America's Cup Jubilee Preview

Everything from racing schedules to social extravaganzas for next week

What

The America's Cup Jubilee regatta has been jointly organised by the Royal Yacht Squadron and the New York Yacht Club. The regatta starts on the 18 August, running for the whole week through to the 25 August. Heralded as the most spectacular event of the century, it is certainly not an event to miss. With yachts of all designs competing from the beautiful J-Class yachts to modern high performance yachts such as the Farr 52.

When

Sunday 19 August-Saturday 25 August

16 August: Registration.
17 August: Registration.
18 August: Opening ceremony.
19 August: Race 1 (12 Metre and all the other classes).
20 August: Race 2 and 3 (12 Metre), race 2 (all the other classes).
21 Augus t: "Jubilee Race Around the Island", race 3.
22 August: Race 4 (12 Metre), race 4 (all the other classes).
23 August: Reserve day.
24 August: Race 5 (12 Metre), race 5 (all the other classes).
25 August: Race 6 (12 Metre), race 6 (all the other classes); official prize giving ceremony.

Round the Island race
On Tuesday, the day before the actual day of the 150th anniversary of the original America's Cup, a race will take place, racing clockwise around the Isle of Wight (as opposed to anticlockwise, as is normal in the Island Sailing Club's Round the Island Race) from the Royal Yacht Squadron line. Considerable effort has gone into replicating the original course, which will include marks off Spirsand and No Mans Lands, as well as the Nab Lightship (pre-Nab Light). The reason it is the day before is because of the strong tides expected on the actual day of the Jubilee (22 August).

The Classes \ divisions for the event.

There are an incredible 35 12 Metre class boats entered for the Prada International Twelve Metre Class World Championships, divided in to three separate divisions according to their age - Classic, Grand Prix and Modern.

The following classes will be racing in Cowes besides the 12 Metres:

J Class and 23 Metre Class.

Possibly the most beautiful sailing yachts afloat because of their low sleek lines and long, long overhangs are the J Class boats Endeavour, Velsheda and Shamrock V. They will be joined by the slightly large 23 Metre Class yacht

Vintage yachts.

Vintage yachts are those yachts built in wood or in metal launched before 31st December 1949. True replicas, launched at any time, using designs made prior to 31st December 1949 and employing techniques and materials of that period will be included.

Classic yachts.

Classic yachts are those yachts built in wood or in metal launched before 31st December 1975. True replicas, launched at any time, using designs made prior to 31st December 1975 and employing techniques and materials of that period will be included.

Spirit of Tradition.

These yachts, built since 1970 using modern techniques and materials must have a look and style that is true to a traditional classic or vintage design. However, they may have modern underbodies and appendages and use modern technology in their rigs.

Modern (IMS and IRC).

IMS and IRC Class yachts with a minimum LOA of 45 feet , 13.716 metres, and owned or chartered by a member of a club that has competed for the America’s Cup or the Louis Vuitton Trophy. Each yacht shall have a valid class certificate and comply with her class rules and regulations and the ORC special regulations governing offshore racing requirements for Category 4 races.

America's Cup Class.

The America's Cup racing yachts that conform to the very latest ACC rules, such as Luna Rossa and GBR52.

Where

Western Solent (yellow on chart above)
In race areas 1 and 2 there will be three classes:
- the J class
- vintage, classic and spirit of tradition
- modern IMS/IRC

East of Cowes (marked in red above)
The 12m class

Eastern Solent (marked in green)
The modern day America's Cup Class yachts

Before or after racing
The 12m fleet will be based in Cowes Yacht Haven. The rest of the racing boats will be moored in Cowes Roads.


See page 1 for information about the racing...
See pages 2,3, and 4 for boats to watch out for...
See pages 5,6, and 7 for people to watch out for...