If there is a competition anywhere in the world where they manage to bring together top sport and luxury with unprecedented elegance, it is in the J-Class. This category of sailing yacht is considered by many to be from another world and a single glance makes one understand why....With their more than 40-metre hull, less than two-thirds of which touches the water - so some 15-metre boats skim over the water like a flying carpet - they look a bit like a spaceship. One with sails, though. These superyachts are made of the most modern materials and are equipped with the most ingenious gadgets to sail as fast as possible. At least, to a certain extent. For they are not completely stripped-down racing monsters as we know them from the Volvo Ocean Race. Anything but that. As soon as you step inside, you find yourself in a full-fledged five-star hotel. Queen-size beds, spacious lounges, lounge sofas with built-in humidor, a fold-out breakfast bar made of French walnut and a real fireplace are the norm. Indeed, class rules dictate that yachts must have a world cruising interior. All to ensure that the boat retains its - yes, these yachts are undoubtedly feminine - charm even after racing. For when drinks are drunk to victory. Or just to the fact that you have just sailed on one of the most beautiful ships in the world.What is the big difference between the J-Class and other superyachts with sails? This elegant class relies solely on drawings from the 1930s. Revamped, of course, but the shape and lines must come from original drawings to be allowed to be used at all. That's because:Between 1930 and 1937, some 20 J-Class boats were drawn to race in the America's Cup - still one of the most important sailing events today. Ten of these designs were eventually built, six of which actually went racing. Then suddenly there was World War II. A shortage of raw materials caused people to start scrapping all sorts of things. And even the beautiful J-Class yachts were not spared. Only three managed to survive the material carnage, so the class seemed to fade into oblivion. Until the late 1990s. American Elizabeth Meyer (1953), today also known as the 'Queen of the J-class', stumbled across what remained of the Endeavour in 1984, not much more than a bare hull. But it was love at first sight. She bought the boat and had it restored at Royal Huisman in the Netherlands. After this boat, she also initiated the refit of a second J-Class, the Shamrock V, with the dream of one day seeing the two boats race against each other again.
Made in Holland
With her initiative, Elizabeth Meyer let the world experience -again- the charm that lies in these classic boats and how that can be combined with modern techniques to create something extraordinary. Consequently, in recent decades, the class has become more popular than ever. There are currently nine units sailing around and several are planned to be built.
Striking fact: five of the nine J-Class boats currently sailing around the world were built and designed in the Netherlands. In addition, the remaining four were also largely re-designed by Dutch designers. GW therefore spoke to Andre Hoek of Hoek Design, designer of the three most recently built new Js: Lionheart, Topaz and Svea.Designing and building a J-Class yacht is a bit like trying to create a Formula 1 car with the comfort of a Rolls Royce. Or a jet fighter with the luxury of a private plane. Quite a challenge, then. Over the years, Dutch shipyards and architects have acquired a resounding reputation for building 'normal' superyachts, so they are also seen as the obvious party to take on such a special challenge. Andre Hoek: "This is the largest class of sailing yachts with which fanatical and competitive races are sailed with line starts. And the requirements are stringent. There is a complete handbook of regulations that such a yacht must meet to be allowed to race. One of the important requirements is that only existing hull line plans are used, 22 in total. Our first task was to select the best line plans from these. Quite a study in itself. Previously, these ships were built in steel but nowadays aluminium is also allowed. Consequently, the boats are different in length, weight and sail area, but this is smoothed out on the race course with a handicap system developed specifically for J-class yachts. It is a very complex puzzle to develop the optimal vessel in terms of hull, construction and rigging. And during the races, they sail with about 35 crew on board, so that makes the deck layout quite a challenge to optimise as well. So for us designers, a lot of very interesting work. Not to mention the interior design. Because we do that ourselves for most of the yachts we design..."
Kids
Asked about his favourite J, Andre Hoek is mostly diplomatic. And actually that makes sense: "Lionheart was the first and also the most successful ship so far. It won the 2017 world championships and many other races. We have often sailed with that ship and are still closely involved with it. Topaz is also a beautiful and fast ship, which is unique because of its deck layout and 1930s Art Deco interior that we designed. On deck, this ship is beautifully executed with many details and I also sail on this one a lot during races. Svea is the last J-class vessel designed and built by us. A beautiful yacht, which also performs very well in races. Asking which is my favourite is a bit like asking which is your favourite child. All three are unique and very special so there is no direct preference."
Eager to see for yourself how the world's most majestic sailing yachts compete? The next event where Js will race is the SuperYacht Cup Palma 19-22 June (Palma de Mallorca), followed by the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup from 1-7 September (Porto Cervo).
Also check www.hoekdesign.com
The shape
The characteristic lines or 'overhang' of the J-Class yachts comes from the rules of the America's Cup. Indeed, one of those rules was that the waterline in this class could not exceed 87ft - just under 27 metres. This way, the races would stay more exciting and it was ensured that not by default the biggest boat - read: biggest purse - wins. And what do you do then, if you still prefer a bigger boat purely because your budget allows it? Indeed, then you just build it floating above the water, so you don't break the rules and are also allowed to race with your big boat in this class.
Get dressed
Sometimes things are against us and it is just too wet or cold for a polo shirt or jumper. And as a sailor, your clothing is one of the most important elements to ensure that you can fully enjoy the trip you are on. At the mercy of Mother Nature, you therefore want to make sure you stay comfortable, warm and dry. After extensive testing, GW therefore christens Helly Hansen's Aegir Race series the top choice for virtually all sailing around Europe. A lightweight sailing suit with plenty of freedom of movement, but thanks to the extra high collar and even a face shield, also extremely cosy in rougher waters or during night crossings. Jacket 550,- Salopette 400,-
For sale
Have it yourself? One of three original J-Class yachts is up for sale for 17.5 million euros. It is Endeavour from 1934. This boat has an amazing history, with its survival often hanging by a thread. A small sample of its torments: after World War II, she was sold to a scrap dealer only to be taken over again by another buyer just hours before scrapping. In the 1970s, she sank to the bottom of the Medina River in Cows and was acquired for ten pounds by two carpenters who used plastic bags to plug the holes in the hull and got her afloat again. Since then, thanks in part to the 'Queen of the J-Class', she is back in top condition and ready to sail around the world.Text: Jules Bijpost Photos / illustrations: Corner Design; Carlo Borlenghi; Rick Tomlinson
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