Skip to content

Superyachts Steal America’s Cup Spotlight

By Tim Henry | June 16, 2017 | Bermuda |

Forget the Warriors and Cavaliers — tomorrow in Bermuda will see a rematch for the ages, as Oracle Team USA  squares off against Emirates Team New Zealand to contest the 35th America’s Cup. Racing starts around 10 a.m. local time, and will also be available on NBC television, weather permitting (the initial forecast is for light conditions).

Amazing photo of the Js number 143. 

© 2017 Studio Borlenghi/ ACEA

This past week, a gazillion dollars’ worth of sailboats (likely totaling the GDP of most small nations) went head to head in the America’s Cup Superyacht Regatta, making for breathtaking scenes on Bermuda’s turquoise waters. 

For those of you keeping score, 20 boats competed in four classes, in what were surely the most complicated PHRF ratings of all time. For the full results, click here.

How do you take down a super-sized sail on a superyacht? With a super-big crew.

© 2017 Ricardo Pinto/ ACEA

In the J Class, Lionheart took top honors, while Bay Area-owned Svea and Hanuman took fourth and fifth respectively in the six-boat fleet. The Js will square off again in their own regatta, and Shamrock — the very first J Class yacht built in 1930 for the America’s Cup — has been added to the roster for a seven-boat fleet.

Js for days. With their black carbon sails, the J Class is a fascinating mix of original boats, replicas and an intersection of old designs and new technology.

© 2017 Studio Borlenghi/ ACEA

For more America’s Cup history, NBC TV will air a documentary tomorrow about Ted Turner’s 1977 campaign. "Courageous" Turner and his crew reflect on "what Australian skipper Noel Robbins characterized as ‘The Best Defense.’" The film was produced by Offshore Productions, which is helmed by local sailor Dick Enersen.

And if you haven’t had a chance to praise or complain about the 2017 America’s Cup, please drop us a line.    

Leave a Comment





'Lectronic Latitude: Friday, Jun 16
Lookin’ Good
Yes, there was a giant something-or-other in the background, but what caught our eye was the nice-looking Island Packet Peppermint Patty enjoying a pleasant reach down the Sausalito waterfront.
Things Are Different in the Islands
If you want a photographic example of how life is different in the islands than in the States, check out the photo taken by Mike Stout of the Redondo Beach-based Aleutian 51 Mermaid.
What Could Be Easier?
Do it the easy way.  Go online to sign your dad up for a gift subscription to Latitude 38 magazine, then write a note expressing your love of him and sailing.
More 'Lectronics »