Timeless beauty, gigantic dimensions: the J-Class yachts off Bermuda
Was that a feast for all the senses! The J-Class regatt before Bermuda has found worthy winners with "Lionheart". "Velsheda" and "Hanuman" with Kenny Read at the helm also made it onto the podium. The "Ranger" with Whitbread veteran Earle Williams at the wheel and America's Cup legend Brad Butterworth as tactician had to admit defeat in the battle for one of the top places on the last day. "Topaz" sailed with helmsman Peter Holmberg in fifth place ahead of the oldest original J-yacht "Shamrock" and the "Svea", on which the forestay broke on the penultimate day. But that didn’t affect their happy baptism.
Historic premiere: J-Class regatt before Bermuda
Alinghi's former America's Cup helmsman Peter Holmberg on Topaz's bike
In the shadow of the elegant giants, the high-tech catamarans in the America's Cup looked almost like toys. When the J-yachts glided majestically over the Great Sound with their grace and power, people stopped on land and were amazed. In the 1930s, it was these yachts that were sailing for the America's Cup. Only ten of them were ever built, of which only three are originals. Two of them are "Shamrock" and "Endeavor", which sailed for the silver jug in 1930 and 1934. Six replica yachts have now been built according to old designs using modern materials.
Before Hamilton, seven of the imposing beauties, the largest fleet in the 87-year history of the class, gathered for show races and an America's Cup J-Class regatt, which was held for the first time ever, last week and this week. To enjoy, here again the film from the unique class reunion of dream yachts.
"J" for regatta of the century: For the first time in the 87-year history of the J-yachts class, seven of the gigantic beauties met for a regatta off Bermuda. A film to enjoy
FINAL RESULT
1. "Lionheart" (1, 3, 4, 1, 2), 11 points
2. "Velsheda" (5, 1, 5, 2, 1), 14 points
3. "Hanuman" (2, 4, 1, 4, 4), 14 points
4. "Ranger" (3, 2, 2, 5, 6), 18 points
5. "Topaz" (6, 5, 3, 4, 3), 21 points
6. "Shamrock" (7, 6, 6, 6, 5), 30 points
7. "Svea" (4, 7, 7, 8, 8), 36 points