Ocean Village base for J Class Solent Regatta and Hundred Guinea Cup

by Jane Windsor 5 May 2012 15:56 BST

The J Class Association has announced that the J Class yachts competing in the Solent Regatta and Hundred Guinea Cup race this July will now be primarily based in Ocean Village, Southampton.

David Pitman, J Class Association, said: “Given their 130 ft length and 16ft draught, finding a base for four or five Js is always a compromise between access and convenience. Unfortunately Hanuman has withdrawn from UK regattas this year and with Endeavour planning to berth in Cowes, it was possible to berth the remaining four Js - Ranger, Rainbow, Lionheart and Velsheda in Ocean Village, closer to the host Club, Royal Southampton."

Royal Southampton Yacht Club, which is hosting the Solent Regatta 2012 and Hundred Guinea Cup Race, has a Clubhouse in Ocean Village, where the race office will be located. Having the fleet so close will make communications between the Club and competitors much easier, and also enables owners, skippers and crew to enjoy Club facilities.

When she is in the UK, Velsheda regularly berths in Ocean Village, so is effectively returning to her UK home port, while Ranger, Lionheart and Rainbow are new to the racing area of the Solent. Endeavour plan to make their way to the race course each day from their base in Cowes, Isle of Wight.

Ocean Village, owned and operated by MDL, is conveniently located near to the centre of Southampton with easy access for spectators wanting to view these magnificent J Class yachts.