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.”