Historic Elegance on the Sea

Swiftly slicing through the water despite their behemoth size, slightly hissing as they go, the grand J-Class yachts might just be the world’s most revered racing vessel. With decades of design, history and drama, the classic racing yachts still thrill professional sailors and spectators with a new wave of J-Class boats taking to the seas.

A lustrous history

First competing in the 1930 America’s Cup, J-Class yachts were formulated by American designer Nathanael Herreshoff as the largest vessels still built to meet the Universal Rule. As soon as they hit the racing circuit, the sailing yachts captured racing aficionados’ hearts and minds with their massive size, pure extravagance and immense power. The iconic boats were owned by some of the world’s richest and most successful men of the time exemplifying the epitome of luxury.

With the Second World War, the J-Class’ popularity fell into decline as the exorbitant costs it took to keep the ships afloat were even more impractical during a time of war. By 1941, only four of the magnificent boats – Endeavour, Endeavour II, Shamrock V and Velsheda –  were still intact. By the late 1960s, there were only three around but not racing.

An ongoing Endeavour

In 1984, Elizabeth Meyer, heiress to the Washington Post fortune, fell in love with the Endeavour and vowed to restore it to its original glory, complete with a new, specially designed rig, engine, generator, mechanical systems and opulently outfitted interiors. The massive undertaking took five years as the ship, which was originally built in 1934, known for its unique construction drawing on aviation design and featuring an impressive 490-square-metre mainsail.

The grand ship sailed again for the first time in 52 years in 1989 and once again captured the imaginations of sailing enthusiasts sparking the restoration and return to the racing circuit of the other three remaining J-Class boats.  

A recent revival

Continuing the tradition of the American elite encouraging the J-Class series of yachts, property tycoon John Williams took on the task of keeping the series alive by building a brand new boat to meet J-Series standards. Launched in 2004, the new Ranger is a replica of 1934’s America’s Cup winner but also incorporates modern technology and interiors. Just like Meyers proved the old ships could become new again, Williams showed the world that, while outrageously expensive, the classic designs could be built for contemporary luxury cruisers and even as racers.  

Today, the boats are still a magnificent sight to behold with their enormous billowing sails and impressive manoeuvres through the water – a sight that won’t be disappearing anytime soon.  

Snapping the sails

German-born Michael Kurtz has made a career out of capturing priceless moments on film that few would ever have the opportunity to experience – from riveting regattas to class car racing crashes. First entering Hamburg’s Norddeutscher Regatta Verein in 1967, Kurtz spent decades racing Finns and Dragons and working for Pantaenius Yacht Insurance with the unique opportunity to be front and centre at some of the world’s most prestigious yachting events. Kurtz views his photos as “timeless” and they certainly are, especially when snapped of the elegant J-Class yachts.  

For More Contact: michaelkurtzphoto.com

All Hail Hanuman

One of the newly-built J-Class yachts, Hanuman, was inspired by the Endeavour II and delivered in 2009. Named after the son of Vayu, the Hindu god of wind, the 41.3-metre aluminium vessel was built by Dutch yard Royal Huisman boasting naval architecture by Dykstra and design by Charles E Nicholson. The interior features three cabins with ensuite bathrooms fitting up to six guests amongst luxurious furnishings as well as crew quarters fitting up to eight staff.

The yacht was listed for sale in June 2018 at an asking price of 14.9 million USD.