Final Day of J Class Newport Regatta Has Moments of Drama & a Velsheda Win

Final Day of J Class Newport Regatta Has Moments of Drama & a Velsheda Win

The final day of the J Class Regatta in Newport, RI, had Velsheda playing for pride and she in fact finished strong to claim her point. It was her only win in the five-race match which Ranger took, four races to one.

The Sunday race started on a downwind leg that immediately cast some drama into the race when Ranger's spinnaker ripped to pieces shortly after being deployed. The crew quickly replaced the 10,000 s.f. sail, but it gave valuable space to Velsheda which she maintained throughout the day.

S Ranger bearing down
Ranger bears down on a closing beat at day's end, but could not make up the time.

A crossing
At the start, the two giant boats jockey for starting line position.

B shoots up
Over the line together, the J Class racers are even for just a moment.

C near top
Each boat sent a crew member up the mast to look out over the spinnaker.

D at top
A perch not for one afraid of heights.

E shoot rips
Ranger's spinnaker suddenly and completely rips across a seam and plummets to the water.

F shoot down
The crew worked quickly to pull the torn sail onto the boat while working up a replacement.

G Castle light
Further down the leg, Velsheda runs by Castle Hill light.

H Vel bow
The spinnaker and pole come down on Velsheda in preparation for the beat back to Newport.

I carbon sail
Close-up of the Velsheda main and jib.

J team work
The Ranger team hops to the spinnaker and pole.

N jib main close up
Close-up of Ranger's jib and main.

R Ranger best
Ranger tacking as the final leg nears its end.

SA Winning team
The winning Ranger team: Earl Williams, professional helmsman, Ranger owner John A. Williams of the New York Yacht Club, and Alastair Tait, Captain.

SA Trophy
To the victor, the spoils.

Read all the post in the series on the J Class Regatta:

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

Everything Is Big on a J Class Yacht: Crews, Sails, Accessories & Maintenance

In Newport for J Class Regatta, World's Most Beautiful Yachts Compete for Attention

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