J class- Practice has started in Falmouth
by Sail-World on 26 Jun 2012
Lionheart - J class, Falmouth, England, June 24, 2012 J Class Association
All four J class yachts were out practising on Sunday off Falmouth. With a perfect 12 knots and sunny conditions the yachts were out for more than four hours practising starts, and perfecting their impressive spinnaker handling.
Ranger, Lionheart and Rainbow are all using new dark North 3Di sails while Velsheda is using 3DL. The black sails make a stark contrast with the horizon.
While they got close at times, they never lined up together. There is a chance this will happen today, the last practice day, Monday 25th.
Rainbow is berthed alongside her support ship MV Holland at the end of A&P's dock. Ranger, Lionheart, and Velsheda are berthed at Port Pendennis Marina. Anybody wishing to see the boats can go to Events Square where there is an excellent view of the dock from above.
Race starts
After consultation with the captains, the race start has been moved to 1200 each day, weather permitting. You can view the yacht preparations from either alongside the Maritime Museum or on the pontoons.
Ratings
Ratings (TCFs) showing the small performance differences will be issued tomorrow. These are calculated by the Wolfson Unit, Southampton University, to ensure the best possible fairness between each yacht.
Top professional sailors
All four crews have some of the most talented professionals in world sailing, including;
Erle Williams – Helmsman – Ranger
Godfrey Cray – Tactician – Ranger
Bouwe Bekking – Tactician – Lionheart
Tom Dodson – Tactician - Velsheda
Justin Clougher – Crew boss – Velsheda
Three of the owners will helm the boats themselves, including Chris Gongriep who boasts years of sailing experience, having raced Windrose for many years before building Rainbow.
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