My journey with the J Class

My first association with the J Class came on a visit to Portsmouth in 1996, across the harbour I could see a grey steel hull at her moorings off Camper and Nicholson’s in Gosport. Immediately I recognised her as a J Class and quickly caught the Ferry across the harbour for a closer look. I was thrilled to see it was the hull of Velsheda awaiting her restoration. I took some photos and returned to Portsmouth.

1997 Velsheda Restored

The following year now living at Cowes on the Isle of Wight I couldn’t belive my eyes when I saw a fully restored Velsheda complete with quadrilateral Jib tacking to and forth off Egypt point.

2001 Americas Cup Jubilee

In 2001 I witnessed the return of the J’s to the Solent as part of the 2001 Americas Cup Jubilee where I was so lucky to meet Elizabeth Meyer who came to visit an exhibition I was having as part of the celebrations.

2012 Return of the J’s to the Solent

Return of the Js Ranger,Rainbow and Lionheart. photo Shane Couch

2012 saw the return of the J Class to the Solent, Ranger ,Rainbow, Lionheart and Velsheda enjoying 4 days of racing.

2013 Superyacht Cup

1 minute to go 5 Js at the Start. Palma Superyacht Cup 2013. photo Shane Couch

2013 Palma was a famous regatta as it was the first time 5 J Class yachts raced together since 1937. I was so fortunate to witness this historic meeting.

2014 Palma Superyacht Cup

Lionheart heads the Fleet, Palma Superyacht Cup 201. Photo Shane Couch

Having witnessed the 2013 regatta at Palma I returned again for the 2014 Palma Superyacht Cup and I was rewarded by a fantastic beat and run across the Bay of Palma on the last Day.

2015 Falmouth

Velsheda leading Lionheart and Ranger round the mark off Pendennis point Falmouth 2015. photo Shane Couch

2015 saw the Js racing in English waters with a great regatta at Falmouth before they moved up the coast to the Solent.

2015 Solent

Ranger leads Elenora during the 2015 round Island race. photo shane Couch

2015 saw 3 Js visit the solent along with a host of Classic yachts to celebrate bicentennial of the Royal Yacht Squadron. It was an incredible week with the two fleets Classics and Js frequently coming together.

2018 Palma Superyacht Cup Svea vs Velsheda

Svea vs Velsheda 2018 Palma Superyacht Cup. photo Shane Couch

The 2018 Palma Superyacht Cup saw some great match racing between the newest J Svea and Velsheda.

2018 Les Voiles San Tropez

2018 concluded with some great racing between Velsheda and Topaz, i was so excited to see Topaz as she was the only J I had not see.

I have been lucky to have witnessed them racing many times and been invited aboard many of them. Today they are accorded a special place at the Americas Cup, sharing the waters and anchorage with the very latest boats racing for the Cup.

Wherever they go they inspire admiration and awe! This is the story I want to pain