j class yacht lionheart

JH1 Lionheart

The first fruits of our lengthy research into the J-class, Lionheart was unveiled in early 2010. In 2011 she became the first Hoek-designed J to hit the race course, starting with the Superyacht Cup in Palma. Lionheart benefits from ideas developed for other large classic yachts, including the privacy concept with an aft owner’s cabin, deckhouse and cockpit. Specific velocity prediction software was developed by our office to determine the exact performance of specific J-class hull shapes. Tank testing data for a six-metre J-class model as well as wind tunnel data were used to calibrate this software. All existing and potential J-class designs were run through this software to determine the effects of different hull shapes on performance. The five best models were subsequently also analysed by Computational Fluid Dynamics software. Various yachts are under construction thanks to this successful research. Lionheart’s original hull design was one of the lines plans made for the Ranger syndicate in 1936. Although never built, our research showed that this design was very promising. The yacht has been extensively optimised by our office with VPP software for racing under handicap and line honours. She was outfitted by Claasen Jachtbouw and features a retro-styled interior in teak.

Lionheart is the leading J Class at the moment and World champion since 2017. That year she won the title in Newport (RI) as well as the America’s Cup J Class regatta where seven J’s were competing. 

LOA     43.4 m LWL     27.2 m Beam     6.55 m Draft     4.6 m Sail Area     975 m2 Yard     Claasen Shipyards Year     2010

Claasen Jachtbouw have launched the 44 metre J-Class sailing yacht Lionheart.

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Written by Mike Smith

The J-Class sailing yacht Lionheart is the first of a new breed of aluminium J-Class yachts which are are built to a Hoek yacht designs at Holland’s Claasen Jachtbouw shipyard. One of the leading offices in classically styled sailing yachts, Hoek Design is intimately involved in the revival of these magnificent yachts from the 1930s.

Sailing yacht Lionheart incorporates two small separate deckhouses and cockpits – one of which is designed especially for the yacht’s owner and guests. This feature gives extra versatility for both racing or cruising the superyacht.

The J-Class Yacht Lionheart

When delivered Lionheart will be the largest J-Class superyacht in existence, with 17m overhangs on an LOA of 43.4m. ABS classed and MCA compliant, she will be able to accommodate eight guests in four cabins.

Hoek Design has developed specific Velocity Prediction Software for J-Class yachts in partnership with Piet van Oossanen of wing keel fame. This highly sophisticated Velocity Prediction Program (VPP) has been developed specifically for these craft, and was calibrated using tank test data from a six-metre long model of a J. The aerodynamic part was calibrated with wind tunnel test data. “In contrast to other types of software, our VPP software is capable of calculating rudder angles as well as predicting performance in waves,” Andre Hoek explains. “This enables us to also optimise helm balance.”

Yacht Lionheart a J-Class Sailing Yacht

Originally designed for the Ranger syndicate by Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens, Lionheart is the first yacht to be built based upon this research. Under construction for a repeat customer of Hoek Design, she will be the largest J afloat when launched. Tremendous 17-metre overhangs on a LOA of 44 metres have created a fascinating super J with a maximum waterline length.

The J Class Sailing Yacht lionheart Delivered

Hoek: “We extensively optimised Lionheart’s structure using 3D structural modelling techniques with finite element software programs. The complete hull structure was analysed for stiffness and torsion, and her stiffness compared to the steel original. The weight of the hull structure was also further optimised, while the hull was developed in high tensile Alustar plating and extrusion materials to provide even greater stiffness. We also carried out extensive research into the mast position, and sail area vs. handicap in order to create a yacht that would perform to her best on the race course.”

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "Claasen Jachtbouw have launched the 44 metre J-Class sailing yacht Lionheart.".

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J Class yacht Lionheart refit with new paint job

The J Class yacht Lionheart is refitted with a gleaming new paint job after a visit to Pendennis .

Lionheart ’s refit included a five-year maintenance survey and exterior paint refresh. The modern J Class has a dark hull that cuts a sleek form on the racecourse – racing these beautiful vessels is just one of the many reasons to buy a J Class yacht .

