J Class Regattas

A classic wooden sailing yacht powering through open water with crew on deck, captured during high-speed sailing conditions – Solent Rib Charter marine experiences.

Crew members steering a classic racing yacht during an offshore sailing event, with sailors on deck and another yacht visible in the background – Solent Rib Charter marine experiences.

Aficianados will have followed the J Class regattas that took place in 2012 and 2015 on both Falmouth and Solent waters. Their attendance was linked to the Olympics and the America’s Cup respectively; it usually takes a major international event to attract the J’s to our cooler waters!

A high-performance racing yacht sailing at speed alongside a Solent Rib Charter support RIB carrying spectators and crew during a marine event.

J Class Regattas

Official Rib Charter Partner

Solent Rib Charter are the official Rib charter supplier to the J Class Association; we will be certain to publish information here as soon as we hear news of any future events.

At a glance

J Class origins

J Class yachts were designed to meet the specification of the ‘Universal Rule’ established in 1929. The rule used waterline length of 65 – 76 feet, and determined displacement and sail area to harmonise their rating. Ten J’s were built between 1930 and 1937. The design is linked inexorably to the The America’s Cup.

Expense

Sir Thomas Lipton the tea and grocery magnate spent $1,000,000 on Shamrock V in 1930 and challenged four Amercian J’s also built in 1930. A combination of the depression and the outbreak of the Second World war with attendant material shortages, are attributed as marking the end of the era.

Modern era

By the early 1980’s, only three J’s survived. Following a revival in interest subsequent to refits of the surviving boats, new class rules were established for the construction of replica builds from original plans, to keep the J Class fleet as a racing entity. The fleet now numbers eight boats.

J Class Association

In 2000 the J Class Association was founded to protect the interests of the Class, present and future.

What our customers say

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These guys were brilliant. Would highly recommend them.

These guys were brilliant – both in helping to organise our trip for 40 scouts (many thanks Theo), and on the day: everyone was full of praise for rib skipper (Mike) for being relaxed and fun, but also super safe. Would highly recommend them. 30th Reigate Scouts.

Skipper Jon on the day was great & always showed on time.

Very helpful with the passage plan and crafting the day ahead of time. Skipper Jon on the day was great, relaxed and always showed on time. Made for a wonderful day. The blast by The Needles was invigorating. We had two groups and a lovely lunch in Yarmouth.

I would strongly recommend Solent Rib Charter.

Fantastic Experience – Dealt with Jakob who was really helpful and efficient and had a brilliant day on the water. I would strongly recommend Solent Rib Charter and will definitely be using them again when I’m next in Lymington.

I'd absolutely 100% recommend these guys.

Chartered a bareboat RIB with Solent Rib Charter on the bank holiday weekend for a day out to the Isle of Wight. Absolutely top-notch customer service and I can’t overstate how helpful he was! I’d absolutely 100% recommend these guys.

Incredible company who at last minute were able to step in like heroes.

Incredible company who at last minute were able to step in like heroes when we were let down by another charter for my 40th Birthday (50 people from Lymington to The Hut and back!). If you want to book a RIB for any occasion, make sure you book with Solent Rib Charter!

Really nice people, with great kit and knowledge.

Rented a RIB from these guys which they brought down to Padstow. Boat in superb condition (their boats are used commercially and for leisure, so super well maintained). Summary: really nice people, with great kit and knowledge.

Another wildly successful client RIB day with the wonderful Solent RIB Charter.

Another wildly successful client RIB day with the wonderful Solent RIB Charter. Well organised with friendly and professional skippers, our clients had a brilliant time again on what is one of our most popular annual events, thanks to Jakob, Christian & the team!

From start to finish the process was seamless.

We selected Solent Rib Charter for a team incentive. From start to finish the process was seamless. They were really flexible and allowed for us to enjoy the sights and have a relaxed lunch in Cowes. It was a great day out.

The most professional Rib charter company you will ever come across!

The most professional Rib charter company you will ever come across! Immaculately maintained boats and professional skippers make them stand out from the rest. Highly recommended!

A group of people wearing life jackets enjoy a fast RIB boat ride on the Solent, smiling and waving as the boat cuts through the water with splashes around them.