Endeavour Yacht News & Events

J Class Endeavour under sail

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For any passionate sailor worth his salt, sailing aboard a classic J-Class yacht would be the pinnacle of their maritime career. For some however, life aboard the mythic J’s is not just a dream, but an everyday reality, and at times, an adrenaline overload. One of those rare few, is the Suffolk born Englishman, Will Gibbon, who has had the fortune to sail, cruise and live aboard not one, but two of these extraordinary vessels. Will is now in his fourth year as First Mate aboard the original 1933 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> J-Class, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, but he began his career in the Class aboard the 41.55-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/792" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Danish Yachts (Company)">Danish Yachts</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a>, a Spirit of Tradition J-Class which was built as an exact replica of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. (Company)">Sparkman &amp; Stephens</a>' Ranger, launched in 1937. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/77147/image/large-d465539bc3e1937d189bed1804c5859f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77147">SYT’s Francesca Webster, caught up with Will, an old friend and wildly unsuccessful (on her part) first sailing coach, to talk about his entrance to the close knit world of classic yachts, his life aboard the sloops, and his all time best experiences.&nbsp;In his late teens, Will worked on the U.K.’s east coast for sailmaker John Parker at his loft OneSails GBR. The international team at OneSails cut cloth for some of the biggest names in the industry, designing sails for superyachts, as well as classics and dinghies. It was here that Will, already an experienced small boat sailor, began sailing and racing more frequently, eventually meeting English comedian Griff Rhys Jones and joining the race crew of his 1948 Bermudan <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/213" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Sparkman & Stephens, Inc. (Company)">Sparkman &amp; Stephens</a> yawl, Argyll. After three years as race crew, Will stepped up to the 19-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1110" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="William Fife (Company)">Fife III</a> sloop <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5208" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mariquita38.1m (125'0&quot;)William Fife & Sons1911">Mariquita</a>, joining the permanent crew as deckhand. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/21917/image/large-0b83c5c1372e2212f045eeb9db383f5d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21917">In 2015, the news was announced that the entire existing J-Class fleet, minus <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>'s sister ship <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, would be coming together in a momentous event at the 2017 America’s Cup in Bermuda. His passion for classic yachts already ignited, it was Will's firm ambition to join one of the Class and compete in the once in a lifetime regatta. Eventually his dream was recognised, with the invitation to join <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> as deckhand. “The mate at the time was promoted to captain, and he took me on and I worked through the ranks, which is the best way to learn these yachts. Even though <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> has had a refit since I was last aboard, I am still familiar with both of the yachts, having spent so much time aboard.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195515/image/large-74bdf602eba6143a336b0fe716023033.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195515">For many sailors who witnessed the 2017 America’s Cup, the spectacular show of the J-Class competition stood out as a pinnacle of the event. Processing through Hamilton Harbour, gigantic flags billowing at their stern, the J-Class yachts truly put on a show, and for Will it was a top moment of his career. “Bermuda is definitely the highlight for anyone that has sailed aboard these yachts in recent years, it is easily the highlight of my career.”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195513/image/large-ce1f6035c0d913dfafb3f22b12e18447.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195513">It was not all fun and games however, the regatta was a serious affair and every owner, captain and crew wanted to take the top spot during the races. Racing on a yacht coming toward its centenary isn’t without its difficulties, and Bermuda posed some additional challenges for the crew. With the water temperature considerably hotter than the Mediterranean, and the yachts being pushed to their limits, sometimes with only thirty minutes between races. There wasn't much time to catch your breath, “One day we did three windward-leeward courses, which for a J-Class is massive, especially in the small space within the reef in Bermuda. The legs were really short so you’re running everything as hot as possible and down in the engine room it got to about 45-degrees, everything was bubbling a fair amount!”<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/195512/image/large-d61bcbf043ee8584ce98502e67664278.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/195512">After Bermuda, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Ranger41.55m (136'4&quot;)Danish Yachts2003">Ranger</a> wintered at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/209" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Pendennis Shipyard Ltd (Company)">Pendennis</a>, and the following season, in 2018, Will joined the crew of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>, now as first mate. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> is one of the busiest yachts in the Class, competing year in, year out, usually participating in four regattas annually. As Will explained, many of the Class’ take a year out after big racing seasons like 2017 because the investment of time means less time for cruising, the other hugely rewarding part of owning a J-Class. The owner of one of the newest J's to the fleet, the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/32" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Holland Jachtbouw (Company)">Holland Jachtbouw</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Topaz42.62m (139'10&quot;)Holland Jachtbouw2015">Topaz</a>, launched in 2015, fortunately shares the enthusiasm for racing clearly displayed by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>’s owner, and the two yachts go bow-to-bow at almost every regatta. On the rare occasion that <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> is the only J in the regatta fleet, she stands her ground on handicap against her contemporary counterparts, and in 2019 took the top spot at Les Voiles de St Tropez against the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/799" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Astilleros Armon (Company)">Astilleros Armon</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5097" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rambler32.5m (106'8&quot;)Astilleros Armon1982">Rambler</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/276" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="McConaghy Boats (Company)">McConaughy Boats</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/314" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Leopard 330.0m (98'5&quot;)McConaghy Boats2007">Leopard 3</a>. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/79974/image/large-b99c0d0e6faa8dddb4ea6cd2c95239e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/79974">Watching these iconic vessels sparring, be it in the Caribbean or off the coast of Southern France, one is struck by their grace; huge black carbon sails towering over hulls which look like pencils in the water. Despite their classic aesthetic however, these yachts are high performance beasts, as Will noted, “we are always pushing to get every last bit out of the boat, our rigger often reminds us ‘you only have to win by a second’.” Today the entire fleet features carbon masts and sails, and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> has hydraulic winches and Future Fibres rigging, a big upgrade from a few years ago. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/77148/image/large-2b46575ac18ba220f40e375346d82ea0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/77148">When they aren’t competitively racing, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>’s owner joins the yacht throughout the year, and cruising is some of the crew’s favourite time aboard. When asked if a particular moment had stayed in Will's mind, a cruise in Greece when they spotted the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> 1934 J-Class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, the vessel which lost to the American defender Rainbow&nbsp;by Vanderbilt, Herreshoff and Burgess, immediately came to mind. The two yachts were sailing along the same reach and the crew from both put their minds to a race.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/94598/image/large-1744f1ef1e5d64f42ace47e5920f5c88.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94598">With <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a> almost never competing, and only the permanent crew of seven aboard, it was all hands on deck for their 20-minute spar, “that was a lot of fun, sailing short handed is some of the most fun you have and when we are cruising you go to some amazing places.” Sardinia is also a top spot for Will, and the Rolex Cup is one of his favourite regattas. Life aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> also has the additional benefit of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1480" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Bystander42.18m (138'5&quot;)JFA Yachts2006">Bystander</a>, a 42.18-metre superyacht that accompanies the J. The superyacht, which was built by JFA Yachts and launched in 2006, carries additional crew, support and supplies and provides the accommodation for the owner after a long day of racing aboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/198077/image/large-07d8e02f9c2d3ccd509f5eda7c490c64.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/198077">For any sailer who hasa spent time aboard the classics, it is impossible not to touch on the maintenance of these yachts, which is a constant hum going on behind the scenes. Unlike their modern counterparts, many of which are made of carbon and GRP with wooden veneers, classic yachts demand constant work to retain them in pristine condition. Last year, while the pandemic raged across the world, and regattas were set aside, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a>'s team took the opportunity to conduct her 25 year survey. When she was most recently rescued from the mud and restored, latterly in 1997, it was <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/231" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southampton Yacht Services Ltd (Company)">Southhampton Yacht Services</a> that conducted the work. &nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/69138/image/large-f16e6c423018d56133aed37ba823be08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/69138">As for the future, Will has other dreams, but he can’t see himself stepping off of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Velsheda39.4m (129'3&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1933">Velsheda</a> any time soon, the possibility of an America’s Cup season in New Zealand, or perhaps the United Kingdom, is too much of a draw. After all, once you’ve conquered some of the most coveted super sailing yachts in the world, how can you tear yourself away...This article was originally published in&nbsp;<a href="https://sya.superyachttimes.com/news/superyacht-times-newspaper-issue-39" target="_blank">Issue 41 of SuperYacht Times newspaper</a>. To read more stories like this one and to never again miss another issue of the SuperYacht Times newspaper, <a href="https://shop.superyachttimes.com/report/the-superyacht-times-subscription" target="_blank">subscribe here</a>.

Interview with J-Class Velsheda First Mate

SYT sits down with Will Gibbon, professional sailor and First Mate aboard 1933 J-Class Velsheda. 

Velsheda: Life aboard a Golden Age J-Class

In 2022 <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> celebrated 240 years in business. Few companies can boast such longevity. Ever fewer can claim a dozen world firsts, which have allowed the firm to sail ahead of the fleet since 1782. The passion for invention began in 1809. A 16-year-old shipwright named William Camper joined an unremarkable boatyard in Gosport on England’s south coast. His apprenticeship certificate is now deemed so important that it’s housed in Britain’s National Maritime Museum. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241649/image/large-1335ec890609a5590dc4be09f4eb9481.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241649">William Camper’s first recorded launch was Breeze. At the King’s Cup this 16.5m cutter sliced competitors from the Royal Yacht Squadron to shreds. Squadron members fought among themselves to commission Camper for their new build. Earls, Viscounts and Members of Parliament ordered racing boats 15m, 25m and even 35m in length — an astounding size for the day. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241648/image/large-4b33f3c5582611b1e668089f84a8057e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241648">Camper’s designs sailed the seven seas. His 24m schooner Nancy Dawson explored north past Point Barrow in Alaska, the point of no return for Arctic exploration. On her journey back to England she became the first yacht to circumnavigate the globe.In 1842 the 14-year-old Ben Nicholson joined the firm. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper and Nicholson</a> expanded the Gosport yard from racing yachts into “English gentlemans’ floating hotels” — the luxury yachts familiar today. Nicholson’s ultimate design was 44-metre Amphitrite. This magnificent schooner belonged to a Scottish aristocrat, then a Swedish industrialist, followed by a German production company where she starred in 40 television shows. Now a cadet training vessel, Amphitrite remains one of the world’s oldest working yachts. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241650/image/large-24a40d25de0fc46a9606d93c9f1170f8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241650">The ‘s’ was added to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> after Ben Nicholson’s three sons took the helm. The middle child, Charles E Nicholson, showed little early promise. Yet once introduced to the Gosport shipyard in 1888, he began styling racing yachts like it was his God-given gift. His first racing commission, Coquette, scooped 110 prizes in her first competitive season. For the once-in-a-generation naval architect, far greater accolades were to come.&nbsp;Charles E Nicholson lived through boom, bust, two World Wars and an era of changing aspirations, materials and racing rules. He led <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> to victory in all. With the 23-metre Istria <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Charles E. Nicholson (Company)">Charles</a> scored two world firsts: the lightweight composite hull and the Marconi racing rig. Istria&nbsp;took an incredible 35 flags from 36 starts, causing the entire racing industry (including the royal yacht itself) to ape her style.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241653/image/large-fb6767408f05878f26d9f6c937d5d328.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241653">The list goes on. With the 29.5m J-Class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Charles E. Nicholson (Company)">Charles</a> came closer to winning the America’s Cup than any competitor until the 1980s, losing on a technicality. With the 75.5-metre Philante, he designed the biggest private motor yacht built in Britain until modern times. Philante served with honour during World War Two, running seven treacherous Atlantic crossings. Today she sails with distinction as the Royal Norwegian yacht KS Norge. Legends never die.&nbsp;After World War Two, the coming generation of Peter and George Nicholson reinvented the yacht industry once again. Having largely been associated with yacht design and build, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> formed a new division for yacht charter. In Gosport, Peter pioneered GRP production yachts that sold by the hundred. These included 45.57-metre Chambel IV. Today she cruises as <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/northwind-ii" target="_blank">Northwind II</a>, with her 22k gold taps installed by the designer who styled John F Kennedy’s White House.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241651/image/large-81a01e5eab56476f03271076558c556e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241651">Around 1950, George Nicholson moved to Cannes to help <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a>’ appointed agent Derek Burton to generate a refit business. In 1961, their hard-earned success led to the formation of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> International, the brokerage wing of the company. The brokerage side of the business performed steadily, and the company set many records for the most expensive yachts sold, becoming leaders in the industry.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/241652/image/large-649284fa62e150778113263c3ed4dbed.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/241652">During the 1960s, offices opened in Palma and Monaco and by 1992 the business had crossed the Atlantic. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">C&amp;N</a> established offices all across North America, making the company a household name from the Mediterranean to California. The company expanded the scope of services to sale &amp; purchase, charter, new-build, yacht management, crew placement, insurance, and charter management.<a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/companies/camper-nicholsons-international" target="_blank">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a>’ latest investment is in the industry’s first Innovation &amp; Technology Hub. While other agencies rely on third-party software, the company now operates bespoke platforms for its seven divisions. This new tech solution delivers real time access on charter revenue, crew costs, insurance premiums and thousands of other metrics to brokers, owners and partners. As decisions on sale and charter increasingly rely on actionable data, the<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">&nbsp;Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> platforms draw from the industry’s largest yachting database. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/192623/image/large-899cf5b24fdaf721f286e62afdf9b4da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/192623">In 2021, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> sold <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Article/53201" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="105m superyacht Lady Moura has been sold (2021-06-18 17:15:00 +0200)">105m Lady Moura in the industry’s largest in-house brokerage deal for some time</a>. The vessel, a top ten superyacht at the time of her launch, was virtually marketed in a metaverse arena by the oldest name in yachting. A name that has kept inventing for 240 years. &nbsp;Today, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/6" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons International (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a> is proud to have a team with solid experience including sales brokers, charter professionals, naval architects, master mariners, and other yachting experts with thorough understanding of codes of practice, rules and regulations, technical expertise, administration, commercial awareness and the more subjective factors of yachting to advise owners and captains and meet every client’s requirements.

