Returning to the waters that made them famous, the J class yachts Velsheda and Ranger are holding a series of races off Newport, Rhode Island, June 15-19 to kick off a four-regatta series that culminates in a race around England’s Isle of Wight in 2012.
Starts and finishes will be off Fort Adams. Other good vantage points around the bay will be at castle Hill inn and various spots on Conanicut Island.
“We hope to provide five days of spectacular racing,” said J class secretary David Pit- man, adding, “With the continued support of the state and the city of Newport we look forward to planning arrangements for a major regatta in Newport during 2014, featuring up to 10 yachts.”
Between 1930 and 1937 Newport hosted dozens of J class races as the 10 original boats that made up the class competed for the America’s Cup. Currently, the class includes 11 boats. For more on the June regatta, visit www.jclassyachts.com.
