Book Review: J Class, Brilliant Yachts from Around the World

Nostalgia, fascination and the passion for sailing – since these J-class yachts were build in the thirties of the last century and have not lost any of their magic. The classification J-class is based on Nathaniel Herreshoff’ idea, and gave the sailing world a new grouping.

In this opulent coffee table book Franco Pace regathers seven of the still active yachts. The text is written by journalist and well known expert Wiel Verlinden, who sailed on six of the seven yachts, and the reader will learn about historical facts of the single classes, but also about future developments and he takes part in different events around the globe.

•     Endeavour - 1934 – restored between 1988 und 2011
•     Hanuman – rebuild based on ideas of Endeavour II 2009
•     Lionheart – based on Ranger, was completed in June 2010
•     Rainbow - 1934 – still in restoration
•     Ranger – 1937 – was build based on original drawings in 2004
•     Shamrock V – 1930 – restored between 2000 and 2001
•     Velsheda – 1933 –restored between 1997 and 2001