240 years of Camper and Nicholsons

Camper & Nicholsons celebrates 240 years and we took a look back on the history of the brand.

Celebrating 240 years of Camper & Nicholsons

According to German yacht spotters, the classic 71.5-metre 1931 superyacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3492" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Argossy71.5m (234'7&quot;)Krupp Germania Werft1931">Argossy</a>, previously Rossy One and originally Argosy, was discharged from a carrier vessel in Brake on 3rd January 2022. First arriving in Bremerhaven, the yacht was then towed by the tug En Avant 13 on the River Weser toward Brake.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215297/image/large-9601d87e80221c75c403187df34a2d47.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215297">Like many classic vessels of her pedigree, the yacht has a spotted history, but it is known that in March 2021 she was acquired at an auction in Napoli, where she had laid-up after an incomplete rebuild for many years. At the moment her final destination within Germany is not known, but we expect that she will now undergo a major refit at one of the German shipyards.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215300/image/large-43f2bed30649cf9c3ed8446576b2fe0a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215300"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3492" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Argossy71.5m (234'7&quot;)Krupp Germania Werft1931">Argossy</a> was built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/263" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Krupp Germania Werft (Company)">Krupp Germania Werft</a> in the interwar period for Charles A. Stone of the New York bank Hayden-Stone, to designs by the legendary <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/94" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cox & Stevens (Company)">Cox &amp; Stevens</a>. In 1934 she was sold to Sir Thomas Sopwith to be used as an escort ship to the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper and Nicholsons</a> 39.56-metre J-Class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>. Sopwith rechristened the yacht Vita, and it is believed that she escorted <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a> across the Atlantic to accompany her during her 1934 America's Cup races in Newport Rhode Island.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/51135/image/large-54de98309983e97d4dfcbee91353c656.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/51135"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215298/image/large-a757da487a353cceba3b73109602f1f0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215298">Sopwith retained the yacht until 1937 when his new yacht Philante, now <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/932" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Norge76.26m (250'2&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Norge</a>, was completed for him. At this time Vita changed hands and was purchased by a French resident. While her wartime activities are unknown, by 1947 she was armed and renamed Ben Hecht, under which name she changed hands a number of times, until 1957 when she was put to work as a ferry running between Capri and Naples under the name Santa Maria Del Mare.&nbsp;In 2007 she was sold to an Italian owner and became Rossy One.&nbsp;<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215299/image/large-bf49ba3a00e17d7c8db9181cdc559e99.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215299">Under the name Rossy One restoration work began in Naples and <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/the-rebuild-of-superyacht-santa-maria-del-mare-1931" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">Italian designer Luca Dini was commissioned to return her to her classic glory</a>, creating a series of designs for the restoration of the superyacht. However, the rebuild project stalled and was latterly abandoned. This latest development and her arrival in Germany suggests that the completion of her restoration and the relaunch of this valuable piece of interwar maritime history may finally be concluded. <img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/215296/image/large-deac26494717b142889b76cfd01bb7a7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/215296">

Classic 72m superyacht Argossy spotted in Bremerhaven

The 1931 classic yacht Argossy has been spotted in Germany where she may now be about to undergo restoration.

It has to be said, sometimes older is better and there are many in the industry who would say that sailing on a vintage yacht gives an unbeatable feeling which cannot be matched by today's high-tech vessels. For a select few owners, taking on a restoration project is extremely rewarding, as proven by the cases outlined in this list of classic yacht refits where vessels were brought back to their full potential after decades or even centuries of use.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vagrant39.0m (127'11&quot;)Herreshoff1913">Vagrant</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Herreshoff (Company)">Herreshoff</a>, 39m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/11648/image/large-9aa98906108d975407c2227f6a7d0615.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/11648">The 39-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/829" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Herreshoff (Company)">Herreshoff</a> sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vagrant39.0m (127'11&quot;)Herreshoff1913">Vagrant</a>, built in 1913, was refitted in 2017 at the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/122" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Royal Huisman Shipyard BV (Company)">Royal Huisman shipyard</a>, with <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra</a> revisiting her naval architecture. The refit included the reinstallation of her engineering systems and classic interior and the restoration of the deckhouse as well as brand new crew quarters. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SS Delphine78.55m (257'9&quot;)Great Lakes Engineering Works1921">SS Delphine</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/689" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Great Lakes Engineering Works (Company)">Great Lakes Engineering Works</a>, 78.55m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/98408/image/large-8591bd7113e7347c85b0275ea8eaf516.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/98408">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/937" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="SS Delphine78.55m (257'9&quot;)Great Lakes Engineering Works1921">SS Delphine</a>, built in 1921 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/689" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Great Lakes Engineering Works (Company)">Great Lakes Engineering Works</a> and first known as Dauntless, has had several refits, the most recent of which was carried out in Zeebrugge, Belgium, in 2003. The original owner's daughter conducted extensive research for the various refits, and the yacht currently calls back the roaring '20s, combining a classic feel with today's amenities and communication means. &nbsp; <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)Krupp Germania Werft1929">Haida 1929</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/263" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Krupp Germania Werft (Company)">Krupp Germania Werft</a>, 71.1m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/53800/image/large-9de3c91ccf04e5fa4c4c1be73450a02c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/53800">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1457" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="RINA (Company)">RINA</a>-class <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)Krupp Germania Werft1929">Haida 1929</a> has sailed under many previous names including Dona Amelia and has undergone several refit works, including in 2011, 2016 and 2018. This involved rebuilding the ship’s structural integrity, an extension of the sundeck and several alterations to the interior, such as the addition of a Hammam spa. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Over the rainbow of London35.0m (114'10&quot;)Dickie & Sons1930">Over the Rainbow of London</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/174" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dickie & Sons (Company)">Dickie &amp; Sons</a>, 35m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/30280/image/large-0e673654460e26aac388bafa74db8b6c.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/30280">The 35-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/203" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Over the rainbow of London35.0m (114'10&quot;)Dickie & Sons1930">Over the Rainbow of London</a>, a mono-hull displacement yacht built in 1930 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/174" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dickie & Sons (Company)">Dickie &amp; Sons</a>, was restored to glory in 1991 and had another refit in 2004 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/72" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mondomarine SpA (Company)">Mondo Marine</a>, being held to the highest standards throughout her lifespan.&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)John Brown & Sons1930">Nahlin</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a>, 91.44m (Credit: Giovanni Romero)<img src="/uploads/store/photo/39878/image/large-a5132adc2bc9e7f3c2b82929d9230185.JPG" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39878"> This <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1653" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="John Brown & Sons (Company)">John Brown &amp; Sons</a> build from 1930 is 91 metres in length and has a volume of 1,356 GT. She underwent a refit from 2006 to 2007 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nobiskrug (Company)">Nobiskrug</a>, and was then brought over to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a> from 2007 to 2009 where her old steam turbines were replaced by diesel engines. She has gone through a total of five years of restoration since being purchased by her current owner.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a>, 135.94m<img src="/uploads/store/photo/75270/image/large-67263cca37648ff4adad4b1c093ed31e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/75270"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/210" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Savarona135.94m (445'12&quot;)Blohm & Voss GmbH1931">Savarona</a>, the 136-metre built in 1931 by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blohm & Voss GmbH (Company)">Blohm &amp; Voss</a>, featured original naval architecture and exterior design by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/94" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Cox & Stevens (Company)">Cox &amp; Stevens</a>. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/7" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Diana Yacht Design B.V. (Company)">Diana Yacht Design</a> revisited her naval architecture and her latest interior comes from <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/41" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Donald Starkey Designs (Company)">Donald Starkey Designs.</a> The yacht is currently used as the presidential yacht for Turkey and once belonged to Atatürk.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Malahne</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard</a>, 50.29m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/41798/image/large-315d2c5f2192782eea621e046e52400d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41798">The <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/192" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard (Company)">Camper &amp; Nicholsons</a> yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1937">Malahne</a>,&nbsp;measuring 50.29 metres and built in 1937, has had several refits, the latest of which happened in 2017. This refit brought her design back to the original and upgraded her to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/1452" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Lloyd's Register (Company)">Lloyd’s Register</a> class.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft1938">Shemara</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a>, 64.68 <img src="/uploads/store/photo/22695/image/large-78e60326a7ca9a9cf1512dffc5461e75.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/22695">The 64.68-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/270" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vosper Thornycroft (Company)">Vosper Thornycroft</a> motor yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)Vosper Thornycroft1938">Shemara</a> has changed owners only twice since she was built in 1938. It was under the ownership of her most recent owner that she received maintenance works in 2016. The owner created a company for the extensive refit, Shemara Refit LLP. She was given a contemporary interior while keeping a lot of her original attributes, and she now runs on a <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/2207" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Rolls-Royce Marine (Company)">Rolls-Royce</a> diesel-electric system.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alicia51.0m (167'4&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1930">Alicia</a>,&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/753" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Defoe Shipbuilding Co. (Company)">Defoe Shipbuilding Co</a>., 51m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/68657/image/large-c6eaf8e16deceb4b854d39b7f5886f19.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/68657"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1042" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Alicia51.0m (167'4&quot;)Defoe Shipbuilding Co.1930">Alicia</a>, built in 1930 and known under many names including Janidore when she was built, has received a rebuild in 2015-2018 at <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5098" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Southampton Marine Services Group (SMS) (Company)">Southampton Marine Services group</a>, during which she was given an almost entirely new steel hull and a completely new aluminium superstructure, with all of her onboard systems also being replaced.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a>, Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard, 39.56m <img src="/uploads/store/photo/94600/image/large-9a16e10d12e128a753a97a032b6ed91c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/94600"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)Camper & Nicholsons Shipyard1934">Endeavour</a> is a 39.56-metre J-class sailing yacht from Camper &amp; Nicholsons Shipyard, with naval architecture by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/230" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Dykstra Naval Architects (Company)">Dykstra Naval Architects</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/229" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Charles E. Nicholson (Company)">Charles E. Nicholson,</a> who also designed the yacht’s exterior. She was restored to her full glory in the 1980s in a trailblazing restoration project which you can read all about <a href="https://www.superyachttimes.com/yacht-news/the-j-class-endeavour-and-royal-huisman" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="">here.</a>

10 classic yacht refits and restorations

SYT has compiled a list of 10 yacht refits of iconic yachts that have been restored to their full glory. 

