Where to see the J Class in 2022

After a 2021 season which comprised only mixed-fleet racing under various handicap rules, the J Class have made provisional plans to convene at three key events this season as activity and interest ramps up and key owners and teams return to the racetracks.

Now in new ownership, J5 Ranger has undergone a substantial refit and is currently in the Caribbean, set to compete for the first time since the passing in 2018 of long-time owner and J-Class enthusiast John Williams.

A new crew has been hand-picked including double America’s Cup winner Ed Baird as helmsman. Together they will set out to enjoy the first ever racing season for a newcomer owner whose first racing boat is the 2003 built, steel hulled Ranger replica.

The recent J Class AGM signalled an upturn in interest and the intention is to look to develop a longer-term racing programme for two or three years. The 2022 calendar will include Saint Barth’s Bucket (17 – 20 March), Superyacht Cup Palma, Mallorca (29 June – 2 July) and the Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup (4 – 10 September).

The fleet will race under the new J-Class rule, which was written, and purpose developed to best account for the features of the modern, active class boats and was first used at the last class racing event, the Antigua Superyacht Challenge in 2020.