J-Class Regatta 2012
Falmouth continues to make history as for the first time ever her waters will see a fleet of stunning yachts compete in the start of the J-Class Regatta 2012.
Hosted by the Royal Cornwall Yacht Club the fleet of 140 foot long and 200 ton spectacular yacht have been preparing in the deep waters of Falmouth Bay for several days.
Anyone looking out to water over the last two days would have been exceedingly pre-occupied not to notice the powerful sleek lines of mast and sail ascendant from the horizon. Even the usual dominance of tankers anchored in the bay becomes erased in their presence.
On August 22ND 1851 a black schooner called ‘America’ competed in the 53 – nautical mile regatta around the Isle of Wight along with fourteen British cutlers and schooners from the Royal Yacht Squadron. The America entered the Solent a clear 8 minutes ahead of her closest competitor. It was at this race that the trophy was renamed the Americas Cup not after the country but the schooner that won the first formal race between United States and British yachts. The cup was the donated to the New York Yacht Club through a Deed of Gift that specified the cup should be ‘perpetually a challenge cup for friendly competition between countries’.
In preparation for the 2012 regatta it had been envisaged that Falmouth would witness the historic moment when, for the first time, six magnificent J-Class yachts sailed as a fleet. Disappointingly Hanuman and the Endeavour will not be attending Falmouth. There is no doubt that the remaining Velsheda, Ranger, Lionheart and Rainbow will be just as astonishing and adrenalin inducing to watch.
Race Schedule
Tuesday – 26th – 11am – Race 1
Wednesday – 27th – 11am – Race 2
Thursday – 28th – 11am – Race 3
Friday – 29th – 11am – Race 4
Saturday 30th – 11am – Race 5 –
Prize Giving atPendennisCastle– 7pm
Vantage Points
The start zone is just off Pendennis Point so getting there early is advised. The Point offers the closest vantage point and with the sheer size of these yachts the sound of the sails as they cruise past should be breathtaking.
The racing course is situated between the Point and as far out as Porthoustock so watching from Castle Beach, Gyllyngvase Beach, Swanpool Beach, Maenporth Beach, Rosemullion Head, Porthoustock and anywhere in between will enable some great photo opportunities.
Visit Falmouth will bring you more information over the next few days and remember you can ‘like’ us and ‘Follow’ us on Facebook and Twitter.