10 remarkable refits and restorations of classic yachts

It is no secret that Nick Edmiston is a fan of classic yachts. He has played a central role in the sale and refit of several notable vintage motor yachts over the past 20 years, including&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2248" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Blue Bird31.59m (103'8&quot;)">Blue Bird</a>&nbsp;(1938), <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)">Nahlin</a>&nbsp;(1930),<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)">&nbsp;Malahne</a> (1937), and now 71-metre <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)">Haida 1929</a>. Built by Krupp Germaniawerft for the millionaire yeast magnate Max Fleischmann, the yacht has sailed under a number of high-profile owners since her launch nearly 90 years ago. Earlier this year, she was delivered to her latest owner following an extensive 18-month restoration at the Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, UK. SuperYacht Times talked with Nick Edmiston and broker Alex Busher, who acted as liaison between Edmiston and the new owner, about the challenges associated with restoring and managing classic yachts. We began by asking how <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)">Haida</a> came to change hands in 2016.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/41790/image/large-3fd05144629a31880d61507719312e72.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41790">Nick: I’d known the yacht for years, ever since she was called <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)">Sarina</a> and owned by Loel Guinness, who spared no expense to make sure she remained in excellent shape. The last owner had been hanging onto her with the thought of taking a long cruise, but that never happened. After several years when she was effectively mothballed, he decided to sell her and we brokered the deal with the new owner. Like all restorations, the worklist grew as the project progressed, but he was determined to bring her back into top condition with a view to chartering and taking her around the world.&nbsp;Alex: The restoration was really needed. She’d undergone a previous refit in Turkey in 2000, which hadn’t addressed some of the major issues. After a survey of the hull, we very quickly realised the underwater profile would have to be stripped down to the frames for the first time in almost 90 years. The fact she was still intact is a testament to Germany’s shipbuilding prowess, but we ended up replacing the tanks and 60 percent of the hull, using over 100 tons of marine-grade steel in the process. At one point there were 70 welders working on her: when the old funnel was removed and engine room gutted, you could look down through the decks and see the bottom of the dry dock.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/41793/image/large-8c32b0bf15e6a5c652a2cda1ff3183d5.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41793">Why the decision to go to Pendennis for the refit?Alex: Several reasons. Besides having a slot available, Pendennis has experience of refitting other classic motor yachts, including<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)">&nbsp;Malahne</a> and<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/254" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Fair Lady42.0m (137'10&quot;)">&nbsp;Fair Lady</a>. They had also completed a short refit of the yacht in 2011 when she was called <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)">Dona Amélia</a>, so had a lot of prior knowledge. Brexit had just kicked off and sterling had taken a hit, so the exchange rate was a consideration. Another factor was that the yard is very discreet and a bit off-radar down in Falmouth, which suited the owner who wished to maintain his privacy.&nbsp;Considering the high cost of restoration and maintenance, what kind of owner decides to invest in a classic yacht?Nick: &nbsp;Someone who knows how to appreciate tradition and elegance; someone who leads a very stylish lifestyle and has a passion for maintaining an asset of historical significance. That’s not everyone by any means. And once they’ve spent the money, they’re not going to recover it immediately, if at all. In the long-term, the paint job might be a bit cheaper as you don’t have a high-gloss metallic finish, but they require constant attention and tend to have big crews, so that’s an added cost. There’s definitely more work involved and you have to have a loyal crew prepared to roll up their sleeves and get the job done. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/41792/image/large-8bca09e70d639b0d3767e1d759409cde.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41792">Alex: With classic yachts, it’s all about their history: the stories behind the owners and the places they’ve been to. We tend to think of explorers as a new trend, but <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)">Haida</a> was originally built for Fleischmann with an 8,000-mile range for exploring the Pacific and was named after the native Haida people of Alaska and British Columbia. The current owner had been following her for the last 15 years or so, and it was either this yacht or none at all. He wanted character and soul, not a replica or a new build. It’s a bit like living in a stately home rather than a brand new hotel, which is why he wanted to keep the original Krupp engines, the beating heart of the vessel and the oldest working diesels on any yacht today. They have no gearbox, so to reverse they have to be stopped and restarted using the old telegraphs still linking the bridge to the engine room. Stripping and rebuilding them with custom-made parts was a huge job in itself.&nbsp;How did you decide on Adam Lay for the new interior design?Alex: The owner had very clear ideas of what he wanted and had spent a lot of time researching online and in magazines. He put together four large mood books of his own and toured antique fairs all over Europe for period accessories, which is still ongoing. But we needed someone to fine-tune his ideas and bring it all together to produce a traditional décor with a nod to contemporary lifestyles. Adam had been involved in the refit of the J-Class&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour</a>&nbsp;and is a very good listener. The owner liked his low-key style and attention to detail, but what swung it was when Adam started sketching in front of him. He was very impressed with his draughtsmanship skills.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/41791/image/large-35a900be03ce0739b16f2783f969fabb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/41791">What concessions were made to modernity during the refit?Alex: Although the owner wanted a sympathetic restoration, he was aware of modern charter requirements. So a hot tub was added on the top deck and a hammam spa on the lower deck, the galley was upgraded, new AC installed, along with new custom tenders [restored to their original position amidships] and new cranes for launching them. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/290" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Haida 192971.1m (233'3&quot;)">Haida 1929&nbsp;</a>is the only classic motor yacht of her size available for charter with accommodation for 12 guests and a private owner’s deck. The other classics like<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)">&nbsp;Nahlin,</a> <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/97" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Talitha82.6m (270'12&quot;)">Talitha G</a>&nbsp;and<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)">&nbsp;Shemara</a> are all private.<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)">&nbsp;Malahne&nbsp;</a>is available for charter, but she’s a lot smaller.&nbsp;What other classic yachts are out there waiting to be saved?Nick:&nbsp;There are a couple left worth getting hold of, but I’m not going to tell you which they are in case someone else gets to them first! There was a sister ship to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3572" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Shemara64.68m (212'2&quot;)">Shemara</a> that went to Japan, and another lovely old motor yacht that once belonged to the Courtauld textile family that went to Sierra Leone as a presidential yacht. Sadly the former was broken up and the latter sank before my people could get to them. <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2841" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Nahlin91.44m (300'0&quot;)">Nahlin</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2291" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Malahne50.29m (164'12&quot;)">Malahne</a> probably wouldn’t be around today if I hadn’t stepped in. The challenge is finding the right owner in time and then a yard with the wherewithal to restore them, which is not cheap by any means. Ultimately, you have to have a passion for it.

Haida 1929: talking classic yachts with Edmiston

Here Jaap Gelling, Royal Huisman’s Technical Director, talks to us about the trailblazing restoration of the 39.56-metre J Class sailing yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour</a>&nbsp;which took place in the 1980s and discusses its wider impact for the industry as a whole. <img src="/uploads/store/photo/21959/image/large-4303c47075fa655a33aff43ee8ca5905.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21959">It would be hard to overstate the impact of the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour&nbsp;</a>project on Royal Huisman. This was, by some distance, the largest yacht the yard had ever worked on. It was also a project that presented multiple technical challenges, albeit within the exciting context of one of the most famous racing yachts of the Golden Era. The international sailing community looked on with critical interest as to what would become of this true sailing legend.To recreate a famous yacht from a rusting steel plate hull is a lot more demanding than building from scratch – this was no refit, not even a renovation. Up to this point, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Velsheda</a> was the only J Class yacht that had been brought back from the brink but that featured little of the ambition that Elizabeth Meyer brought to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour.</a> The yard not only had to re-create the yacht but also to invent and then seamlessly incorporate sail handling and hotel systems that were never present on the original.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/39218/image/large-063077b0b9058eec2ad5c79755644f24.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39218">These challenges played strongly to the engineering maestro in Wolter Huisman. But, with a formidable client like Elizabeth Meyer, he undoubtedly experienced a great deal of stress. The yard team, of course, were proud and delighted to be able to apply their talents and inventiveness to such a pioneering, high profile project. Many of those involved in the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour</a> project still look back on it as one of the finest achievements of their career, if not the finest.&nbsp;Wolter’s pride in the accomplishment of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour&nbsp;</a>was absolute. He may have built some remarkable yachts, but this one capped them all – at least until his final masterpiece, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Athena90.0m (295'3&quot;)">Athena,</a> was launched in 2004, only narrowly nudging Endeavour into second place.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/39222/image/large-1129bace63facad509dc313166456c0e.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39222">Wider impacts<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour’</a>s success seriously enhanced the yard’s reputation for expertise in large and technically challenging projects. In particular, it showed owners and their teams there were now no real limits to the size of their future sailing yachts. The bespoke sail handling systems developed for Endeavour, enabling a large and powerful yacht to be sailed by a relatively small crew, could apply to any yacht they dreamed of. This recognition led directly to the extraordinary increase in scale of sailing superyachts that has followed over the years ever since.This in turn had a major impact on the industry at large, with naval architects, designers and project managers, as well as yards, all experiencing a very rewarding step-change in the status and scope of their professional work.&nbsp;Endeavour’s greatest impact, perhaps, was to give credibility to the establishment of the new J Class Association. It demonstrated there really could be a future for this almost-extinct class. There can be no question that, without Elizabeth Meyer’s vision and determination and the glorious example of the re-created <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour,</a> we would not have nine J’s racing today – more than were ever on the water together during the Golden Age.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/39224/image/large-ccc13cb215d98a97de68ea5a08ba7754.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/39224">One thing led to another. Royal Huisman’s serial client Dr Jim Clark (who also built <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/595" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Hyperion47.42m (155'7&quot;)">Hyperion</a> and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Athena90.0m (295'3&quot;)">Athena</a>) asked the yard to re-create&nbsp;<a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5918" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour II 49.9m (163'9&quot;)">Endeavour II,</a> relishing the idea of optimising the performance of a spectacular design using the materials and technologies permitted by the new J Class Association rules. The result was Hanuman, a widely admired J2 that is very successful on the race track. This momentum continued with the re-creation of other lost Js and even the first-time build of others that had existed only as plans. It is truly a new Golden Age for Js when several commentators at last year’s America’s Cup Regatta in Bermuda noted that the J Class event had eclipsed that of the AC35s.<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21970/image/large-b5b0e957a1c2d29492dc8174d2e291eb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21970"><a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour</a> will always be part of the cultural fabric of Royal Huisman. It is a source of considerable pride as a pioneering achievement in its day, but the lessons learned continue to inform the way the yard works today. &nbsp;Interior space planning for systems and machinery, as well as accommodation, was of immense importance in <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour&nbsp;</a>- a vessel with fine ends and relatively low hull volume.&nbsp;The technologies and disciplines applied then have been constantly refined ever since to optimise the quality, functionality and serviceability of systems installations and the luxury and comfort of the accommodation in every Huisman yacht interior. On Spirit of Tradition (or classic) yachts, exacting joinery techniques and finishing processes have been evolved to create new interiors that appear to be restorations from an earlier era.&nbsp;<img src="/uploads/store/photo/11649/image/large-ca8f915aa88dd175a20ca6d9e905cc91.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/11649"><img src="/uploads/store/photo/11648/image/large-9aa98906108d975407c2227f6a7d0615.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/11648"> The skills and resources applied to <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Endeavour39.56m (129'9&quot;)">Endeavour</a> by Royal Huisman have, themselves, evolved into the highly successful ‘Huisfit’ operation, specialising in superyacht refit, repair and renewal. A current, high profile Huisfit project is the complete rebuild, over two years, of Nathaniel Herreshoff’s famous 109ft schooner, <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/5247" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Vagrant39.0m (127'11&quot;)">Vagrant</a>, built in 1913. An echo of the Endeavour project? Most certainly!<img src="/uploads/store/photo/21950/image/large-de323f1d7330a1f4fa3b9ffa2d0720a1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/21950">

The J-Class Endeavour and Royal Huisman

As the only New Zealand yard with a new build superyacht underway there is no doubt that Yachting Developments, owned and run by the Cook family, is one of the country’s best success stories.

