The J Class Newport Regatta finished on Sunday 19th June with a thrilling final race; a wonderful tactical exhibition that showcased the very best of the J Class yachts superyachts and the very best of sailing. Thousands of enthralled spectators were at Fort Adams, Castle Hill, and the headlands around Newport Bay over five days, to watch as sailing yacht Ranger won four races to S/Y Velsheda’s one race.
Sailing yacht Ranger wins J Class Regatta Newport - Ranger on Day 1. Photo©2011 Daniel Forster go4image.com
However the results do not reflect the closeness of many of the races. For example, Yacht Ranger won the first race by just one second on corrected time based on the new J Class Association handicap system.
Sailing yacht Ranger & Velsheda - Credit J Class Regatta Newport
The regatta was superb, with excellent facilities and charming Newport was a perfect venue for this event with such a rich maritime history and the location of the first America’s Cup event in Js. The welcome from locals was overwhelming and many Newport sailors turned out to help manage and assist. It is hoped that the fleet will return to Newport for further regattas in 2014.
The Newport Regatta was the first showcase of the JCA handicap system, created by the Wolfson Unit at Southampton University. This new system is based on VPP calculations and was validated from towing tank results achieved from the 1930s prepared for Harold S Vanderbilt, who went on to commission the 1937 “RANGER”. Sparkman and Stephens USA office made this comprehensive document available to the JCA and the information provided the vital cross-check required for the Wolfson Unit to complete the figures for accurate handicapping of the Js in the interests of fair racing and good sportsmanship on the race course.
Sailing yacht Ranger leading on Day 1, winning by 1 minute 19 seconds elapsed time, but by just 1 second on corrected time.
J Class Sailing yacht Velsheda comes second in the 2011 J Class Regatta Newport- Credit J Class Yachts
Ratings are issued for three wind bands, 0-9 Knots, 10-14 Knots, plus14 Knots above, and two types of courses, Circular Random and Windward Leeward. This set of ratings offers the fairest measure of boat on boat performance.
Corum Watches presented a wonderful perpetual trophy to Ranger, the overall winner, who also won a unique timepiece – a Corum Tide Watch.
The next big J Class event is in Falmouth in June 2012 followed by The Solent in July 2012, finishing with the ‘Hundred Guinea Cup’ race around the Isle of Wight on the original America’s cup course.
J Class enthusiasts and fans of these iconic racing yachts can also look forward to the prospect of a re-run of the 1934 America’s Cup races between the original yacht ENDEAVOUR and the new replica sailing yacht RAINBOW when she is launched.
