Four Js line up for Palma
Superyacht Cup officials told Yachting World at the Monaco Yacht Show today that four J Class yachts, including Jim Clark's new Huisman-built Hanuman, have communicated their intention to participate in the June 24-27, 2009 event in Palma Majorca.
This is a major coup for the regatta which has moved location within the Port of Palma and settled on new dates at the end of the month.
The four yachts are Ranger, Velsheda, Shamrock V and the aforementioned Hanuman which is a modern version of T.O.M. Sopwith's Endeavour 11 from 1937. She is about to launch at Royal Huisman in The Nertherlands and will undergo trials in the New Year. It will be her first opportunity to race against other Js, the handicap system for which is now managed by the Wolfson unit at Southampton University.
Shamrock V, the wooden hulled J, is now back in the racing fold and although she is one of the shortest Js at about 119ft loa the handicap system should provide her with a chance of honours.
The only other threat to this mouth-watering get together is the possible sale of Ranger which is currently on the market for about Euros 18 million. However, with the yacht's new found performance edge and a number of new Js about to join the fray, it is thought that her owner John Williams is unsure about disposing of her. Watch this space…
The Superyacht Cup are reported to have at least 10 entries for next June's event and there are eight or nine entries for the Superyacht Cup Regatta in Antigua (9-12 December) which has attracted Perini's new P2, which has America's Cup helmsman Peter Holmberg in the afterguard and possibly Albert Bull's new Tripp designed Wally 148 Saudade.