This is Lionheart ’s second refit at Pendennis – she was also at the yard in 2012. The J Class yacht Lionheart was launched by Dutch builder Claasen in 2010. She is designed by Andre Hoek and built to an original Burgess/Stephens J Class design.

She emerged from Pendennis facility, located in Falmouth, UK in May after a thorough winter refit before moving to the Port Pendennis Marina.

The J Class fleet will be based at the Port Pendennis Marina during the upcoming J Class Regatta taking place in Falmouth from June 23-27, 2015.

After her refit, Lionheart will be showing off her shiny new hull sides as she competes against her J Class sisters in the regatta. The others Js competing in the five-day J Class Regatta are Ranger and Velsheda , all of which Pendennis have completed refit work on over the years.

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The allure of the America’s Cup is set to be enhanced by the majestic presence of the J Class fleet as organizers extend a prestigious invitation for their participation in the upcoming event. Scheduled to take place from October 7th to 11th, 2024, the J Class World Championship in Barcelona promises to be a spectacle of grandeur and nostalgia.

Comprising three meticulously refitted original yachts and six newly constructed vessels designed to replicate the iconic hull lines of the 1930s, the J Class fleet boasts a total of nine active yachts worldwide. Among them are the renowned Endeavour, Topaz, Ranger, Svea, Velsheda, Shamrock V, Rainbow, Hanuman, and Lionheart, each bearing a storied history dating back to the illustrious America’s Cup races of the 1930s.

Grant Dalton, CEO of America’s Cup Events, expressed his excitement for the inclusion of the J Class in the regatta, emphasizing their integral role in the Cup’s rich heritage. “Seeing those boats being raced just off the Barcelona waterfront will be a spectacle for everyone on the water or watching from the shoreline – we cannot wait to see them in action,” remarked Dalton.

Stuart Childerley, Class Secretary of the J Class, echoed Dalton’s sentiments, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to showcase the fleet’s legacy amidst the prestigious America’s Cup regatta. “The boats will arrive at Port Vell and be situated right in the heart of the superyacht basin, giving spectators a fantastic opportunity to see these historic yachts up close,” noted Childerley.

The Class Association is actively encouraging J Class owners to commit to the 2024 event, with five confirmations received to date. As anticipation builds for this unparalleled gathering of maritime history and contemporary excellence, the J Class World Championship promises to captivate audiences both on and off the water, offering a rare glimpse into the timeless elegance and enduring spirit of these iconic vessels.

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Our Heritage

Considered some of the most beautiful yachts ever built, the story of the J Class is defined by fierce transatlantic competition for the America’s Cup, followed by an era of steep decline, and the modern-day revival.

The J Class includes a mixture of refitted surviving yachts along with a number of new yachts faithfully built to original hull lines from 1930’s designs, with more yachts currently in build.

The J Class Association was founded in 2000 to protect the interests of the Class, present and future, and organises an annual calendar of racing for these magnificent yachts.

2024 Calendar

The Superyacht Cup Palma

Palma, Spain

8 - 14 September

Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup

Puerto Cervo, Sardinia

5-11 October

America's Cup J Class Regatta

Barcelona, Spain

We love them because they are sublimely beautiful, utterly impractical and fiendishly demanding.

Elizabeth Meyer

Modern-day saviour of the J Class

Latest news

J class duo go 1,2 at the st barths bucket.

The J Class duo Velsheda and Hanuman dominated Class B, Les Elegantes at the recent St. Barths Bucket taking first and second place.

J Class duo Velsheda and Hanuman heading to Saint Barths Bucket

The renowned Saint Barths Bucket superyacht regatta has long been popular with J Class yacht owners and crews, many of whom have enjoyed success at the Caribbean spring showcase event over recent years.

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Yachting World

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The new heyday of the J Class – why this illustrious class is now more popular than ever

• Toby Hodges
• March 24, 2017

Toby Hodges on the 2017 renaissance of the giant J Class yachts

Yacht brokers Edmiston created the opportunity to get us aboard Endeavour , which is currently for sale ( see original blog and history here ), the most beautiful of the J Class yachts and ranked among the most iconic yachts ever. Sailing simply doesn’t get any finer than this.

