Lionheart reigns supreme in Newport

Lionheart won the first ever J Class World Championship in Newport in late August against a six-strong fleet. Lionheart’s triumph follows the crew’s win at the America’s Cup J Class event in Bermuda and is a testament to the consistent performance of her owner-driver and crew.

This has been a historic year for this revered class. Today’s racing fleet is the largest in its 87-year history. In addition the J Class’s recent incorporation as a member group of the International Maxi Class Association allows the Js to compete for their own world title.

It was particularly fitting that this inaugural world championship was governed by the New York Yacht Club

Glorious Newport scenes as world champs Lionheart fly-by the crowd (left), while local favourites Hanuman lead the fleet downwind