J-Class Region 1 Championships on Friday, August 7 at 10 a.m.
Mystic Seaport is pleased to welcome back Model Yacht Racing. The J Class and the East Coast 12 Meter class will once again take to the water off the North Dock for what promises to be an exciting event hosted by the Mystic River Radio Sailors (AMYA CLUB #39) and in association with the American Model Yachting Association.
J Class
Mystic Race Week kicks off with the J Class Region 1 Championships on Friday, August 7 at 10 a.m. These boats are scale replicas of the full-size J class yachts that competed for the America’s Cup from 1930 through 1937. The models are the largest recognized class in the AMYA with the hulls ranging from 7 to 9 feet in length and weighing between 65 and 90 pounds, which makes for some pretty exciting racing. The models carry from 3,500 to 4,500 square inches of sail on masts ranging from 8 to 10 feet in height. The difference in sizes of the models comes from the fact that the full-size boats were built to a formula and different measurements could be used within the formula to get the same answer. The full-sized boats varied from about 120 to 135 feet in length and had a water line length of between 65 and 87 feet. They carried a crew of about 35.
East Coast 12 Meter Class
Mystic Seaport will once again host the EC12 Meter Class Region 1 Championships. Last year the fleet swelled to 19 boats and as many are expected this year. These boats are scale replicas of the 12 Meter Columbia, which was the first 12 Meter in this class built in the USA. She competed and won the Cup in 1958. The scale counterparts are just under 60” long and carry 1,300 square inches of sail area with a rig that towers 6’ off the deck. The North East is home to a number of these models and the fleet continues to grow. With more than 22 scheduled events for this class up and down the East Coast, it is one of the most active classes in the AMYA. It is quite common that skippers offer guests the opportunity to take the controls for a test sail, so don’t miss out!
