New Trophy

60 boats to race J/24 Europeans as part of Rolex Baltic Week

The J/24 Class Associations of Europe, representing the leading fleets from across the continent have agreed to re-present the John Adams Trophy for the first European boat at the Neustadt, Germany, European Championships.

The Europeans are to be held as part of the Rolex Baltic Cup Week. At least 300 sailors, from ten countries, racing 60 boats, are expected at the Ancora Marina, including the current Brazilian World Champion, Mauricio Santa Cruz and reigning European Champion, Ian Southworth of Great Britain.

There are over 5000 J/24s sailed worldwide and fifteen European nations have J/24 fleets. Top Italian helms including, Americas Cup Luna Rossa Team Manager, Francesco De Angelis, have won this coveted title 11 times and the British, nine times. Dutch, Swedish, French and Swiss skippers have their names on the trophy and hosts Germany must be hoping this is their Regatta.

The new trophy, a Silver, early 1800s Wine Cooler, marks the 25th Anniversary of first presentation by John Adams, former owner of Sanjola IV and a previous winner of the European Championship title. A new plinth has been created and all past winners are being engraved on new plates. The leading fleets have all contributed to its purchase and their participation will be engraved on the presentation case.

Comments John Adams: “I am delighted that the Class has chosen to mark such a significant Anniversary by presenting a cup that’s older than the Americas Cup “Auld Mug”. J24s have provided a lot of talent to that race - notably Ed Baird on Alinghi and Terry Hutchison on Emirates TNZ and I hope this demonstrates to the next generation of European sailors why they should start their keel boat careers in a friendly, but highly competitive class”.

The Class will also highlight the contribution of Stuart Jardine to both European and Worldwide J/24 sailing. The John Adams J/24 European Championship Trophy will additionally be engraved: "Re-presented in 2007 by the European Class in honour of Stuart Jardine and his contribution to European and World-wide J/24 sailing."

Current European Champion Ian Southworth said: “Stuart’s work underpins much of the longevity and attractiveness of the Class. He always has time to help newcomers, to encourage new countries and to offer an encyclopaedic understanding of what makes the boat go. This acknowledgement is very deserved”.