History

The J Class has its roots in the oldest international yacht race in the world, The America’s Cup. This International Event was born from a race around the Isle of Wight, hosted by the Royal Yacht Squadron and called the R.Y.S. £100 Cup (a.k.a. One Hundred Sovereigns Cup).

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1851

R.Y.S. £100 Cup Race

The Royal Yacht Squadron, which hosted the regatta open to all nations the prize being a £100 Cup race round the Isle of Wight, allowed an overseas yacht to enter for the first time in 1851. The yacht ‘America’ was built that year to an innovative new design and had sailed to the Solent in search of racing. Initially excluded from racing against British yachts, she was finally allowed to enter the regatta for the £100 Cup.

Up to 1928

PRE J CLASS

Before the Universal Rule, yachts competing for the America’s Cup from 1893-1903 were designed to the Seawanhaka Rule which encouraged massive overhangs and sail area. The 1903 America’s Cup match witnessed the most extreme yachts built to this rule: Reliance and Shamrock III.

1929 - 1937