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162598/image/large-d05ef9677c3e02b1c8e619896c34469b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162598">

 

 

Having recently delivered the 33.83 metre Germán Frers designed sloop, Cygnus Montanus, in July 2016, the yard team is currently hard at work on a 38.7 metre Michael Peters sportsfisher, Hull YD 1015, due for delivery in 2017. Current refit projects include the restoration of Windhaven, built in 1948 and considered by many as New Zealand’s first luxury yacht. “Enquiries are strong and we are busy,” says Ian Cook, Managing Director at Yachting Developments.

 

Founded in 1990 the company started life building composite race boats, including an America's Cup boat for Spain, before moving into the world of superyachts. Those race boat origins have never been lost and today many of the superyachts that the yard has built are known for being light, fast and competitive on the regatta circuit. Specialising in composite construction, the team have built a variety of projects including sailing yachts, catamarans and sports fishers, with the Yachting Developments fleet including the 37 metre Bliss, the 30.5 metre sailing catamaran Quintessential, the 36.7 metre Bristolian, and the 30 metre Antares III. Classic yachts are a particular passion of Cook’s, and more often than not the shed has modern day superyachts sitting side by side with classic yachts awaiting restoration. It was this passion that led the yard to securing its most prolific refit project to date, the major refit of Endeavour in 2010/2011.

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162599/image/large-bb67c7c33505b1731b9d7016f41d9e34.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162599">

 

 

While new build is the most prolific division, it is just one of the main arms of the business. When the Global Financial Crisis hit – with Yachting Developments losing two orders in the fallout – Cook responded by diversifying, making sure that the yard was not reliant on new build orders. The busy refit and restoration division, together with composite commercial, residential and smaller boat work, has allowed Cook to ride the peaks and troughs of a temperamental order book and, most importantly, keep his expert staff employed. “New Zealand’s marine industry has trained its staff so well that they are seen as very desirable and good value in other industries and are highly sought after so it’s important to hang on to your people,” says Cook. “We need to always be looking 10 years ahead and continuing to train and grow our staff so that the next generation of craftsmen and women are coming through.”

 

The yard’s apprenticeship scheme is something Cook is particularly passionate about, having served as Chairman of the Industry Training Organisation for several years, he strongly believes in the importance of helping to pass on the craftsmanship and knowledge of boatbuilding. 10% of the staff are apprentices and in addition to learning their trade on the job, Cook also has several classic yachts in the shed that he uses to teach the art of finishing, refit and restoration to the apprentices. “I enjoy seeing young fellas grow up and learn a trade,” he says.

 

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162600/image/large-282bc03f6dd4d26dcc6f61e4752d99e9.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162600">

 

Despite the wide range of projects being undertaken, composite is at the heart of all the yard’s work. “We are definitely composite focused and we are one of the few yards in the world specialising in what we do,” says Cook. “People have asked us if we want to build something in aluminium. While we could do it, they are better off going to a yard that wants to do that.”

 

Building custom projects to perfectly suit an individual owner is what the yard loves to do best and although they have considered developing concepts to present to the market, in the end the decision was made to not pursue this approach as a marketing tool. “We’re in it for the people that are passionate about what they want to do in terms of us realising their dreams. You’ve got to have the people come to you with what they want to do rather than you trying to tell them what they want,” says Cook. “Our fleet of yachts is the best example of the work we have done. From there people come to us with their own ideas.” Indeed the order for Cygnus Montanus came after her owners admired a Yachting Developments-built boat.

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162601/image/large-198d09e5eead7d83df2011d709e85606.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162601">

 

 

Whether the New Zealand new build industry can recover to levels of years past is inevitably a question regularly asked of Cook. “I doubt that it will return to where we were in the past, but in terms of new build resurgence the opportunity is certainly there. New Zealanders build a great product,” he says. “In the end it all comes down to the clients – new build is driven purely by a client’s wishes and desires to do something, and there’s no doubt we’re a customer driven market. Our distance from the market will continue to be our biggest challenge, and that’s been especially noticeable in the last five to seven years as owners have become much more time-poor.”

 

New Zealand has been proactive about promoting the country to yachts in recent years but Cook believes that yacht building is so personal that in many cases the build country takes a back seat to the relationship between yard and owner. “It shouldn’t be about a country, the relationships are most important, not where you are and what you cost,” he says. “What we do is very personal and the importance of good synergy between yard and owner can’t be underestimated. It’s a life long relationship.” Getting the balance right and staying true to family values and a commitment to quality is at the heart of every project the yard takes on. “You never want to think you’re being chosen because you’re the most competitive,” he says. “You want to be chosen because the owner relationship is right, everyone’s paying a fair price and you are delivering a quality item. It’s as simple as that.”

 

<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/162602/image/large-4d2315cf547ab9a5af89a02338b22eb6.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/162602">

 

While he admits that boat building is not without its stresses, Cook feels lucky to do what he does. “I enjoy coming to work every day and creating things,” he says.”I don’t have one favourite part of the job, it’s right across the whole spectrum, it’s all good fun.”

 

This article was published in the latest edition of the SuperYacht Times newspaper. <a href="http://www.superyachtcompany.com/newspaper/the-superyacht-times-subscription" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" target="_blank">Subscribe now</a> and never miss another issue.

 

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Insight: A closer look at Yachting Developments

The organisers of the 2017 America’s Cup being held in Bermuda have invited the J Class Association to participate in a J Class Regatta. Announcing they have accepted the invitation, the event will involve all eight J Class yachts, with a minimum of six anticipated to compete in the regatta. This will mark the first time in history that more than five J Class yachts have ever raced against each other.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/152656/image/large-c1d270d15cf6631f8221e9e0e8c290d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139043">Director of the America's Cup Event Authority (ACEA), Russell Coutts, commented, "The J Class era of the America's Cup is widely recognised as being among the high points in Cup history. When racing for the America's Cup in the 1930s, the J Class boats embodied grace and power with cutting-edge design and engineering. Having the J Class join us in Bermuda will create a spectacular blend between the old and new."Berthed at the centre of the Race Village, the J Class fleet will showcase the heritage and tradition of the America's Cup. The yachts will also be at the heart of the action with their own exclusive four day regatta.Louise Morton, Secretary of the J Class Association (JCA) commented, "The America's Cup Organisers have offered the J Class a unique opportunity to be part of the America's Cup for the first time in 80 years. On behalf of the Owners, Captains and Crew, we are delighted to accept their kind invitation and look forward to being part of this spectacular event."The current J Class fleet comprises seven yachts, including two of the original Js that raced for the America's Cup; Endeavour, Hanuman, Lionheart, Rainbow, Ranger, Shamrock V and Velsheda. J8 is due to be launched in May 2015, and once in the water, will mark the first time that eight Js have been sailing since 1934.By Gemma Fottles

J Class to be part of the 2017 America's Cup in Bermuda

An awe-inspiring regatta fleet of twenty super sailing yachts and seven luxurious motor yachts are berthed in YCCS Marina in preparation for the first day of the racing at the Loro Piana Caribbean Superyacht Regatta and Rendezvous.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/143322/image/large-5edbab4effbdc84843f984fd23562014.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/143322">The third edition of the event organised by Boat International Media and Yacht Club Costa Smeralda has attracted a record number of sailing yachts in 2013, set to enjoy three days of racing in the idyllic conditions offered by the British Virgin Islands. Stretching more than 30 miles along the Sir Francis Drake Channel, the BVIs are comprised of more than 60 beautiful islands set amid the sheltered, turquoise waters of the central Caribbean Sea, offering some of the most picturesque sailing in the world.A diverse fleet of modern yachts and elegant, classic designs will race under the International Super Yacht Rule, overseen by Principal Race Officer Peter Craig and the YCCS Race Committee. The 30.5m Wally sloop Indio returns to defend her title alongside Jim Clark's 42m J-Class Hanuman which took second place in 2012. Other returning competitors include the Briande-designed Perini Navi 38.1m P2, helmed by Gerry Andlinger, as well as 45m fast cruiser Salperton and the super sleek 49.7m Zefira, both built by Fitzroy Yachts.New entries for this year include the 62m Hoek Schooner Athos built by Holland Jachtbouw, Perini Navi's 54m Parsifal III, Camper and Nicholsons 40m J-Class Endeavour and Southern Wind yachts 30.2m Blues and 30.26m Cape Arrow, the latter chartered for the occasion by title sponsor Loro Piana.An impressive display of motor yachts including Feadship's 63m Lady Britt, veteran participant 46.9m Ingot by Burger Boat Company, Westport's 39.6m Resolute and late addition 34.1m Chief, will turn out to follow the fleet and enjoy the spectacle of the regatta. As well as front row spectator seats from the comfort of their yachts, motor yacht owners will enjoy their own social programme alongside the sailing during the day which includes a private lunch at a luxury villa on Peter Island, sponsored by BVI Tourism.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/143323/image/large-28a7786853b612e408d69fda29226f4f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/143323">Participating sailing yachts have taken advantage of the opportunity to fit in a day's practice before racing commences tomorrow, and owners came together for a relaxed, welcome lunch at the beautiful Oil Nut Bay. The event officially kicks off this evening with a Welcome Cocktail and BBQ on the lawn of the YCCS Clubhouse.Racing is scheduled to begin at 1100 (AST) today, with the current forecast suggesting a perfect day for racing with winds averaging 12 knots.Photos by Jeff Brown / Superyacht Media

YCCS Virgin Gorda welcomes majestic fleet for superyacht regatta

After 12 years as Secretary of the J Class Association, and the great success of the two UK J Class events this year, David Pitman is retiring from the role. This has been a fascinating era for the J Class, starting with the inaugural meeting of the Association in 2000. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/140295/image/large-f5860bea9ef1205ea4d8d0fb536026d4.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139470">David created the constitution and a set of rules that would defend the historic original yachts (Shamrock V, Velsheda, Endeavour) but would allow for the building of new yachts, to original hull lines plans. This led to interest in new projects. David is extremely proud of his role in assisting the development, build and launch of four new J’s - Ranger in 2002, Hanuman in 2009, Lionheart in 2010 and Rainbow in 2012. One more yacht is nearing completion at Holland Jachtbouw Shipyard, whilst two more have plans approved and are scheduled to start shortly. Few people can have such a lasting, visible legacy of their work with four new J Class yachts on the water and three more on the way. The two major UK regattas were a culmination of many years of planning, and he is delighted to have completed these events with such success, bringing four J Class yachts to the UK for the first time in over 70 years and putting on racing to rival the glory years of the 1930’s. Regatta organisation is a complex task, encompassing container movements, berthing for yachts and support ships, awareness of large crew requirements, plus all the onshore activities that make a successful event. In his last two years as J Class Secretary, David laid the foundations for future events at top sailing destinations around the world. His superyacht knowledge and contacts were invaluable in the formulation of these long-term plans. David leaves a legacy of a strong class association, comprehensive rules, accurate handicap and measuring systems, unique event trophies and seven J Class Yachts on the water, with more in construction and planning. David stated: “It has been my pleasure to work and sail with the J class fleet for more than 15 years, creating an environment where the Class can grow and flourish”. J Class Association <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%202012%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

