J-Class Yachts and the Americas Cup

During the 1930s J-class yachts were built to race in the America's Cup. Only 10 were ever built, or converted to J-class, as they were extremely expensive to build and maintain, especially in the post war years after the Cup resumed in 1958. They were replaced by the 12-metre class yachts.

The J designation refers to the class of yacht defined by its sail area, displacement, length, and mast height, formally defined in the Universal Rule. When designing a J-class yacht builders would have to decide which characteristics to maximize to build the ideal yacht.

Books from Amazon

A Photographic Celebration Hardcover: 240 pp Carlo Borlenghi Adlard Coles Nautical

Enterprise to Endeavour The J-Class Yachts Paperback: 160 pp Ian Dear Adlard Coles Nautical

Links J-Class Yachts The Official Website - history, news, events and more