Vintage beauties await new sails from North Sails NZ

by Zoe Hawkins on 16 Feb 2009
Times may be tough today, but they were even tougher when Ranger was launched in 1937.

Ranger is a product of the 1930s depression era, yet sports the most advanced sailing systems of her time, when the difficult business climate made any decision to build a new boat in which to challenge for the America’s Cup seem extravagant. However the project went ahead despite the controversy, and Ranger was launched on 11 May 1937, by Harold Vanderbilt in response to Sir Tom Sopwith’s plans to build a new Endeavour II in which to challenge for the America’s Cup.

Today’s Ranger was refitted in 2003, and now conforms to stringent safety regulations, enabling it to sail offshore and accommodate crew in grand comfort.

Ranger will compete in the Caribbean regattas, including Antigua Classic Regatta, and will then be based in the Eastern United States for the rest of the season.

Valsheda will join Ranger at the Antuigua Classic Regatta in April, and will continue on to the Rolex Maxi Yacht Regatta in Sardinia, and the St Tropez Regatta in October. The full J-class race programme includes St Barths Bucket, Antigua Classic Regatta, two Superyacht Regattas, and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup in Sardinia.

Both yachts use sails built by www.northsails.co.nz!North_Sails_NZ


www.jclassyachts.com