The J-Class yachts were arguably the most elegant, distinguished and graceful yachts ever to set sail. Built in the 1930s in an era of yachting extravagance, when industrial magnates like Sir Thomas Sopwith, Harold Vanderbilt and Sir Thomas Lipton indulged their passions in fully crewed magnificent boats to challenge for the America's Cup, they have since evolved to inspire a new generation of sailors and observers. Other yachts may have been larger or faster, but none has made the impact that the J-Class did. They completely gripped the public's imagination and dominated the world of yacht racing on both sides of the Atlantic. Today they continue to amaze and inspire by their sheer grandeur and size (a J-Class mast towers head and shoulders above any other class of yacht sailing today). Only 10 J-Class yachts were ever built, but their influence and impact worldwide belies this small number. Endeavour, Rainbow, Ranger, Shamrock, Velsheda - each evokes wonderful memories and images in anyone who has glimpsed these magnificent craft gliding across the water and dominating all the yachts around them.
Interest in their exquisite lines and their sailing prowess has never waned, and in the 21st century several have been restored, refitted and several replicas have been built. This stunning book, spectacularly showcasing 7 of the J-Class yachts still sailing today will be a magnificent review as well as a gorgeous photographic tribute to this outstanding class.