Three J Class yachts--RANGER, VELSHEDA and SHAMROCK V--have announced that they will compete in the J Class Regatta in Newport next month. The event for these massive, classic yachts, will be the first competitive J Class regatta for three yachts in the USA since the America's Cup event of 1937 between the Defender Ranger and the Challenger Endeavour II.
The J Class Association will manage the US-based event, where the yachts will be based from Newport Shipyard. Courses will be set from the point at Fort Adams and held around the inner bay, allowing for shoreline spectators to benefit from this first event to be sailed under JCA rules.
The J Class Newport Regatta is the first of a series of global J Class events which will cultimate in the Hundred Guinea Cup race in Cowes on the Isle of Wight in 2012.
The J Class yachts under sail are a sight not to be missed. No other class requires a crew of 30-plus experienced sailors to manage more than 10,000 square feet of sail driving a 200-ton hull at 16 knots around the course.
Newport was the venue for the start of the remarkable J Class era which began in 1930. Over the next seven years just 10 of these stunning yachts constructed for the purpose of winning the America’s Cup. Shamrock V and Velsheda--two of the original 10 yachts--will participate in Newport, together with Ranger, a true replica of the original. Negotiations to bring the other new J yachts to Newport are continuing.
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 five races will 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. For more information about the event, go to the J Class Regatta website.
Race Programme
Wednesday 15th June : Race 1 Start 11.00
Thursday 16th June : Race 2 Start 11.00
Friday 17th June : Race 3 Start 11.00
Saturday 18th June : Race 4 Start 11.00
Sunday 19th June : Race 5 Start 11.00
