Four Js expected off Mallorca
The J-class yachts "Topaz", "Velsheda", "Ranger" and "Svea" have so far registered for Mallorca's most important superyacht regatta, which will take place from 29 June to 2 July 2022. The latter is the youngest of the precious quartet and is equipped with a carbon rig dominated by a 53.75 metre mast. The 43.60 metre long and only 6.65 metre (!) narrow aluminium construction was launched at Vitters in 2017 and is based on a 1937 design by Swedish designer Tore Holm. Naturally, the replica still has a long keel and the typically tantalisingly long overhangs, which were optimised by the spiritus rector of J Class, Andre Hoek.
It was in Sweden that a syndicate of three businessmen formed, which has now bought "Svea". Brokerage house Burgess placed the high-tech J on the market for 15 million euros at the beginning of 2019. One of the new co-owners is said to be Skype co-founder Niklas Zennström, who can look back on a successful big-boat career and has always steered his yachts named "Rán" himself. He dominated the scene for years with his Mini-Maxi, romped around in the TP52 circus and most recently caused a furore with his Fast 40+. The radical Carkeek design with its stealth shapes is the exact opposite of the curves of "Svea". With a co-ownership model, it seems unlikely that Zennström will continue on his naming course and change the name to "Rán". Whether the enthusiastic regatta sailor will be at the carbon wheel himself can be seen off Mallorca at the end of June.
