Cowes to host its first J-Cup in 2015
by Gemma Dunn 5 Aug 2014 12:08 BST
11-13 June 2015
The annual regatta exclusively for J Boats will head to Cowes in 2015 for the first time in the event's history. The J-Cup will be hosted by the Island Sailing Club, with racing from 11th – 13th June.
The J-Cup has attracted strong entry numbers since the very first regatta in 2000. Organisers Key Yachting attribute this to their legion of very dedicated and passionate owners, 65 of which entered the 2014 event.
The largest class at the J-Cup is usually the vivacious J/109 fleet, with one design racing also on offer for the J/70s, J/80s, J/97s and J/111s. It is expected that the inaugural National Championships for the new J/88 class will be held as part of the J-Cup 2015.
The organisers are looking forward to bringing the event to Cowes. Key Yachting MD Paul Heys said, "Cowes is a natural venue for the J-Cup, with a large contingent of J Boats based on the Solent and all the facilities our local and visiting teams could wish for. The Island Sailing Club have been hosting our annual Cowes Week party for many years so are accustomed to our owners, we have no doubt they will put on a terrific regatta."
The timing of the event, two weeks prior to the Round the Island Race, will allow boats that have travelled long distances to compete in two stellar events.
Teams can expect up to eight races across the three days, with music and entertainment planned for the evenings. As is customary at the J-Cup the final prizegiving will give the organisers an excuse to throw the 400 or so competitors a fabulous party with live music, against the backdrop of the infectious atmosphere of Cowes.