J Class the Modern Era

1989 to present

After nearly fifty years only three boats remained, largely, forgotten and unrecognisable. Elizabeth Meyer now enters their story. She buys and restores Endeavour whose empty hull she had seen in the Solent, forms J Class Management and restores Shamrock V. In September 1989 she achieves her dream of seeing two J Class yachts race.

Following on from Elizabeth’s restorations, Velsheda was bought and restored and in 1999 the three boats race together in Antigua. In 2001 the three yachts joined by Cambria which had raced Shamrock V in 1930 met at the Americas Cup Jubilee in Cowes.

Six new boats have now been built to original lines by a new class of owners lavishing the sums of money required to keep them at the forefront of technology whilst keeping the spirit of the J Class.

For all the latest information on the modern J Class Yachts and details on upcoming Regattas visit the website of The J Class Association

Velsheda JK7 restored 1997

Ranger J5 Launched August 2003  

Hanuman JK6 Launched May 2009

Lionheart JH1 launched July 2010

Rainbow JKZ1 launched 2012

Topaz J8 launched June 2015

Svea JS1 Launched January 2017