquisite, with four staterooms for owners and guests and accommodation for up to 8 crew.  Her traditional design originates from the 1930s,  but she is equipped with modern systems above and below decks. 

Ranger’s mothership MY Vita, is also available for sale or charter.  With a comfortable cruising speed of around 18 knots, she can accommodate and entertain 12 guests in ultimate luxury.   Both yachts are immaculate with every facility possible provided for guests or crew, whether superyacht racing, cruising or just enjoying a relaxing holiday break.

Further information at:  http://www.jclassyachts.com/ranger/index.html