J-Class Regatta, Falmouth

The J-Class yachts are legendary in sailing circles. For many decades they were considered the pinnacle of yachting and many raced for the America’s Cup in the 1930’s.

Plans were drawn for further J’s, but with the outbreak of the war, this ended any possibilities. Racing ended and the fleet was either scuttled for their steel, hidden, or fell into disrepair, with two (Endeavour and Velsheda) being used as houseboats in mud-berths on the Hamble.

During the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, the remaining boats were found and the revival of the magnificent J-Class started. In 1998 there were three restored J’s on the water again – Shamrock V, Endeavour & Velsheda (an original British built J-Class launched in 1933). This momentous occasion was celebrated when they raced each other in the Antigua Classic Week.

In 2000, the owners met and formed the J-Class Association. Since its inception there have been several additions to the most legendary fleet of all. Gradually the interest built and replicas were commissioned and some of the originally designed J’s that never made it to construction before the war were built from the original plans by some of the greatest yacht designers in history.

Subsequent additions to the fleet include Ranger (a replica of the legendary ‘Super J’), Rainbow, Lionheart, Hanuman (Endeavour II replica), Svea & Topaz, with more in design due for construction.

I first witnessed the J’s at the 2001 Jubilee Regatta in Cowes after an invite from a good friend. After that event – I was hooked. Impressive was an understatement; to witness the yachts I’d read about was inspiring. Vast, graceful . . and beautiful! I then saw them again in the Mediterranean regattas I attended, with the addition of Ranger and she certainly was a sight to behold.

To hear that the first J-Class regatta to be held in British waters since 1937 was going to happen was immense news; the fact it was happening in Falmouth was incredible! When the entry list was announced I was delighted – four J’s racing together for the first time since the 1930’s! Velsheda & Ranger along with two newly built replicas I hadn’t seen or photographed, Lionheart and Rainbow. The regatta didn’t disappoint and was a huge success, with a mixture of conditions giving me a raft of reference material for many paintings.

Now – just which to choose!

I wanted to celebrate the regatta being in Falmouth so had to have a Falmouth backdrop, and therefore needed to be in the right position to capture the fleet, ideally in front of Pendennis Castle or the seafront.

On Thursday’s race it all came together with big winds, good sea swell and competitive close racing. As the fleet were heading to a mark off Castle/Gyllyngvase beaches, I got into a position to achieve most of the goals with three of the four J’s in a line with the typically ‘Falmouth’ backdrop I was after. Sadly, Rainbow was a little too far behind to include her in the composition, but I felt the three were a good enough basis for a great painting.

Great subjects, great action, great light and a stunning backdrop – job done. Now just the process of painting it!

A limited edition Giclée print from an original oil painting.