J Class To Return America’s Cup After 80 Years

February 12, 2015

The majesty of the J Class era will return to the America’s Cup eighty years after the class last raced for the oldest trophy in international sport.

The J Class Association [JCA] and the America’s Cup Event Authority have agreed to stage a J Class regatta in Bermuda in June 2017 between the conclusion of the America’s Cup Challenger Playoffs and the America’s Cup Match.

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“The J Class era of the America’s Cup is widely recognized as being among the high points in Cup history,” said Sir Russell Coutts, director of the America’s Cup Event Authority [ACEA].

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“When racing for the America’s Cup in the 1930s, the J Class boats embodied grace and power with cutting-edge design and engineering. Having the J Class join us in Bermuda will create a spectacular blend between the old and new.”

The J Class boats will be moored in the America’s Cup Village in Dockyard at Bermuda, providing as elegant a sight at rest as their beauty and power are impressive under sail.

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Louise Morton from the J Class Association [JCA], commented: “The America’s Cup organizers have offered the J Class a unique opportunity to be part of the America’s Cup for the first time in eighty years. On behalf of the Owners, Captains and crew, we are delighted to be part of this spectacular event.”

Racing in the J Class regatta will be organized by the America’s Cup race management team with the final two days of racing expected to straddle the opening weekend of the America’s Cup Match.

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The current J Class fleet comprises seven boats, including three original Js, two of which raced for the America’s Cup. The seven J Class boats currently sailing are: Endeavour, Hanuman, Lionheart, Rainbow, Ranger, Shamrock V, Velsheda. An eighth J Class yacht is expected to be launched in May 2015.

- Photos by Jesus Renedo

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Comments (8)

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  1. Just sayin says:

    To bad we have to wait till 2017 for this. We need help now.

    • Triangle Drifter says:

      The AC is not here for Bermuda’s benefit. The AC is a customer, rather like a huge convention. If they do something that we can benefit from, great, but they are here first & formeost to do what they do for the promotion of sailing & the promotion of their sponsors who do not dump money into the AC purely out of the goodness of their corporate hearts.

      • just the facts says:

        You’re right! Just like the Olympics, the World Cup, the Super Bowl, PGA Grand Tour, Grand Slam Tennis events, etc. no matter where they are held.

  2. smh says:

    Preparing for the lost

  3. Triangle Drifter says:

    Oh WOW! The J boats are coming too!!!! Fantastic! These are absolutely georgeous boats under sail. You don’t even have to be a sailor to appreciate the beauty of these boats.

    The BTA is going to get a treasure trove of photographs of these boats in various locations & backdrops for future promotion.

  4. JCS says:

    I agree. I don’t know a lot about sailing, but I do know that these boats are absolutely beautiful!

  5. JUNK YARD DOG says:

    The “J” class a America cup racing yacht is in my opinion the absolute ultimate sailing yacht , we are all going to be in for a real treat.

    Do go on “you tube”for a preview to see those boats race, you can also see the radio controlled versions being raced even to day.

    @triangle drifter got it correct by describing the yachts as “Fantastic”.