David Pitman retires as secretary of the J Class Association

The first interior images of Endeavour have now been released giving a sneak preview inside the newly refitted 77 year old J class icon. The 18 month refit was undertaken by Auckland boatyard Yachting Developments, and the result is simply spectacular. More than 100,000 man hours have gone into the project and in excess of 40 tonnes of material was removed and replaced on the vessel during the refit. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139362/image/large-e695f9b4200f3d540d9a1898ffe9a705.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139362">There has been a long term philosophy of longevity and serviceability throughout the refit, ensuring Endeavour will remain the historic icon she is today for future generations. Through the use of 3D modelling it was possible to accurately create a space saving but serviceable layout in the under floor engine room and service areas. The refit included removal and replacement of the complete weather deck including all deck equipment. Steel deck framing has also been relocated to accommodate the new load paths of the new deck layout. The number of deck winches was reduced from 28 to 14 and all dorades were removed in keeping with her original appearance. Dykstra &amp; Partners, Naval Architects, were instrumental in the design of the new sail plan, deck layout and structural engineering. Accommodation forward of the mast has been reconfigured by John Munford and Adam Lay and the new interior has been built in-house by Yachting Developments tradesmen. The main engine, generators, hydraulic systems, winches, electrical system, electronics, bow thruster, and air conditioning have all been replaced. The new carbon fibre mast was built by Southern Spars in Auckland and features EC6 standing rigging. Absolute care has been taken throughout the refit to preserve as much of the vessel as practical while taking advantage of twenty first century sailing systems, enhanced performance and improved functionality. The owner’s project management is by Jon Barrett Associates whom have had over 25 years experience in this role with Endeavour. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139363/image/large-a69196f94a946c482145e8d64f58efec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138203">Recently the St Barths Bucket Regatta held in the Caribbean, hosted four J Class vessels. Indeed it was the first time ever that Endeavour, Hanuman, Ranger and Velsheda had lined up and raced against each other in the same regatta. Endeavour’s refit was quickly validated with an outstanding performance and end result. Yachting Developments +64 (0)9 417 0060 <a href="mailto:info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz?subject=Yachting%20Developments%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz/">www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a>

First interior images of Endeavour released

Shortly after the end of the St Barths Regatta, Hanuman, who had come last of the four Js by the smallest of margins, was withdrawn from the 2012 UK events programme; a big disappointment to all those looking forward to seeing her in UK waters. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139042/image/large-b6d6e6c86b5d666d9ef9e0510ce5df32.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138203">Endeavour has now announced that the owner has business elsewhere in June and cannot attend the Falmouth Regatta, so just four yachts are expected to attend, not the six that have been expected and planned for. Even though this is a big disappointment, four of these massive yachts sailing in Falmouth bay will still offer a spectacular sight - not to be missed. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/139043/image/large-5188f1fbd567b66410f45446864713aa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/139043">Velsheda is due to arrive in Falmouth within seven days. Her support ship MY Bystander has already arrived. Ranger will very shortly berth in Ocean Village, Southampton, before repositioning to Falmouth by early June. The new yacht Rainbow, launched just before Christmas 2011, is now on sail trials in Holland in preparation for the event. She will be supported by the 57 metre ship, MV Holland. Lionheart is also scheduled to arrive in Falmouth shortly. The Js are planning to leave at the end of the Falmouth event, and reposition at Solent Refit, in preparation for the Solent regattas. Endeavour is currently still planning to compete, together with the other four yachts, making a fleet of five.J Class Association <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=Article%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

Revised attendance at UK J-Class Regatta's

For the first time ever, the four J Class yachts; Endeavour, Hanuman, Ranger and Velsheda, lined up and raced against each other as part of the St Barths Bucket Regatta held this week in the Caribbean. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138625/image/large-ea266ce688c0a06e091d21a6bba8204a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138203">Fresh from the mammoth two year refit at Yachting Developments yard in New Zealand, Endeavour showed the fleet her pedigree with an impressive first race win. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138626/image/large-0571f7af4bc7e6bf8a681bbb4e4e2fdf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/130571">J Class Exhibition Race finishing order: 1st. Endeavour, 2nd. Velsheda, 3rd. Ranger, 4th. Hanuman.

Historic day for J Class yachts in St Barths

After successfully completing sea trials, Endeavour is now on board Dockwise and is headed for the Caribbean. Once she reaches Florida, Endeavour will sail to take part in the Antigua St Barths Bucket regatta in March alongside Yachting Developments built Bliss (36 metre) and Symmetry (29.3 metre). <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138364/image/large-7ff917168b83fe3430ae1da7686c843b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138364">Yachting Developments relaunched the iconic J boat Endeavour on Saturday 8th October 2011, which marked the completion of an extensive 18 month refit at Yachting Developments yard based in Hobsonville, Auckland. Yachting Developments +64 (0)9 417 0060 <a href="mailto:info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz?subject=Yachting%20Developments%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz/">www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a>

Endeavour heads for the Caribbean aboard Dockwise

The Iconic J Class boat Endeavour has successfully completed sea trials and race trim preparations on Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour and in the Hauraki Gulf. Fresh from her comprehensive 18month refit at Yachting Developments Auckland shipyard, there were smiles all round as Endeavour’s crew and members of the Yachting Developments team proudly sailed Endeavour in all her new glory, the grand old lady seemed very happy with her new upgrades. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138203/image/large-5926570fc0632b6d8d3218f1ef5f8989.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138203">Absolute care has been taken throughout the refit to preserve as much of the vessel as practical while taking advantage of twenty first century sailing systems, enhanced performance and improved functionality. More than 100,000 man hours have gone into the project and in excess of 40 tonnes of material was removed and replaced on the vessel during the refit. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/138204/image/large-5ce3fb950665d17a0babc90b132f2c16.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/138204">Through the use of 3D modeling it was possible to accurately create a space saving but serviceable layout in the under floor engine room and service areas. The refit includes removal and replacement of the complete weather deck including all deck equipment. Steel deck framing has also been relocated to accommodate the new load paths of the new deck layout. The number of deck winches was reduced from 28 to 14 and all dorades were removed in keeping with her original appearance. Accommodation forward of the mast has been reconfigured by John Munford and Adam Lay, the new interior has been built in-house by Yachting Developments tradesmen. The main engine, generators, hydraulic systems, winches, electrical system, electronics, bow thruster, and air conditioning have all been replaced. The new carbon fibre mast was built by Southern Spars in Auckland and features EC6 standing rigging. Dykstra &amp; Partners, Naval Architects, have been instrumental in the design of the new sail plan, deck layout, and structural engineering. There has been a long term philosophy of longevity and serviceability throughout the refit ensuring Endeavour will remain the historic Icon she is today for future generations. The owner’s project management is by Jon Barrett Associates whom have had nearly 25years experience in this role with Endeavour. Yachting Developments Managing Director Ian Cook describes the 18month custodianship of Endeavour as “an honor, she is something special, everyone involved has put their heart and soul into the refit, I think the care, and passion is very evident in the end result.” Yachting Developments +64 (0)9 417 0060 <a href="mailto:info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz?subject=Yachting%20Developments%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz/">www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a>

J Class Endeavour completes successful seatrials

Renowned superyacht builder and refit specialist, Yachting Developments, has committed to a 3-year partnership with the NZ Millennium Cup as a Platinum Sponsor. The major sponsorship will begin with the 2012 NZ Millennium Cup, which will be held on the sparkling waters of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf on February 16-18. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/137664/image/large-eaec8e2356feda32b29d3ba0149346de.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126644">Yachting Developments, based in the Auckland suburb of Hobsonville, employs a dedicated staff of 140. They specialise in custom-built superyachts and refits, with expertise in composite, metal and timber yachts. The company has recently completed an extensive and highly-acclaimed 18-month refit of the iconic J Class <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a> and also built the 33.8-metre Silvertip, the current NZ Millennium Cup reigning champion. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/842">Silvertip</a>, the first yacht in the world to win both the Superyacht Society’s Best Sailing Yacht and Showboat’s Best Sailing Yacht awards recently confirmed her entry into the 2012 NZ Millennium Cup. Yachting Developments’ managing director, Ian Cook says "this is an exciting time for the company and the perfect opportunity to announce the company’s participation in the 2012, 2013 and 2014 NZ Millennium Cups". Yachting Developments joins Gold Sponsors; Alloy Yachts, Integrated Marine Group and Touch of Spice; Silver Sponsors: Dubois Yachts, Events Clothing and Doyle Sails and Media Partners The Superyacht Group and Ocean Media. The NZ Millennium Cup is expected to attract a superb fleet of superyachts, all at least 30 metres long. Other confirmed entries include the 48.5-metre <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/624">Georgia</a>, the 44-metre S/Y <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2532">Imagine D</a>, the 39.6-metre <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1640">Janice of Wyoming</a> and the 31-metre <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/3446">Pacific Eagle</a>. Yachting Developments +64 (0)9 417 0060 <a href="mailto:info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz?subject=Yachting%20Developments%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz/">www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a> Millennium Cup Amy Welch +64 21 02225143 <a href="mailto:amy@millenniumcup.com?subject=Millennium%20Cup%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">amy@millenniumcup.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.millenniumcup.com">www.millenniumcup.com</a>

Yachting Developments become Platinum Sponsor of 2012 NZ Millennium Cup

Yachting Developments proudly launched the iconic J Boat Endeavour on Saturday 8th October 2011, the launching marks the completion of an extensive 18 month refit at Yachting Developments yard based in Hobsonville, Auckland. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/137115/image/large-f3873997ad9a00464a38f7e1753ca7f8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/136948">Endeavour touched the water at 8am, onboard systems were commissioned and checked, the new mast was stepped at 11am, the boom was fitted at 1.00pm, Endeavour then moved to her berth at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on schedule at 2.30pm. Absolute care has been taken throughout the refit to preserve as much of the vessel as practical while taking advantage of twenty first century sailing systems, enhanced performance and improved functionality. The comprehensive refit includes removal and replacement of the complete weather deck including all deck equipment. Steel deck framing has also been relocated to accommodate the new load paths of the new deck layout. There has been a long term philosophy of longevity and serviceability throughout the refit ensuring Endeavour will remain the historic Icon she is today for future generations. Dykstra &amp; Partners, Naval Architects, have been instrumental in the design of the new sail plan, deck layout, and structural engineering. The main engine, generators, hydraulic systems, winches, electrical system, electronics, bow thruster and air conditioning have been replaced or upgraded. The new carbon fibre mast was built by Southern Spars Auckland, the mast features carbon standing rigging. Accommodation forward of the mast has been reconfigured by John Munford and Adam Lay, the new interior has been built in-house by Yachting Developments tradesmen. The owner’s project management is by Jon Barrett Associates whom have had over 25 years experience in this role with Endeavour. Yachting Developments Managing Director Ian Cook describes working on Endeavour as “an honor, she is something special, everyone involved has put their heart and soul into the refit, I think the care, and passion is very evident in the end result”. After completion of sea trials <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a> will tune up on Auckland Harbour prior to being shipped in February to the northern hemisphere to compete in the 2012 J Class regattas timed to coincide with the Olympics. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/137116/image/large-61fd65d97a083699a1b4f85260e484ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/137116">Yachting Developments, Jon Barrett Associates, Dykstra &amp; Partners will be attending this years Fort Lauderdale International Boat show.Yachting Developments +64 (0)9 417 0060 <a href="mailto:info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz?subject=Yachting%20Developments%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz/">www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a>

