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The J-class yacht, in the 1930's, embodied new technology and professionalism in yachting and heralded in the modern era in the America's Cup. Designers introduced aeronautical technology in the engineering of hulls and rigging. Aluminium masts and the 'Park Avenue' boom were introduced
to save weight and aid in sail trimming.
The men who raced them were professional, not amateur, and the skippers such as Harold
S. Vander built and owners, such as Sir Thomas Lipton were leaders in their
field and wealthy enough to finance defenders and challengers for the
America's Cup. The races in the J-boat era became personal obsessions of wealthy and powerful men who devoted their lives to yachting.
These Modern Giants were considered the perfect yacht - beautiful, fast and
exciting to sail. They, and the men who sailed them, captured the imagination
of the public entering the modern age. Their role in competing for the America's Cup only enhanced them further, and consolidated the Cup as the pinnacle of yachting.
About the author
Simon Shaw, 62, lives in Melbourne, Australia and is an Architect, by training. He has sailed and raced small and large Ocean Racing yachts all his life, around the East Coast of Australia. He started sailing with his father, in a 12 ft. dingy, and were Australian Champions in their Class in the 1970's. He currently owns his own 34 ft. yacht, and sails on Port Phillip Bay, in Melbourne.
