J-Boat Bonanza

Whatever you may say about our modern era of high finance and extreme wealth it is rejuvenating the most classic and revered era of yacht racing and design: the J-boat era (which also thrived at a time of extreme wealth, the 1930s).

The result is that you've got an active J-class, and some pretty awesome racing. And that means the rest of us, i.e. those of us who aren't billionaires, can play the voyeur.

For example, you can go aboard Ranger:

The really interesting thing, though, is how some owners, builders, and J-boat enthusiasts went back into

history to re-create one of sailing's most important eras.

Here, for example, is the story of Velsheda, the English J-boat that was restored and became a feature of sailing on the Solent (I saw her around Cowes many times, and it was always a thrill).

Lots more here. Have you got a boater and a fortune you'd like to spend down?