History of yacht the J-class is inextricably linked with the America’s Cup (America’s Cup) is the oldest international competition, one of the most famous and prestigious regattas in the world. Originally British, some time this regatta were mostly of a local character, attended by yachts from the British Royal yacht squadron, and occasionally from European yacht clubs. The main prize – the Cup was made in 1848 and was a pitcher without a day, on which are engraved the names of all yacht owners prize. Missing the bottom is provided at the request of Queen Victoria, who was unwilling to see his subjects, drinking from the prize vessel.
On 22 August 1851 in the regatta participated for the first time a yacht from USA – 30,86-foot schooner “America”, representing the new York yacht club. She finished first, ahead of 15 other yachts by as much as 20 minutes. To the dismay of Queen Victoria, the Cup left the UK and went to the United States of America. In the following decades, until 1983, the new York yacht club stubbornly defended my title of winner, and the regatta has been called “America’s Cup.
Year after year the fleet of the regatta has evolved, boats have grown in length and characteristics. In order to stop this process and return to the sports interest, in 1928, the Cup Committee adopted a decision on the application of a single standard. Thus was created a class of yachts “J”, allowing to limit the size of vessels participating in races and thereby to equalize their chances of winning. During the period from 1930 to 1937, was built 10 such vessels to six in the USA and four in England. It was the most progressive sports court of their time – large (up to 41 meters), an incredibly beautiful, fast, and extremely expensive.
With the outbreak of the Second world war, the race for the Cup “America” stopped. From 1939 to 1943, most of the yachts J-class was scrapped. The sad fate passed only Shamrock V (England, 1930), Endeavour (England, 1934), and Velsheda (England, 1933). In the post-war time the organizers of the America’s Cup were forced to completely abandon the expensive J-class and go first to the cheaper 12-meter, then on the IACC. Since 2010, the regatta became involved sailing catamarans with rigid hull of the AC72 class (waterline length is 22 meters, the crew of 11 people). 5 Jun 2014 the organizers and teams who voted for the use of the Cup 2017, smaller AC62 catamarans (waterline length of 18.8 meters, the crew-8 people). But in March 2015, the organizing Committee of the regatta is suggested to use an even smaller model of the AC45 catamaran.
The rebirth of the J-class was in 2000 with the establishment of the Association of yacht J-class (JCA). Was revived Shamrock V, Endeavour and Velsheda, rebuilt Ranger appeared and continue to appear replica of the other yachts from the “dozens” of 30 years. Since 2011 yacht J-class always participate in regattas, the nearest of which will take place from 23rd to 27th June 2015 in Falmouth, UK.
Today, the Navy yacht J-class present seven magnificent vessels:
1. Shamrock V (1930)
Number in fleet: JK3
The owner (initially): Sir Thomas Lipton (Lipton tea Corporation)
Max. length (LOA): of 36.58 meters
Width: 5,85 meters
Draft: 4,81 meters
Builder: Camper & Nicholson/Pendennis Shipyard
Body material: wood
2. Velsheda (1933)
Number in fleet: JK7
The owner (initially): W. L. Stephenson
Max. length (LOA): 39,4 meters
Width: 6,6 m
Draught: 4,57 meters
Builder: Camper & Nicholson/Southampton Yacht Services
Case material: steel
3. Endeavour (1934)
Number in fleet: JK4
The owner (initially): Sir T. O. M. Sopwith
Max. length (LOA): of 39.56 meters
Width: 6,72 meters
The precipitate was 4.76 meters
Builder: Camper & Nicholson/Royal Huisman
Case material: steel
4. Ranger (2004; replica of original – 1937)
Number in fleet: J5
The owner (initially): Harold Vanderbilt
Max. length (LOA): 41,6 meters
Width: 6,4 meters
Draft: 4.9 meters
Builder: Danish Yachts, Skagen
Housing material: aluminium
5. Hanuman (2009; replica of the original Endeavour II, 1937)
Number in fleet: JK6
The owner (initially): n/a
Max. length (LOA): 42,9 meters
Width: 6,6 m
Draft: 4,72 metres
Builder: Royal Huisman
Housing material: aluminium
6. Lionheart (2010; replica of the original Enterprise, 1930)
Number in fleet: JH1
The owner (initially): Harold Vanderbilt
Max. length (LOA): footprint of 39.96 meters
Width of 6.13 meters
Draft: 4,72 metres
Builder: Claasen Jachtbouw, Hull built by F. Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw
Housing material: aluminium
7. Rainbow (2012; replica of original – 1934)
Number in fleet: JH2
The owner (initially): Harold Vanderbilt
Max. length (LOA): footprint of 39.96 meters
Width: 6,37 meters
Draught: 4,8 meters
Builder: Holland Jachtbouw
Housing material: aluminium
In the building there are four yacht J-class: J8 (42,62 M., Holland Yachtbouw), JS1 Svea (41,5 M., Claasen Jachtbouw), JH3 Yankee (38,1 M., Holland Jachtbouw), J9 (Holland Jachtbouw).
Official site of the America’s Cup (America’s Cup): www.americascup.com
The official website of the Association of yacht J-class (JCA): www.jclassyachts.com
Constantine Kuhlow
Author ruYachts
Editor, co-founder of the portal ruYachts.com.
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