The J Class models are
1/16th scale hulls of the J Class yachts that sailed for the
America´s Cup from 1930 through 1937 as well as the yachts
that were converted to the J Class and competed with the
America´s Cup yachts in club regattas. The models are the
largest recognized class in the AMYA with hull lengths
ranging from about 7 feet in length to 8 1/2 feet in length
and weighing between 65 and 115pounds. The models carry from
about 3,000 to 4,000 square inches of sail on masts that are
8 to 91/2 feet above the deck. The difference in sizes of
the models is driven by the different sizes of the full size
yachts.
There were ten yachts
built to the J specifications between 1930 and 1937, six in
America and four in Britain to compete for the America´s
Cup. Another eight existing large yachts sailing at the time
were converted to J specifications for use as trial horses
and as competitors in local yacht club regattas. Drawings
for all of the original J yachts and those converted to the
J class are available from several museums such as the
Mystic Seaport Museum, the Smithsonian and the Herreshoff
Maritime Museum.
The J Class is truly one
of the most beautiful class of models in the AMYA reflecting
the sailing power and grace of the original classic yachts
of the 1930s.
