J Class to reunite with America’s Cup

The J Class competed for the America’s Cup trophy in three editions between 1930 and 1937, and in 2024 will host their World Championship alongside the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona, Spain.

While these 100+ footers proved to be too expensive in the aftermath of the Second World War, replaced for the America’s Cup by the smaller, more affordable 12 Metre Class, the J Class continues as owners either restore or build new to old lines drawn but never constructed – a requirement of the class.

“The J-Class are integral to the history, legend, and fascination of the America’s Cup,” said Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Events. “Seeing those boats being raced just off the Barcelona waterfront will be a spectacle for everyone on the water or watching from the shoreline.”

The 2024 J Class World Championship will be on October 7-11 with a practice regatta on the October 3-4.

The J Class fleet includes Topaz (J8), Ranger (J5), Svea (JS1), Velsheda (JK7), Shamrock V (JK3), Rainbow (JKZ1), Hanuman (JK6) and Lionheart (JH1). The Class Association is seeking a commitment from as many owners as possible with five confirmed to date and others working the America’s Cup into their busy global schedules.

Six boats competed in the inaugural J Class World Championship in 2017, with 2024 to be the second edition. Per World Sailing Regulations, for a boat of this length to host a World Championship, participation must include entrants from a minimum of two continents, of which there must be at least three countries represented with no fewer than two boats per country.

Source: ACE, World Sailing

Following the publication of the AC37 Protocol and AC75 Class Rule on November 17, 2021, the AC75 Class Rule and AC Technical Regulations were finalized on March 17, 2022. The entry period opened December 1, 2021 and runs until July 31, 2022, but late entries for the 37th America’s Cup may be accepted until May 31, 2023. The Defender was to announce the Match Venue on September 17, 2021 but postponed the venue reveal, confirming it would be Barcelona on March 30, 2022. The 37th America’s Cup begins October 12, 2024.

Teams revealed to challenge defender Emirates Team New Zealand (NZL):
• INEOS Britannia (GBR)
• Alinghi Red Bull Racing (SUI)
• Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli Team (ITA)
• NYYC American Magic (USA)
• Orient Express Racing Team (FRA)

2023-24 Preliminary Regattas
September 14-17, 2023 (AC40): Vilanova i la Geltrú, Spain
November 30-December 3 (AC40): Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
August 2024 (AC75): Barcelona, Spain

2024 America’s Cup
September: Challenger Selection Series
October 12 – ?: 37th Match (Best of 13)

Additionally, 12 teams will compete in the 2024 Youth & Women’s America’s Cup.

Noticeboard: https://ac37noticeboard.acofficials.org/
Additional details: www.americascup.com/en/home