Compare all the J Class yachts with our pocket guide .

The word that kept entering my head and one that can be applied to all J Class yachts is ‘majestic’. They sail upwind at 10 knots and downwind at up to 13 knots – pedestrian by today’s planing and flying standards – and can be beasts to handle. But J Class yachts remain sensational to sail and mesmerising to watch.

The launch of the latest J Class yacht Svea this January takes the current fleet up to nine. That’s a collective weight of around 1,600 tonnes, with a sail area over 8,360m2 (90,000ft2).

Stack the J Class masts up end to end and they would reach the top of the Empire State Building. Their collective worth is over £100 million according to some camps – priceless in others.

When you consider that there were only ever ten J Class yachts built originally in the 1930s, a maximum of four of which sailed together at one time, and that all bar three were destroyed for scrap – the fact that five J Class yachts have launched in the last eight years is a pretty radical turnaround.

Six J Class yachts will race for the first time ever in St Barth this March. Eight out of the nine will then go to Bermuda for the America’s Cup showcase event in June (perhaps all nine if Endeavour sells before then), where a record seven will compete – a prospect that few people could ever have imagined before the recent resurgence of the class.

The J Class is unparalleled in any sport: historic yet cutting edge, competitive but also used for pleasure. They are the multimillionaire’s ultimate racer-cruiser.

Unlike maxi racing yachts, Js have fully fitted luxury interiors, a rule instigated by the class to ensure a multi-role yacht.

Endeavour ’s finely appointed saloon.

One of the charms of J Class yachts is that their size and shape can swallow these interiors without harming performance – long overhangs mean the accommodation and associated weight remains central. And unlike modern performance superyachts that occasionally race, J Class yachts are seaworthy racing machines that can be cruised and are united by an absorbing history.

J Class yachts have the best systems, hydraulics, deck gear, sails and rigging to take the highest dynamic loads, and are crewed by armies of the most experienced pros on the circuit. Most J Class owners still enjoy cruising too. Indeed, both the current owners of Endeavour and Rainbow choose only to cruise – and over the last three decades, Endeavour has sailed all over the world.

A turning point for the class

In the last 15 years we have seen J Class yachts evolve from exhibition yachts to cutting edge race boats. The designs range from the wood-composite 1930-built Shamrock V , at 120ft the smallest J afloat, to the newly launched 143ft Svea , an aluminium masterpiece.

Superyachts Palma J Class Lionheart J-H1. Photo Nico Martinez

The America’s Cup Jubilee regatta in Cowes in 2001 was a real turning point for the class. For the previous 20 years the three Js had only cruised or raced with Corinthian crew. But when Endeavour showed the difference that racing with professionals could make, things changed.

Many were against the introduction of pro crews, but it was a transition that was inevitable if the three-strong class was ever to grow. These 180-tonne yachts could not conceivably race safely with five or more on the startline today without pros in key positions.

Ranger entered the scene in 2004 and this increased the momentum in the class further. Together with Velsheda she has been a stalwart of the regatta scene since.

The owner-drivers have become confident and competent, particularly on Velsheda and Lionheart , and can regularly boss and win the prestart with the aid of their expert tacticians.

But with more Js on the line this summer, the experience of top helmsman such as Ken Read ( Hanuman ), Erle Williams ( Ranger ) and Peter Holmberg ( Topaz ) could be a deciding factor. Clear air will be gold.

I have been fortunate enough to race aboard several J Class yachts in big regattas during this modern era and it is always an electrifying experience. It requires around 30 crewmembers to race a J, which is more than most other large racing yachts, with a team of no fewer than eight required to handle the spinnaker pole.

“The excitement is the closeness of the racing and all the loads and the amount of effort it takes to coordinate all 30 guys to do something at once,” said North Sails Scott Zebny. “That’s the cool part.”

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