October 3, 2024
Ranger, Winner of the J-Class Regatta Newport 2011
Ranger, Winner of the J-Class Regatta Newport 2011 (Photo by George Bekris)

The last race was held in light northerly breezes, and the Race officer bravely issued a course with a downwind start, passing the crowded spectator fleet off Fort Adams and Castle Hill.

Spectator fleet during last day of J-Class racing (Photo by George Bekris)
Spectator fleet during last day of J-Class racing (Photo by George Bekris)

Both yachts got away cleanly but Velsheda elected the pin end, closer to the next gate and gained a quick advantage. A gybing duel followed, but after a few inside gybes, Ranger caught her spinnaker high in the rigging and it quickly split, loosing them more ground for the recovery.

Ranger looses a spinnaker (Photo by George Bekris)
Ranger looses a spinnaker (Photo by George Bekris)

At the bottom mark Velsheda had gained a 2 minute lead, enough for them to command the windward berth on the long slow upwind leg back to the shortened course finish line, right in front of the many spectators at Castle Hill.

Velsheda and Ranger upwind battle (Photo by George Bekris)
Velsheda and Ranger upwind battle (Photo by George Bekris)

The exciting tactical race was a fitting end to a great regatta,  where many thousands of spectators were enthralled by these great yachts.  Just a few of the comments included
” It was wonderful to see these boats from a past era”
“we could not believe the size and power of these yachts”
“and the teamwork on these boats is astounding”
“we can’t believe that they were designed and built in the 1930’s

Corum  Watches  presented a wonderful perpetual trophy to Ranger, the overall winner, who also won a unique timepiece – a Corum Tide Watch

Trophy being presented to John Williams by Brad Read (Photo by George Bekris)
Perpetual Trophy being presented to John Williams by Brad Read of Sail Newport (Photo by George Bekris)

Challenge and Adventure would like to thank Jock West and David Pittman for coordinating a spectacular event.  Special thanks go out to Brian Rochelle and Vicki Bray for making it happen smoothly.  Nick Innacone we thank you for going above and beyond helping us out.  We look forward to the next J-Class Regatta.

For more images of the action from all five races by George Bekris click HERE

Crew of Velsheda (Photo by George Bekris)
Crew of Velsheda (Photo by George Bekris)

 

Crew of Ranger (Photo by George Bekris)
Crew of Ranger (Photo by George Bekris)

 

Crew from Ranger admire trophy (Photo by George Bekris)
Crew from Ranger admire trophy (Photo by George Bekris)

J-Class Regatta Perpetual Trophy Unveiling (Photo by George Bekris)

Ranger Winner of J-Class Regatta Newport (Photo by George Bekris)
Ranger Winner of J-Class Regatta Newport (Photo by George Bekris)

More Images of the J-Class regatta are available on our Photo Gallery Page.

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