Thursday, March 5, 2015

Cowes Hosting First J-Cup!

J/Cup racing off Cowes, England (Cowes, Isle of Wight, United Kingdom)- The annual regatta exclusively for J Boats will head to Cowes in 2015 for the first time in the event’s history. The J-Cup will be hosted by the Island Sailing Club, with racing from the 11th to 13th of June.

The J-Cup has attracted strong entry numbers since the very first regatta in 2000. Organisers Key Yachting attribute this to their legion of very dedicated and passionate owners, 65 of which entered the 2014 event. The largest class at the J-Cup is usually the vivacious J/109 fleet, with one-design racing also on offer for the J/70s, J/80s, J/97s and J/111s. It is expected that the inaugural National Championships for the new J/88 class will be held as part of the J-Cup 2015.

J/109 sailing J/Cup on Solent, EnglandThe organisers are looking forward to bringing the event to Cowes. Key Yachting MD Paul Heys said, “Cowes is a natural venue for the J-Cup, with a large contingent of J/Boats based on the Solent and all the facilities our local and visiting teams could wish for. The Island Sailing Club have been hosting our annual Cowes Week party for many years so are accustomed to our owners, we have no doubt they will put on a terrific regatta.”

The timing of the event, two weeks prior to the Round the Island Race, will allow boats that have travelled long distances to compete in two stellar events.

Teams can expect up to eight races across the three days, with music and entertainment planned for the evenings. As is customary at the J-Cup the final prize-giving will give the organisers an excuse to throw the 400 or so competitors a fabulous party with live music, against the backdrop of the infectious atmosphere of Cowes.

J/109s sailing J/Cup offshoreIn addition, Key Yachting are thrilled to announce the appointment of Landsail Tyres, as title sponsor for the J-Cup 2015.  This fantastic news means an even bigger, better J-Cup than before.  Peter Cross, UK Brand Manager for Landsail Tyres says of the connection, “We are delighted to be supporting the J-Cup, such a popular and exciting regatta, and are looking forward to being involved in the event's most successful year.”

Entries are already flying in, and thanks to the support of Landsail, competitor berthing at Cowes Yacht Haven Marina will be FREE of charge for the duration of the regatta. The expectation is that many teams will wish to stay in Cowes and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the town and the hospitable nature of hosts the Island Sailing Club.   For more Landsail Tyres J/Cup sailing and registration information