Refit of Superyacht Endeavour JK4 completed

Yachting Developments have relaunched the iconic J Boat Endeavour today, the launching marks the completion of an extensive 18 month refit at Yachting Developments yard based in Hobsonville, Auckland. Endeavour touched the water at 8am, onboard systems were commissioned and checked, the new mast was stepped at 11am, the boom was fitted at 1.00pm, Endeavour then moved to her berth at Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour on schedule at 2.30pm. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/136948/image/large-b990f90dff2a9cfeac35eeeec8851886.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/136948">The comprehensive refit includes removal and replacement of the complete weather deck including all deck equipment. Steel deck framing has also been relocated to accommodate the new load paths of the new deck layout. There has been a long term philosophy of longevity and serviceability throughout the refit ensuring Endeavour will remain the historic Icon she is today for future generations. Dykstra &amp; Partners, Naval Architects, have been instrumental in the design of the new sail plan, deck layout, and structural engineering. The main engine, generators, hydraulic systems, winches, electrical system, electronics, bow thruster and air conditioning have been replaced or upgraded. The new carbon fibre mast was built by Southern Spars Auckland, the mast features carbon standing rigging. The accommodation forward of the mast has been reconfigured by John Munford and Adam Lay, the new interior has been built in-house by Yachting Developments tradesmen. The owner’s project management is by Jon Barrett Associates whom have had over 25 years experience in this role with Endeavour. Yachting Developments Managing Director Ian Cook describes working on Endeavour as “an honor, she is something special, everyone involved has put their heart and soul into the refit, I think the care, and passion is very evident in the end result”. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/136949/image/large-b43e5739177fb42f59033c7ac58f3a08.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/136949">After completion of sea trials Endeavour will tune up on Auckland harbor prior to being shipped in February to the northern hemisphere to compete in the 2012 J Class regattas timed to coincide with the Olympics. Yachting Developments +64 (0)9 417 0060 <a href="mailto:info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz?subject=Yachting%20Developments%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz/">www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a>

Yachting Developments relaunch iconic superyacht Endeavour

The extensive refit of the iconic J Boat Endeavour is nearing completion at Yachting Developments Auckland yard. Absolute care has been taken to preserve as much of this historic vessel as practical, while taking advantage of twenty first century sailing systems, enhanced safety and improved functionality. There has been a long term philosophy of longevity and serviceability throughout the refit ensuring <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621"></a>Endeavour will remain the historic icon she is today. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/136757/image/large-6271ea32805654ae80f0e81e2bcc0deb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/136757">Dykstra &amp; Partners, Naval Architects, have been instrumental in the design of the new sail plan, deck layout and structural engineering. The comprehensive refit includes complete removal of the weather deck and all deck equipment. Steel deck framing has also been relocated to accommodate the new load paths of the new deck layout. The main engine, generators, hydraulic systems, winches, electrical system, electronics, bow thruster and air conditioning have been replaced or upgraded. Work is nearing completion on the new Southern Spars carbon mast and rigging. Accommodation forward of the mast has been reconfigured by John Munford and Adam Lay, the new interior is being built in-house by Yachting Developments tradesmen. The owner’s project management is by Jon Barrett Associates whom have had over 25 years experience in this role with <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a>. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/136758/image/large-c5384cf4f540c0ffe40a1077eee8e330.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/136758">Yachting Developments Managing Director Ian Cook describes working on <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a> as “an honour, she is something special, everyone involved has put their heart and soul into the refit, I think the care and passion is very evident in the end result”. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a> is on schedule to be launched October 2011. Both Yachting Developments and Dykstra Naval Architects will be exhibiting at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show. Yachting Developments +64 (0)9 417 0060 <a href="mailto:info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz?subject=Yachting%20Developments%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz">www.yachtingdevelopments.co.nz</a>

Endeavour refit on schedule 

The J Class Association has announced outline plans for a series of spectacular regattas in England during 2012 - the Olympic Year. This will be the first time in history that more than four of these imposing yachts will race together in a fleet. The outline plan has received a positive response from J Class owners and event planning is now proceeding. Many yachts in the fleet are now preparing to be on the start line for these 2012 events. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130298/image/large-a5e568c138b96352f99c37018bcd0abb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/128352">This J Class event will attract many thousands of spectators. There are numerous headlands and vantage points close to the race courses for viewing this spectacular fleet. The potential exists to have up to nine J Class yachts completed in time for the regatta. They include: <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276">Shamrock V</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Hanuman</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2079">Lionheart</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016">Rainbow</a> <a href="http://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/details/3030/">Svea</a> <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2632">Atlantis</a> Just 10 yachts were constructed, six in the USA and four in England. There were other designs produced but not built. During this period there were never more than four J yachts racing together. Only three originals survived the Second World War - <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276">Shamrock V</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a>. They rested and rotted in mud berths, until their rebuild and rebirth as 21st Century racing superyachts. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130299/image/large-df030fbcaec9adae6ef33b0d2bc40149.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/128351">With the formation of the J Class Association (JCA) in 2000, the possibility existed for replicas from history to be built and race again. New yachts have been launched and some are under construction. Most of these projects are expected to be completed by 2012, creating a fleet of the biggest, finest racing yachts the world has ever seen. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130300/image/large-29366519e6fc155d97c85b5783c9ca60.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/129267"><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016">Rainbow</a> is expected to launch in 2011 and could line up against <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a>, repeating the historic races for the America’s Cup of 1934. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130301/image/large-248d08cd351497d68caa069daf631b23.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/126902"><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Hanuman</a> could sail against <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> in the classic repeat of the 1937 America’s Cup. <a href="http://www.superyachttimes.com/yachts/details/3030/">Svea</a>, a Swedish design dating from 1937 was never built but is expected to start construction this year, 73 years after being designed. In the 1930s they were the ultimate racing yachts. Now, with advanced rigging, hydraulics, carbon masts, PBO ropes and electronic navigation systems, the new Js still represent the most demanding yachts in the world. Sailors just off TP52s and Volvo yachts declare their awe at the power, loadings, size, skill and management required to race these monsters which are around 40 metres (140 feet) long and draw 5 metres (16 feet). <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130302/image/large-cf83508bd07b7e29795a14f893b2e290.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123977">Changing a genoa on a downwind leg takes 10 minutes and commits almost all the crew to lift and reposition sails, making every tactical decision critical. Yet these yachts are incredibly maneuverable and with no guardrails, spectacular to watch, making them probably the ultimate big yacht racing platform. “Being aboard a J is about the power and glory of sailing. It provides a unique link with another era dominated by one of the most visually stunning classes ever to take to the water”. David Glenn, Yachting World “It’s fantastic to see these magnificent giant J Boats back on the water racing after some 70 years and especially to have so many new replicas of the Golden J Boat era under construction” Erle Williams, Helmsman “I had the chance to be on the start line with two other Js for the first time in 50 something years. Now I’m hooked on the power, performance and challenge of racing Velsheda against other J’ as well as modern Maxis”. Tom Dodson, North Sails.<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/130303/image/large-93ad8d901eba008e839372e58fb0ebd8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123978">The first regatta will be based in Falmouth, Cornwall, hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club. Races will be held in the bay and along the coastline. The second regatta will be based in the Solent, the traditional home of J Class racing in the UK during the 1930s. The last race will be held over the original course around the Isle of Wight, for the 1851 Hundred Guinea Cup Race, which is now known as the “America’s Cup”. J Class Association David Pitman <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=J-Class%202012%20Regatta%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com/">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

Series of spectacular J-Class regattas in 2012

Capture some of the original 1930s J Class magic, along with fleet news and photography in the brand new desktop J Class calendar for 2010. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/129661/image/large-10936d875a32acdb2f12df2a8a07f7ec.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/129661">Taking a month each, the three original yachts, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276">Shamrock V</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a> are all featured, along with the replica new builds currently on the water, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Hanuman</a>. There are further photographs and information on J Class yachts currently in build, as well as Svea who has already had her lines plans approved by the J Class Association. The history of the J Class is summarised within the calendar and many of the photographs will be seen for the first time. The calendar costs £10.99 excluding postage, or it can be obtained at an introductory offer when joining the J Class Supporters’ Club. Either membership or the calendar would make an ideal gift for friends or family who are followers and enthusiasts of this iconic class. J Class Association <a href="mailto:info@jclassyachts.com?subject=2010%20J-Class%20Calendar%20%28SuperYachtTimes.com%29">info@jclassyachts.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com">www.jclassyachts.com</a>

The 2010 J-Class Calendar

The J-Class Rainbow, designed by Dykstra &amp; Partners for a repeat client, has started building at Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw. When the hull will be ready, Rainbow will be transported to be finished at Holland Jachtbouw (HJB). The re-build of this originally William Starling Burgess Designed yacht will be under supervision of Dykstra &amp; Partners Naval Architects. Rainbow will be built and fitted out to race with the existing and new J’s according to the JCA (J Class Association) rules. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/129267/image/large-63ac024306f3a823227bfc1a1875cb76.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/129267">To keep the J-Class fleet and races alive and to encourage new build yachts to enter the field, new JCA maximum performance rules have been developed, including allowing aluminum as building material. The new rule is a VPP (Velocity Prediction Program) based rating system which puts limits to the performance. This new rule has been developed by the Dykstra &amp; Partners office and the Wolfson Unit in Southampton. The aim of the JCA, the Dykstra team and the rule is to bring fair &amp; close racing to the fleet and to give all designs a chance of winning (on a handicap based system). Over the years the Dykstra team gained an enormous amount of hands-on information by racing on all the J’s in the current fleet. Dykstra &amp; Partners have gained over 20 years of J-Class experience and where responsible for the rebuilds of the J-Class yachts: <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276">Shamrock V</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a>, refit of <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> and the new build <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Hanuman</a> (Endeavour II project). <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1016">Rainbow</a> will be the 2nd new J-Class in order for the Dykstra team. More new J-Class projects in design for clients and refits under supervision of Dykstra &amp; Partners for current J-Class yachts are planned to take place in the coming year. Dykstra &amp; Partners Naval Architects +31 (0)20 6709533 <a href="mailto:info@gdnp.nl?subject=J%20Class%20Rainbow%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">info@gdnp.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.gdnp.nl">www.gdnp.nl</a> Holland Jachtbouw +31(0)75 614 9133 <a href="mailto:hjb@hollandjachtbouw.nl?subject=S/Y%20Rainbow%20on%20SuperYachtTimes.com">hjb@hollandjachtbouw.nl</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.hollandjachtbouw.nl/">www.hollandjachtbouw.nl</a>

