Falmouth basks in 1930s glamour
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.They are the boats that time forgot. With 180ft masts – taller than a cross-channel ferry – and needing a crew of 30 to sail, J Class yachts were designed for the most decadent sailors of the Thirties.
Since then, the remaining few have largely been left to rot in shipyards, too cumbersome and impractical for the modern age. But yesterday four of the enormous vessels took to the water again in Cornwall, to race in Falmouth's annual regatta. Three – Ranger, Rainbow and Lionheart – were replicas built in the past decade. One, Velsheda – first owned by the former head of Woolworths, W L Stephenson – was rescued from its mud berth in the Eighties, refitted with a new steel mast and prepared for competition.
Ranger, a replica of the boat that won the America's Cup in 1937, took first place yesterday and won the week's series.
Among the largest sailing yachts in the world, the J Class was first designed in 1929 and can weigh as much as 200 tons and reach more than 140ft in length. In their heyday, they were the model against which all other yachts were measured, with owners including King George V, Sir Thomas Lipton, owner of the tea chain, and US railroad baron Harold Vanderbilt.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments