Cornwall is a far cry from sunshine and azure waters the Mediterranean regatta venues such as Mahon, Palma de Mallorca, Porto Cervo and St Tropez but the return of the majestic J Class fleet to race in Cornish waters is, nevertheless, a popular one.
A fleet of three Js will compete out of Falmouth in a contest that could allow for up to 10 races.
Lionheart, which won three of last year’s four J Class regattas, and Ranger, which triumphed in last season’s finale in Saint Tropez last September will race against Velsheda
The J Class last raced from Falmouth in 2012 when Ranger won and five races were sailed. Showpiece race this time is expected to be the highly coveted King’s Hundred Guinea Cup, a 150 minutes contest which is expected to be raced on a coastal course.
Age and modernity are on the sides of Ranger (built 2003) and more so Lionheart which sailed here in her racing debut season 2012, but a colourful history sides with Velsheda.
In the mid 1930s, Velsheda (launched 1933) was one of the most successful of the fleet of Js which raced each season’s regattas from the East Coast of England to the West Country.
Live tracking can be followed on jclassyachts.com