J-Class Rainbow starts construction

Bright sun and fresh gusts welcomed the crews this morning in the bay of Saint-Tropez. Today the 300 participating yachts in this year's Voiles de Saint-Tropez were given the chance to truly test themselves for the first time this week. No more twiddling thumbs while waiting for the wind; with the Mistral in full effect since sunrise, the crews of the Classic Yachts had to put real muscle into their work in order to keep control of their vessels' massive sails, which can often exceed 200 m2. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125612/image/large-d26413824ec596c5248238abcfd23106.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125612">Today was a welcome change from yesterday, when the race committee was forced to shorten the racecourse due to capricious winds. In yesterday's conditions Agneta, winner of the Rolex Trophy in 2007, finished second in the Marconi division just behind Rowdy but in front of Oiseau de Feu who finished third. In the Schooner category Mariquita finished ahead of Lulworth, Moonbeam III, Moonbeam IV and Thendara. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125613/image/large-3969d011546dae30e0a0877c55345301.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125613">A piece of the Camper &amp; Nicholsons sailing story For more than 100 years the products of the celebrated Camper &amp; Nicholsons design house and shipyard have continued to shine in Mediterranean and European regattas. With Avel, Creole, Oiseau de Feu, Partridge and Sylvia, the Camper &amp; Nicholsons fleet here in Saint-Tropez represents a beautiful collection of classic yachts. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125614/image/large-a9996f4cd349ddb8ba45964a9e99b4ab.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125614">The story behind the Camper &amp; Nicholsons that we know today dates back to 1782 with a man named Frances Amos. Amos came from London to Gosport where he leased a plot of land as a boat builder. His business building small trading ships was fairly successful, and with no heir of his own, Amos passed the lease to his great nephew William Camper in 1824. Working in close collaboration with Gosport sail maker James Lapthorn, Camper began to produce sailboats at the shipyard while continuing the production of trade ships. In 1836 Camper launched the cutter Breeze for James Lyon, and its success that same year at the King's Cup boosted the reputation and demand for Camper's sailing vessels. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125615/image/large-ecfec967de0621d4ebd64727f05e0ad8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125615">In 1842 there was a new addition to the Camper shipyard: 14-year old Ben Nicholson who joined as an apprentice, but who quickly began to move up the ranks. It was in 1860 that Nicholson, who had become the chief designer at the yard, designed the successful and beautiful schooner Aline. When it came time for Camper to retire, Nicholson was the logical choice for his replacement. In 1863 Ben Nicholson took over the business, with continued support from the Camper and Lapthorn families, and changed the name of the shipyard to Camper &amp; Nicholson. The shipyard grew to almost double its previous size, bolstered by the success and durability of its schooners, and when Nicholson's three sons later joined the company the name was officially changed to its current Camper &amp; Nicholsons. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125616/image/large-c184f7768a28714fcf974ec447cf812c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125616">Nicholson's eldest son, also named Ben, focused his talents on recruiting crews, a service the shipyard provided until 1939. The youngest of the three brothers, Arthur, was specialized in managing the yard's construction and maintenance facilities. It was the middle brother, Charles E. Nicholson, who took to design. When Charles' Dacia won fourteen races in 1892 the demand for Camper &amp; Nicholsons sailing designs skyrocketed. Interestingly, the shipyard has always produced more motorboats than sailing yachts, but this has not prevented a number of sailing innovations and great designs emanating from Camper &amp; Nicholsons. In 1912 Istra was built with an incredibly lightweight, laminated wood construction, leading to the 1927 commission of Vira (later renamed Creole), a sailboat that some would say is one of Charles Nicholson's most beautiful creations. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125617/image/large-e992ef68b5ecb3c1f27d4d3fc0c39a3f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125617"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125618/image/large-f810339e3ba0791f611d878e4432995d.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125618">Nicholson became known for his elegant, fast and reliable designs and when he was commissioned to build a yacht for Sir Thomas Lipton, the 1930 America's Cup Challenger Shamrock V was born. The designer produced three other J Class boats that raced in the America's Cup including the 1932 Challenger Velsheda, 1934 Challenger Endeavour I and 1936 Challenger Endeavour II. It is for these designs that Charles E. Nicholson is most often remembered in the sailing world. Two of his earlier designs, Astra and Candida, were later altered to conform as closely as possible to the J Class rule. It is a true tribute to the quality of Camper &amp; Nicholsons construction to say that all of these, with the exception of Endeavour II, are still sailing today. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125619/image/large-37c5f065c6210d21987b0637cfabf7da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125619">Charles E. Nicholson continued to play an active role in the company until his death in 1954 at age 86. Although many of his designs are still held in highest regard in the sailing community, racing yacht production was astonishingly less than ten percent of the company's output during Charles E. Nicholson's time in charge. Nicholson was inducted into the America's Cup Hall of Fame in 1997. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125620/image/large-6e17bb41aeb626a971cedf14c5792537.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125620">Here in Saint-Tropez some of Charles E. Nicholson's designs can be seen in action: Avel, Creole, Oiseau de Feu, Partridge and Sylvia, all of which are competing for the 2008 Rolex Trophy with the exception of Partridge. Seeing these great classics go up against one another is like a trip back in time. One could almost, and willingly, get lost amongst the sails as they fill the horizon; a strong reminder of sailing's glorious past. Photos by Rolex/Carlo Borlenghi

Les voiles arm wrestle the Mistral & the Camper & Nicholsons classic collection

The J Class Association is pleased to announce that the name of the new Frank C Paine ‘A’ design yacht will be Atlantis. This yacht has been commissioned for a Dutch owner from original lines plans designed by Frank C Paine in the 1930’s. His J Class designs were never built although drawings for two designs were fully completed at the time. Over the past few months lines plans have been prepared by Andre Hoek Design from these original plans and approved by the JCA. Frank C Paine was the son of General Charles J Paine of Boston, a three times owner of the successful America’s Cup defenders for the New York Yacht Club, Puritan in 1885 (as part of a syndicate) and later Mayflower (1886) and Volunteer (1887). He was brought up in the world of yachts and was younger brother to an amateur yacht designer John Paine, who had designed Jubilee’for a Boston based syndicate for the 1893 defence when Vigilant had been selected by the New York Yacht Club. Frank went on to become one of the most important designers during the first half of the twentieth century. He worked alongside designers such as William Starling Burgess, and L Francis Herreshoff (son of Nathanial G Herreshoff) and subsequently was famous for the design of Yankee (originally an R class sloop), which launched in 1930 and was renowned for being fast in a breeze and the beamiest of her contemporaries. Frank C Paine became President of builders George Lawley and Son for many years. He died in 1952. Atlantis will become yet another step forward in the development of the JCA and experts will be keen to compare potential performance of this design and other new and existing designs. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/125268/image/large-89599fd3938a7afa1fd92f385e478866.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/125268">Olympic Games, CHINA Endeavour is currently visiting the sailing centre at Quindao, China. She is expected to refit before returning to the Northern hemisphere. Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup Both Velsheda and Ranger are expected to compete at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Porto Cervo, Sardinia, 1st to 6th September where the racing through the many islands will again prove a test of nerves for these yachts which draw 4.7 metres (16 feet). For more infomration contact the J Class Association: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.jclassyachts.com">http://www.jclassyachts.com</a>

New J Class yacht named Atlantis

During the 2007 Superyacht Cup in Palma, I sailed a day on the 52m gaff rigged schooner Meteor. Although I was already aware of the quality of Royal Huisman, I was very much impressed. From bow to stern, keel to mast, everything was perfectly done and she sailed like a dream. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124409/image/large-6c7fe18670ccda6ebebfd94633784b9c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124409">Visiting Royal Huisman is always a great pleasure, and my last visit was no exception. Our tour of the yard started in the shed where <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/796">Twizzle</a> will be build. Twizzle is a 57.5m flybridge ketch for experienced owners, who currently own a 55m Feadship motor yacht and previously owned a large Perini Navi. She is a yacht of many firsts for Royal Huisman: • the first yacht completely styled by the team of Redman Whiteley Dixon, with Todhunter Designers providing interior decoration • the first build with naval architecture by Ed Dubois • the first sailing yacht with a flying bridge The first plates for her hull and superstructure, which will be build in-house, were being cut. She is scheduled for launch and sea trials in March 2008. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124410/image/large-c1e95c2a7332a10b2a247b4819809fa1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124410">We continue our tour to the biggest shed, the one where the 89m Athena (2004) was built, and currently occupied by the largest order of Royal Huisman, the 58m <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/375">Ethereal</a>. Inspired by the 43m Juliet (1993), Ethereal promises to be one of the most complex and advanced superyachts ever build. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124411/image/large-05f7c4029f11ed2e44ea48a884c6374c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124411"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124412/image/large-071b4075a7682bd8e01bb791124529cb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124412">Conceived by an owner from the technology industry, she has some very special features. Perhaps the most-talked-about feature of this project is the hybrid electromechanical propulsion system that allows the yacht, under sail, to charge its technically-advanced bank of lithium polymer batteries, instead of using generators. This energy bank, in turn, is the alternative power plant, enabling Ethereal to raise anchor, motor, hoist sails and run ship’s systems, all under stored electrical power for hours at a time. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124413/image/large-9b71f671ba279e08547139cbc51612da.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124413"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124414/image/large-c0fa489f3624d5aa4934b0d443d5a165.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124414">Ethereal is well underway, with the interior being installed now, and is on schedule for delivery in the autumn of this year. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124415/image/large-c2e403d4b91bdb530299a99d4b3151d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124415">Royal Huisman is currently not only building three new yachts, but also completing a major refit on <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/636">Juliet</a>. It was difficult to compare the sizes of Ethereal, being 15 meters longer, and Juliet, as the first was in a very big shed, making her appear smaller than she really is and the second was in a much smaller shed, making her look bigger. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124416/image/large-1887ebda3b808293580cab665d2733bb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124416"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124417/image/large-390e293db5ee81a5d7d2eb5b50304ba7.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124417">Next door to Juliet, the re-creation of Tommy Sopwith’s beautiful Super J <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Endeavour II</a> was taking place. She is the third Huisman yacht for the same owner, following <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/595">Hyperion</a> in 1999 and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/288">Athena</a> in 2004. The hull had just been turned and she was made ready for installation of the wiring and piping. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124418/image/large-014e2e0f8611dc722c96e0386e626fe8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124418"> Interest in these legendary racing yachts has grown apace, with a number of restorations (including the smaller <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a> by Royal Huisman in 1989) and the 2006 recreation of <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a>, the “Super-J” that defeated Endeavour II in 1937. Under J-Class Association rules, some design features are restricted historically, but performance can be optimized through a more flexible approach to sail area, ballast ratio, righting moment and build materials. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124419/image/large-d4cfe110be93d5cc85397354e7a0ed4f.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124419"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124420/image/large-446d52642c8e66c6940d42c718ec08e0.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124420">As a result, naval architects Gerard Dijkstra &amp; Partners are overseeing the build of Endeavour II’s hull in Alustar, with spars and rig in carbon composite to create a yacht that should demonstrate the full potential of Charles E Nicholson’s original design. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124421/image/large-6f84db10b90efd73cd2dba0d55712534.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124421">Endeavour II is slated for handover in time for the 2009 J class Spring racing season. Royal Huisman is one of the very few shipyards that build everything in-house, from the hull to the interior. All yacht building principles are covered in their 30.000 square facility and one of the most interesting places is the furniture workshop. Before the furniture is moved into the yacht, it’s first build on a mall, so everything fits perfectly in the yacht afterwards. Thus not only improving the efficiency, but also the quality, as people don’t walk in each other’s ways during the construction. Royal Huisman is not only a great shipyard to build your yacht, but also a great place to work, which was confirmed by Nancy. “It’s great to work here, because the Huisman family really cares about the yard and always invests in new developments”. For more information contact Royal Huisman: +31 (0)527 24 3131 <a href="mailto:yachts@royalhuisman.com">yachts@royalhuisman.com</a> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.royalhuisman.com">http://www.royalhuisman.com</a> By Merijn de Waard

