The final day of the 2012 J Class Regatta in the Solent kicked off with tentative Sun as well as hundreds of yachts expectantly waiting for the start. The sense of occasion was heavy and historic, everybody on the water knowing that they would experience competing unrivalled in the Solent since four J Class yachts last gathered here in the 1930s, more than 70 years ago. With excitement, spectators crowded at each side of the starting line. The race was briefly postponed to permit the wind to pick up strength. Any boat could have taken the overall victory in the regatta on today’s final race; sailing yacht Lionheart, superyacht Velsheda, and charter yacht Ranger only needed a win to guarantee the regatta while luxury yacht Rainbow needed a win as well as other results to go their way.
2012 J Class Solent Regatta - Racing Day 3
The yachts were very cautious at the start line after yesterday’s early starts. All the Js crossed together, all extremely close, just a few seconds after the gun. Velsheda and Rainbow superyachts sailed towards the left of the course while Ranger and Lionheart opted to the right of the course, looking for less tide. The order of the boats was difficult to discern for some time but Ranger looked to be leading, followed by Rainbow, Lionheart, and Velsheda. However, Velsheda appeared to get a lift off the Island shore and crossed ahead of the rest of the fleet.
At the Lymington Bank windward mark, sailing yacht Velsheda rounded first, followed by Rainbow, Lionheart, and Ranger fourth. Ranger looked to overtake Lionheart between the windward and spreader mark but was not quite able to do so and Lionheart held her third place.
Heading downwind to the Solent Bank mark, Velsheda, Ranger, and Rainbow carried on inshore while Lionheart gambled; taking a flyer to the left. Lionheart’s risk failed to pay off as she traded positions with Ranger at the next mark, Rainbow held her second place, and Velsheda extended her lead still further.
At the Hampstead Ledge leeward mark, Velsheda superyacht turned first and Lionheart and Rainbow overlapped, causing Rainbow to call Lionheart for water.
On the last run from Lymington Bank to Egypt Point, all the boats split gybes, knowing they needed a win and that nothing else would do.
The spectators on Cowes Green were treated to the four Js approaching downwind under their 10,000 square foot spinnakers; the combination of bright sunlight on the sails with dark clouds in the background was a sight never to be forgotten.
The yachts finished at Egypt Point as they had turned the last mark, Velsheda in first place by some distance, followed by Rainbow, Lionheart and Ranger. All the boats finished within three minutes of each other after three hours of racing, an incredible result over such a long course.
Renowned Dutch sailor Bouwe Becking, skipper on luxury yacht Lionheart, declared after racing that today’s was the “Best race of the series.”
On corrected time, the result was:
1. Velsheda
2. Ranger
3. Lionheart
4. Rainbow
Overall, superyacht Velsheda wins the Solent series with charter yacht Ranger second, Lionheart third, and Rainbow fourth.
A special mention must go to Rainbow, Lionheart, and Velsheda superyachts whose owners helm the boats in each race. The closeness of the racing is testament to their skill at the helm. Most boat owners have had nervous moments in their helming career but it takes real courage to steer a J over a three hour, spectator-filled course.
The yachts line up tomorrow for the Hundred Guinea Cup, recreating the original America’s Cup course East around the Isle of Wight, weather permitting.
The J Class Association is extremely grateful to the beautiful 90 foot classic yacht Savannah. Her owner very kindly lent her as the committee boat for the J Class UK regattas and there can be no boat better suited to the occasion, her simple, clean colours and classic lines perfectly reflecting the heritage of the Js.
As ever, the JCA gives special thanks to the four Dutch boatyards who support the class; Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw, Claasen/Jongkind, Holland Jachtbouw, and Royal Huisman. Without their support, this event could not have happened.
Finally, the JCA would like to apologise to all those who came to watch the racing at Christchurch Bay, the Central or Eastern Solent. While it was their intention to carry out this plan for the three days of racing, the final consideration is always the weather and whether the JCA can put on good racing in these areas. Unfortunately, they were not able to do so with the conditions they had but they do apologise for any inconvenience and disappointment caused by their being unable to do so.
