J Class Regatta 2012
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.
The first regatta (four raced during 27 – 30 Juny 2012) will be based in Falmouth, Cornwall, hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. Falmouth’s natural sheltered deep water harbour was the first stopping point for the great Clipper yachts and is the natural choice for the first of three J Class regattas. The large bay offers wonderful sailing in minimal tide conditions. There are superb spectator points at each headland, especially in the start area under Pendennis Castle.
The second regatta (19-20 July 2012) will be based in the Solent. The Solent was ‘home waters’ of British J Class racing during the 1930s. Two short races are planned. The Hundred Guinea Cup Race is the one race that probably captures the true spirit of the J Class, testing the crew and navigational skills of each yacht. The race is based on the 1851 course, clockwise around the Isle of Wight, over approximately 75 miles.
Although probably a dream too far, the potential exists to have up to nine J Class yachts completed in time for the regatta: Shamrock V, Velsheda, Endeavour , Ranger, Hanuman, Lionheart, Rainbow, Svea and Atlantis.