Royal Huisman – The super (sail) yacht dream factory

Following the busy racing schedule of both Ranger and Velsheda during the last few seasons, there has been an explosion of interest in the J Class. With two new replicas under construction, the J Class Association (JCA) has issued a definitive list of J yachts from history which can be built as replica new builds under their rules. This provides a listing of interesting historical data and details of yachts currently sailing, under construction and reserved for build (see list below). New handicap system The Class has also commissioned a new handicap system, developed by the Wolfson Unit at Southampton University. This new JCA system is based on VPP calculations and will be validated from towing tank results from the 1930s prepared initially in a report for Harold S Vanderbilt, who went on to commission the build of the 1937 Ranger. This comprehensive document has been made available by the Sparkman and Stephens USA office to the JCA. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124315/image/large-2d645680d8e892a8489e1cd29e21c54c.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124315">Bruce Johnson, Chief Designer at the S&amp;S office, stated, “We are pleased to be working with the J Class Association and Wolfson Unit for this research project and we are happy to share this report of tank test results, to further validate the rating process for the J Class.” This information, from the Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey, has provided the vital cross check for the Wolfson Unit to complete the figures for accurate handicapping of the Js, in the interests of fair racing and good sportsmanship on the race course. It is intended that races will be won on the water with this new system, minimising discrepancies in handicap ratings. John Robinson from the Wolfson Unit stated, “Development of this custom system based on historic design information, specific to the J Class and the results of tank testing from 1930s, gives us a fairer system than that based on the regression data from more modern hull forms already held within the VPP.” New yachts under construction<img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124316/image/large-aa6254a7343df989540a0a7de4ff60fd.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124316"><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Endeavour II</a> was one of the largest J yacht hulls ever built and the replica is now well on its way towards completion at Royal Huisman Shipyard in Holland. The yacht is due to launch in late 2008. Gerard Dijkstra &amp; Partners are design consultants for this project. It will feature a one-piece carbon mast, advanced deck layout and interior design by Pieter Beeldsnijder Design. <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2079">Lionheart</a> is based on accurate lines plans from the Ranger 77F model which was never built. Andre Hoek is the design consultant for this project, based from their offices in Edam, Holland. Designed for cruising as well as racing, she is being built to MCA classification. Her deck layout shows two small deck houses with sleek and low profiles, as well as two small cockpit areas. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124317/image/large-db1662d7b7cd8960fcef89f84fd954d1.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124317">Lionheart is well ahead of schedule and her aluminium hull was turned just recently in preparation for the fitting out process. She is being built at Claasen Shipyard in Holland. With these two new yachts likely to launch in the coming year, the JCA fleet is set to double in size. With the sheer size, sail area, crew, complexity, cost and commitment, this is certainly the most exciting class of thoroughbred yachts in the world. Further build projects are under discussion for design and build. J Class Racing Both <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> will be competing in Antigua Classic Regatta, April 18th to 22nd 2008. They are closely matched in performance, both in speed and on handicap, so it is likely to provide exciting racing for both yachts and spectators. Nelson’s old lookout position at Shirley Heights, above the windward mark, will be the place to watch the yachts. Both yachts are also expected to compete at the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup, Porto Cervo, Sardinia, 1st to 6th September where the racing through the many islands will again prove a test of nerves for these yachts which draw 4.7 metres (16 feet). <table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" width="550" align="left" summary="" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td colspan="3">
J Class Association </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Yacht</td> <td>Sail Number</td> <td>Country</td> <td>Original Owner</td> <td>Original Designer</td> <td>Year</td> <td>Replica</td> <td>Status</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3">
Designed as J Class </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Whirlwind</td> <td>J3</td> <td>USA</td> <td>Syndicate</td> <td>L. Francis Herreshof </td> <td>1930</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Yankee</td> <td>J2 </td> <td>USA</td> <td>Syndicate</td> <td>Frank C. Paine</td> <td>1930</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Weetamoe</td> <td>J4</td> <td>USA</td> <td>Syndicate</td> <td>Clinton Crane </td> <td>1930</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Enterprise</td> <td>J1</td> <td>USA </td> <td>Harold S. Vanderbilt </td> <td>W. Starling Burgess </td> <td>1930</td> <td> </td> <td>JCA - Build Slot Reserved </td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276">Shamrock V</a></td> <td>JK3 </td> <td>UK </td> <td>Sir Thomas Lipton </td> <td>Charles Nicholson </td> <td>1930</td> <td> </td> <td>Original - Sailing </td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a></td> <td>JK7 </td> <td>UK </td> <td>W. Stephenson </td> <td>Charles Nicholson </td> <td>1933 </td> <td> </td> <td>Original - Sailing </td> </tr> <tr> <td><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a></td> <td>JK4 </td> <td>UK </td> <td>T.O.M. Sopwith </td> <td>Charles Nicholson </td> <td>1934 </td> <td> </td> <td>Original - Sailing </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Rainbow</td> <td> </td> <td>USA </td> <td>Harold S. Vanderbilt </td> <td>W. Starling Burgess </td> <td>1934 </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
<a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Endeavour II</a> </td> <td>JK6 Hanuman </td> <td>UK </td> <td>T.O.M. Sopwith </td> <td>Charles Nicholson </td> <td>1937 </td> <td>2008 </td> <td>Replica - Under Construction </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
<a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger 77C-20</a> </td> <td>J5 </td> <td>USA </td> <td>Harold S. Vanderbilt </td> <td>Burgess/Stephens </td> <td>1937 </td> <td>2002 </td> <td>Replica - Sailing </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
Ranger 77C-E Model </td> <td>Front of C-Aft of E </td> <td> </td> <td>Not Built </td> <td>Burgess/Stephens </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Ranger 77A Model</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td>Not Built </td> <td>Burgess/Stephens </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
Ranger 77B Model </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td>Not Built </td> <td>Burgess/Stephens </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
Ranger 77D Model </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td>Not Built </td> <td>Burgess/Stephens </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
Ranger 77E Model </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td>Not Built </td> <td>Burgess/Stephens </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
Ranger 77F Model </td> <td>(J-H1) <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2079">Lionheart</a> </td> <td>H </td> <td>Not Built </td> <td>Burgess/Stephens </td> <td> </td> <td>2008 </td> <td>Replica - Under Construction </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
Svea </td> <td>S1 </td> <td>Sweden </td> <td>Started - Not Finished </td> <td>Tore Holm </td> <td>1938 </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
Frank C Paine A </td> <td> </td> <td>USA </td> <td>Not Built </td> <td>Frank C Paine </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td>JCA - Build Slot Reserved </td> </tr> <tr> <td>Frank C Paine B</td> <td> </td> <td>USA </td> <td>Not Built </td> <td>Frank C Paine </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3">
Yachts Converted to J Class </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
Britannia </td> <td>K1 </td> <td>UK </td> <td>King George V</td> <td>George L. Watson </td> <td>1893 </td> <td> </td> <td>Scuttled 1936 </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
Resolute </td> <td>H2 </td> <td>USA </td> <td>Harold S. Vanderbilt</td> <td>Nathanial G. Herreshof </td> <td>1914 </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
Katoura </td> <td>J1 </td> <td>USA </td> <td>Robert E Tod</td> <td>W. Starling Burgess </td> <td>1914 </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
<a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1818">Cambria</a> </td> <td>K4 </td> <td>UK </td> <td>Sir William Berry</td> <td>William Fife</td> <td>1928 </td> <td> </td> <td>Original - Sailing </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
Astra </td> <td>K2 </td> <td>UK </td> <td>Sir Mortimer Singer</td> <td>Charles Nicholson </td> <td>1928 </td> <td> </td> <td>Original - Sailing </td> </tr> <tr> <td>
Candida </td> <td>K8 </td> <td>UK </td> <td>Herman Andrea</td> <td>Charles Nicholson</td> <td>1932 </td> <td> </td> <td>Original - Sailing </td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3">Copyright J Class Association</td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> <td> </td> </tr> </tbody>
</table>

Explosion of interest in J Class Yachts

Endeavour II is well underway, with her hull just turned at Royal Huisman Shipyard , another J will soon compete with the existing J-Class fleet. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124139/image/large-bb344afcd5e1efdf865fb91b0bda963a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124139"><a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/384">Endeavour II</a> will be the first J-Class to launch with as well Dutch Naval Architects, Interior designer as Builder. Dykstra &amp; Partners are proud to see that the Endeavour II team is progressing fast towards having her under sail by the end of 2008. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/124140/image/large-66d634fab48f90ba6cf34f72cc5ec955.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/124140">In the past Dykstra &amp; Partners oversaw the design and re-design for refits of the J-Class yachts in the current racing field, Shamrock V, Velsheda, Endeavour and Ranger (performance refit in 2006). The Dykstra team is now working with several clients for new J-Class yachts to be built in the nearby future. A full update on Endeavour II will follow within the next weeks on SYT.<noscript></noscript>

Endeavour II update

Construction is well underway on Lionheart, the first of a new breed of aluminium J-Class yachts from the boards of Hoek Design in the Netherlands. One of the leading offices in classically styled sailing yachts, Hoek Design is intimately involved in the revival of these magnificent yachts from the 1930s. In addition to Lionheart, which will be launched in the third quarter of 2009, the office has three other J-class yachts under development. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123975/image/large-8ec277ebaa0f4f8891893b9b01902610.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123975"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123976/image/large-49394d1bc30f30f662488a600a46e0d8.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123976">Hoek Design has developed specific Velocity Prediction Software for J-Class yachts in partnership with Piet van Oossanen of wing keel fame. This highly sophisticated Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) has been developed specifically for these craft, and was calibrated using tank test data from a six-metre long model of a J. The aerodynamic part was calibrated with wind tunnel test data. “In contrast to other types of software, our VPP software is capable of calculating rudder angles as well as predicting performance in waves,” Andre Hoek explains. “This enables us to also optimise helm balance.” History makers One of the key drivers of the J-Class revival was the decision of the J-Class Association to allow aluminium to be used as a hull construction material. This reinforced the renewed interest among owners to build J-class yachts. A total of 20 J’s were designed between 1930 and 1937. Of the ten built in the 1930s, only three have survived: <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/621">Endeavour</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/251">Velsheda</a> and <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1276">Shamrock V</a>. The <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/432">Ranger</a> (photo below) that sails today is a replica built to the original lines drawings in steel and launched in 2003. This leaves ten J-Class designs that have never been built. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123977/image/large-d06448bccb44ebd4a1129d3d4cd96cdc.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123977">“Our office carried out a performance analysis of the existing J’s as well as the designs that were allowed to be built under the new J-Class Association rules,” Hoek explains. “We analysed the line honours and handicap of all 20 yachts and modelled them in our software in such a way that we could predict performance. A specific handicap system was developed by the J-Class Association for these yachts in order to enable smaller and larger and steel and aluminium J’s to race against each other. This analysis gave us a great deal of insight into the performance differences between these yachts.” “The best five performing yachts were further analysed with computational fluid dynamic software in order to gain greater insight into the differences. The series of yachts originally designed for the Ranger project in 1936 proved to be very good performance-wise, although some are better for light air conditions and others for heavy air.” Optimising Lionheart Originally designed for the Ranger syndicate by Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/2079">Lionheart</a> is the first yacht to be built based upon this research. Under construction for a repeat customer of Hoek Design, she will be the largest J afloat when launched. Tremendous 17-metre overhangs on a LOA of 44 metres have created a fascinating super J with a maximum waterline length. Hoek: “We extensively optimised Lionheart's structure using 3D structural modelling techniques with finite element software programs. The complete hull structure was analysed for stiffness and torsion, and her stiffness compared to the steel original. The weight of the hull structure was also further optimised, while the hull was developed in high tensile Alustar plating and extrusion materials to provide even greater stiffness. We also carried out extensive research into the mast position, and sail area vs. handicap in order to create a yacht that would perform to her best on the race course.” <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123978/image/large-293714de83fd9877680de6060d29a31b.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123978">The cruising option Lionheart is designed for cruising as well as racing, and is therefore being built to MCA classification. She will be one of the very few J-Class yachts available for charter as the majority are not built to class. Her deck layout shows two small deckhouses with sleek and low profiles as well as two small cockpit areas. The privacy concept that Hoek Design created for renowned projects such as <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/1842">Adele</a>, <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/149">Boreas</a> and the upcoming <a href="#managed-by-application" data-legacy="true" data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/21">Athos</a> was also further developed for Lionheart to offer an owner's stateroom with a private deckhouse and private cockpit. Lionheart will also have three guest suites, four crew cabins and a lounge area. The aluminium hull construction got underway in August 2007 at Freddie Bloemsma’s specialist hull yard and will be finished by Claasen Jachtbouw. Lionheart is the 17th yacht to be built to Hoek Design drawings by Claasen. Construction management is in the hands of Nigel Ingram of Marine Construction Management in Newport, USA. <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123979/image/large-2655f9070b7bbb318d9e3868fe971fcb.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123979"> <img alt="" src="https://syt-store-production.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/photo/123980/image/large-794fdfdb1b7665634b79ae602c7fdddf.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/123980">More J-Class splendour Hoek Design is also presently working on three other J-Class projects, including a replica of the first J ever built. “Enterprise is the smallest of the fleet but will be a strong contender on handicap,” Hoek says. “She will also be built in Alustar to a high technical specification. Her performance will be extensively optimised and she will be built for both racing and cruising.” A second project presently under development is a replica of the famous Tore Holm design, Svea. This is under development for a consortium of three Dutch and three Swedish owners who will use the yacht for corporate racing. “Svea’s hull will most probably be built in Holland and the yacht will then be finished at a Swedish yard,” Hoek reveals. “Svea proved to be a strong upwind performer in our tests and is one of the best looking J’s ever designed.” The third project is a replica of a never built super J by Franck Paine. “This design will be developed along the lines of Lionheart,” Hoek concludes. “She will be another very strong contender in this exciting and expanding fleet of J-Class yachts.” <noscript></noscript>