The J Class world competition joins the America’s Cup world championship next year in Barcelona. The huge sloops were used in three editions, between 1930 and 1937, and in homage to one of the oldest sports, they could not be missing for the next edition in Barcelona.
Yachtsmen such as Sir Thomas Lipton, Harold S. Vanderbilt and Sir Thomas Sopwith starred in golden years, but the Second World War attracted smaller sailing yachts to replace them. Over the years, the J Class has been restored and modernised with boat designs that were never built before. Thus, they have united refitted yachts with new design lines;
With the America’s Cup world championship being held in Barcelona in October next year, J Class has also been invited to hold its competition between 7-11 October. The fleet will have an allocated space in the Port Vell, and the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona will be hosting the event. On the 3rd and 4th October they will be holding a training regatta, a spectacle for visitors to the port. Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Event, highlights the importance of being able to enjoy the big boats, as they are part of the history of the sport.
The large candles and their designs will be eye-catching elements when they arrive in Barcelona.
The J Class is an integral part of the history, the legend and the fascination of the America’s Cup. And we are very grateful to the J Class Association and the owners for taking the opportunity to host their World Championship in Barcelona for the 37th Match,” says Dalton.
So far there are 9 confirmed entries; Topaz (J8), Ranger (J5), Svea (JS1), Velsheda (JK7), Shamrock V (JK3), Rainbow (JKZ1), Hanuman (JK6) and Lionheart (JH1). Svea is the newest J-class yacht in the current fleet, and has the longest LOA of 15cm. The Class Association continues to work to bring together as many owners, of which five have already confirmed their presence in the America’s Cup.
The J Class competition in Barcelona will be a highlight of the season after the Mahón regatta in May and the Maxi World Cup in Porto Cervo in September.
Although there is still a year to wait for the nautical spectacle, on 24 August, Barcelona opened its doors to the immersive experience, America’s Cup Experience. A journey that takes visitors to discover the history of the competition through virtual reality. When the J Class competition finishes, the America’s Cup will take over from 12 to 20 October 2024. The calendar also allows for racing to continue for another week, until 27 October, if necessary.
Images courtesy of Studio Borlenghi/ Francesco Ferri
