Just 28 seconds separated the two super yachts, Ranger and Velsheda after the first two days of J Class racing at Newport June 15 and 16, with 3 races still to go. Ranger had eeked out a 1 second win the first day on corrected time, but had more breathing space the next day.
After the conclusion of every race, though, the crews of 35+ men and women on each boat have the large task of putting their mega-yacht to bed for the night. As these photos show, large is the operative word with everything from flags to fenders to rigging inspection set upon an amplified stage.
![AA team meeting](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc38834014e8976389a970d-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![AE Fenders](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc38834014e897639fe970d-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
The fenders for Ranger can match a Mini Cooper in size.
![AD off loading](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc38834014e897639c7970d-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![AC meet the press](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc38834015433561ed4970c-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![AF flags](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc38834014e89763a4e970d-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Sponsors such as Cox, Corum and livingsocial provide the funds to make the event happen.
![AG Ranger shoes](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc38834014e89763ad2970d-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![AH off loading sails](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc38834014e89763b2c970d-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![AL Rigging check](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc38834014e89763bd4970d-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![AK Rigging check](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc38834014e89763d9a970d-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![AM Ranger shirt](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc3883401538f82e73f970b-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Detail of the Ranger crew uniform.
![AN Vel crew](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc3883401543356231e970c-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![AQ Vel spin](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc38834014e89763f0f970d-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
![AP Alastair Tait](/_next/image/?url=%2Fimages%2F6a00e54f072fc38834015433562377970c-800wi.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
WaterViewHome Network Publisher David Lott shares a moment with Alastair Tait, Ranger's captain.
Read all the posts in the J Class Regatta series:
Off to Newport & the J Class Regatta
Cruise to Newport & J Class Regatta Begins with a Run to (a Quiet) Cuttyhunk
Cruise to Newport/J Class Regatta: Sakonnet's Elegant Clubhouse & Warm Welcome
J Class Regatta at Newport Puts Big Power, Precision and Majesty on Display
In Newport for J Class Regatta, World's Most Beautiful Yachts Compete for Attention
Final Day of J Class Newport Regatta Has Moments of Drama & a Velsheda Win