When speaking about the ‘match race’ for J Class yachts today, St Barths Bucket Race Committee Chairman Peter Craig said it just right in but a few words: “it was quite a sight!” An understatement if there ever was one, for to see four of these simply amazing yachts out sailing on the fabulous Caribbean waters was probably closer to a holy experience for anyone who has any interest in the history of yachting. In this environment, with St. Barths packed with many magnificent yachts, and passionate yachtsmen as well as women thick on the water and the docks, there were plenty feeling that beautiful big J vibe.
St. Barths Bucket Regatta 2012 Photo by Tim Wright
J Class Yachts have a special place in yachting lore, which still resonates today thanks to the efforts both some dedicated yacht owners and the J Class Association which since 2000 has worked tirelessly to bring these floating legends back to life. Only ten of these graceful bohemoths were built to race in the America´s Cups during the 1930’s with several more designed and tank tested, but only three survived being scrapped during the WWII. There are now seven sailing today, with one more under construction, and three in design, including the recently announced “Super J” Cheveyo, a collaboration between S&S and Spirit Yachts, which will proudly carry the designation J 1.
On Wednesday, those of us fortunate enough to witness this incredible race were treated to seeing four J Class beauties racing together in an excitingly close race, carefully orchestrated the day before Bucket racing begins in earnest tomorrow. They will also be sailing again in days ahead as part of the Bucket fleet– all leading up the much anticipated J Class races happening this summer on the Solent, to be held throughout June and July, culminating in the new Hundred Guineas Cup (which would later become known as the America’s Cup, the oldest sporting trophy in existence). Today´s race is itself an historic occasion, bringing together four J’s for the first time in over 75 years.
Many of us have for many years already been enjoying watching the charter yacht Ranger in action, with her tight teamwork and a very loyal crew who have gathered at regattas worldwide since her launch several years ago as the first new J, based on the plans of the original Ranger. Newport-based yachtswomen extraordinaire Elizabeth Myers rescued the hull of the charter yacht Endeavour in the 1980’s, and her re-launch in 1989, after a complete re-build by Royal Huisman helped spark renewed interest in these classic remnants of yachting days gone – but quite obviously not forgotten.
Sailing yacht LADY B
Endeavour has just returned to the Northern hemisphere after a total overhaul including new masts, decks and other major refit items in the sailing mecca of New Zealand – looking even more beautiful than ever. Black hulled sailing yacht Hanuman, built for another extremely serious yachtsman, Jim Clark, was also a new hull, built as required to conform to the original J Class designs. Truly spectacular J superyacht Velsheda, yet another of the rare remaining originals has also been totally refit, and re-launched in her full glory just in time to start this exciting J Class racing season.
It wasn’t just the sight of these historic phenomenons sailing together that raised the heart rates of the many observers out enjoying the show – for this was a real race. For those of us fortunate enough to be invited to view the spectacle in style from the deck of the committee boat Rena, just the sight of four Js coming across the starting line within seconds of each other was already incredible, but then for two hours, over a 19 mile course, they continued to battle in close formation, finishing again within bare minutes of each other, with the finish in winning order: Endeavour, Velsheda, Ranger, and not even one boat length behind, the Hanuman superyacht bringing in fourth place. A worthy and exciting race in any regatta, but this fleet obviously made a special day even more breath-taking.
Sadly, a serious injury one of the crew members of the luxury yacht Velsheda cast a sad spell over this festive day, but in true sporting style, he apparently insisted that Velsheda finish the race before he was whisked off the hospital. Our prayers go to this brave crewman for a speedy recovery, and to his fellow crew and owner to help him in this tough journey ahead.
Today, Friday is Bucket Day One. Everything has changed, for in a surprise move, the Bucket Committee, in consultation with the Big Five builders, skippers and owners, decided to add a fourth class. So today the 47 vessel strong fleet will be broken up according to Jim Teeters Bucket Racing System as Grandes Dames, Les Gazelles, Les Elegantes or Les Mademoiselles de la Mer. So far, early in the morning, there’s not a puff of breeze, but hopefully along with the predicted rain, we’ll also see some wind.
The kick-off event on the docks last night attracted a couple of hundred sailors, ready to commune and celebrate with like-minded friends from near and far. The Owners Soiree, held for the first time at La Plage, was also extremely well attended – so everyone is properly lubricated for a great day of racing ahead!
As the Bucket co-founder, Hank Halsted says: “Let’s call up the Wind Gods to bring us some breeze.”
