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...