Countdown to the J Class Barcelona Regatta: Only One Month to Go!
One Month Until the J Class Barcelona Regatta
5-11 October 2024
In one month’s time, J Class yachts will return to the America’s Cup spotlight when four stunning vessels – Shamrock V, Velsheda, Rainbow, and Svea – gather in Barcelona for the J Class Barcelona Regatta.
This highly anticipated event may represent a pinnacle moment that the competing teams have been eagerly working towards. For sailing fans and visitors in the beautiful city of Barcelona, the seven-day regatta offers a fantastic opportunity to witness the J Class yachts docked in Marina Port Vell, observe their daily departures and arrivals, and watch exciting races off the beaches at Barceloneta and Port Olímpic.
Hosted by the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona, the J Class Barcelona Regatta is set to take place from 5th to 11th October, conveniently falling between the conclusion of the Louis Vuitton Cup/Challenger Selection Series Finals and the commencement of the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup Match.
Five Days of Racing
Following a weekend dedicated to registration and measurements, racing will take place from Monday, 7th October to Friday, 11th October. Two windward-leeward races are scheduled each day, with a warning signal at 12:30 PM local time.
The gathered fleet will showcase the rich design history of the J Class. This includes the two original boats: Shamrock V, the first J built in the UK in 1930 and the only wooden boat in the fleet, and the beautifully maintained Velsheda, launched in 1933. Additionally, fans can expect to see the powerful Rainbow and Svea, modern builds created from original designs.
Recently relaunched, Shamrock V returns to regatta racing after an extensive two-year refit, during which she was completely taken apart, and 95% of her original planking was restored.
Meanwhile, the new owner of Rainbow, which last raced in 2014, will experience their first major class event. This lighter, agile design from William Starling Burgess, launched in 2012, is expected to perform well in the anticipated light to moderate wind conditions off Barcelona.
Swedish-flagged Svea, inspired by the original design by Tore Holm for a Swedish America’s Cup challenge, debuted at the J Class America’s Cup regatta in Bermuda in 2017. In the hands of passionate and experienced Swedish owners, Svea has emerged as the most successful J Class yacht in recent years.
Sharp Contrast
The difference between the classic J Class yachts, which competed in three editions of the America’s Cup between 1930 and 1937, and the modern aerodynamic AC75s is striking. While today’s America’s Cup boats are controlled by advanced electronics and hydraulics, successful navigation of a J Class yacht relies on the precise coordination and skillful maneuvers executed by a crew of nearly 30.
“We are very excited about the prospect of the J Class racing together in an America’s Cup environment. The competition on the water will be spectacular, and the J Class Barcelona Regatta will bring significant visibility to a class that is a vital part of America’s Cup history,” said Stuart Childerley, Secretary of the J Class Association.
Jordi Puig, president of the Real Club Náutico de Barcelona, expressed enthusiasm about hosting the J Class for the first time, emphasizing the honor it is for the club and the city to welcome these iconic yachts during the prestigious Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. He believes that the contrasting styles between the AC75s and the J Class yachts will create a remarkable spectacle.
The management authority for the America’s Cup shared their excitement, stating, “We are honored to have the J Class here during the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup. The atmosphere has been incredible, with a diverse range of attendees from around the world. The presence of the J Class will add history, glamour, and variety to the event.”
Antonella Della Pietra, Managing Partner at BWA Yachting Spain, expressed her thrill at welcoming the J Class yachts to Marina Port Vell. She believes the upcoming regatta will be an unforgettable experience, with these beautiful yachts bringing excitement right into the city.
Ava Thompson, a skilled sailor and marine journalist from Auckland, has developed a deep connection to the ocean that guides her work. With a degree in Marine Journalism from the University of Auckland, Ava is known for her engaging and detailed storytelling. Her writing brings to life the thrill of sailing and the unique maritime culture of New Zealand, earning her recognition in the sailing community. Outside of her journalism, Ava enjoys exploring the rugged coastlines of New Zealand and competing in local regattas, always in search of her next seafaring adventure.