September's J Cup Ireland gets an early preview on Friday when J boat agents for Ireland, Key Yachting, will host a special gathering for J Boat and Grand Soleil sailors at the Royal Irish Yacht Club in Dun Laoghaire Harbour.

Key Yachting's Wayne Palmer and Bill Stringer will host the drinks and catch up from 6 pm. All are welcome.

The second edition of the J Cup Ireland will take place from 7-8 September this year and follows a successful inaugural regatta last year.  As regular Afloat readers know, the 2023 event saw an impressive 40-boat contest on Dublin Bay.

The Key Yachting team will be at the South Coast Boat Show in Southampton this weekend, displaying the newest models from Nautitech Catamarans and J/Boats.

The South Coast Boat Show will be open from Friday 21 to Sunday 23 April in Southampton’s Ocean Village Marina.

This year the South Coast and Green Tech Boat Shows will be combined for the first time so there will be plenty to see — including the latest from J/Boats and Nautitech.

The Nautitech 44 Open catamaran, marketed in Ireland and the UK by Key Yachting

The 2023 show will see the UK and Ireland premiere of the Nautitech 44 Open. It was recently awarded European Yacht of the Year 2023 in the Multihull category and was named among SAIL Magazine’s Top 10 Boats for 2023.

The Nautitech 44 showing in Southampton is straight from the Nautitech Shipyard in La Rochelle — don’t miss the chance to see this fantastic new performance catamaran in the UK.

Leading-edge hull design meets refined interior design in the new J/45 from J/Boats, marketed in Ireland and the UK by Key Yachting

In addition, the first British J/45 will be displayed at the show. Hull #5 has a three-cabin, two-head layout and has just recently been commissioned in Hamble.

The new J/45’s leading-edge hull design meets refined interior design to raise the bar on cruising comfort and performance like no J before it.

Key Yachting is expecting a high level of interest and appointment slots for both the J/45 and N44 are filling up so we recommend making an appointment in advance to be able to get onboard.

There are regular direct flights from Dublin to Southampton with Aer Lingus and the Ocean Village is a short taxi ride from the airport so getting to the show is easy.

Tickets for the event are free but do need to be booked online. Viewing appointments can be booked via the Exhibitors page or by contacting Irish agent Mark Mansfield at [email protected] or +353 87 250 6838.

The Kay Yachting team will also be available to discuss any other models from Nautitech and J/Boats along with other brands Grand Soleil Yachts and Tofinou.

Key Yachting is having great success in quickly selling second-hand boats, from keelboats to top brand cruiser-racers.

The market is particularly strong at present.

Mark Mansfield, the Key Yachting agent in Ireland, has many years of experience in the Irish racing scene and a great knowledge of the market.

See the above yachts we have recently sold or are currently under offer.

Whether your boat is suitable for white sail racing, fully crewed local racing or full-on national racing, there is a buyer, and top-level prices are being achieved.

We can reach national and International potential buyers on the main online boat sales forums, including Yachtworld, and Boats.com, in addition to the Key Yachting website.

Key Yachting Ireland is looking for new stock, so if you are considering selling, contact Mark Mansfield at [email protected] or mobile phone 00 353 87 2506838.

We will conduct a free market analysis to value and position your boat in the market against previously sold and current boats to decide the best listing price.

Mark Mansfield, the Irish agent for Key Yachting, has four great brokerage yachts to sell.

All are ready to go for racing in 2023, with great sail inventories, and all are well maintained.

Key Yachting has the Irish Agencies for J/ Boats, Grand Soleil, Nautitech Catamarans and Tofinou dayboats.

In Ireland, Key Yachting is making a name for itself in the brokerage market, particularly for racers and cruiser racers.

Yachts currently available are:

Ker 37 Jump Juice

Ker 37 Jump Juice

Well-known winner on Irish waters, very well maintained and only lightly raced in the last 7 or 8 years doing only 3/4 regattas a year. Despite this, new sails and upgrades have always been a feature. Lying ashore for the last year in Cork. More information here

Grand Soleil 34 Justina

Lightly used for racing and cruising for the past four seasons. Very well maintained and upgraded with new sails and instruments. The Grand Soleil 34 is as comfortable cruising as it is on the race course, offering the renowned Grand Soleil finish with an admirable pace on the racecourse. A real head-turner with a beautiful teak cockpit and lovely Italian design touches. More information here

Jeanneau Sunfast 3600 Yoyo

A young 2018 example of the notable offshore race designs. This particular model has twin wheels, upgraded specifications and is very well maintained. Lightly used in the last year or so, she has a top-level North sails inventory with some new sails in 2022. A fast boat, but still with a nice interior. More information here

J80 J’s Us

J80 J’s Us

2005 model of this very desirable class. The J 80 is competitive on IRC in addition to the strong J 80 class racing in Ireland. Sitting on a good trailer, she can be stored ashore when not required and then brought to a venue with ease. J’s us has a full inventory of sails and other equipment. Perfect for Club IRC racing, class racing, or just day sailing with her easily-handled furling jib. More information here

For information on any of the above brokerage boats, or indeed any new model in the J Boats, Grand Soleil, Nautitech or Tofinou ranges, contact Mark Mansfield at. Mark@key yachting.com or at 00 353 87 2506838.

The Key Yachting J-Cup, in association with B&G, was topped off with a third day of fantastic conditions in The Solent. Classic south-westerly breeze, pumped up to 15 knots with more in the gusts, but the wind was with the tide for most of the day, giving a flatter sea state. Three races were completed by all classes to bring racing at the 2022 Key Yachting J-Cup to a conclusion.

Race winners on Day Three: J/122 Jahmali, J/105 Jacana, J/92 J'ronimo, J/92 Upstart, J/111 McFly, J/111 Jagerbomb, J/109 Joule, J/109 Jumping Jellyfish, J/109 just So, J/70 Chaotic, J/70 Standfast and J/70 Jeepster.

Results link here

A start at the J/70 UK National Championships Photo: Paul Wyeth

J/70 UK National Championships

The J70 Offbeat Photo: Paul Wyeth

It was a special night for the J/70 Jelvis team; a tremendous performance in becoming the 2022 J/70 UK National Champions in a fleet containing Olympic medallists and world champions. For the championship victory and through Martin Dent’s significant contribution to the J/70 UK Class, Jelvis was also awarded the 2022 J-Cup, to a huge ovation at the final prize giving ceremony at the RORC Clubhouse in Cowes.

The J70 Jelvis

Jelvis sailed beautifully to win the 27-strong Open J/70 UK National Championships, with four race wins out of eight contests. Paul Ward’s Eat Sleep J Repeat was runner-up with Nick Phillips’ Chaotic scoring a 1-2 in the final two races to snatch third by a point from Doug Struth’s DSP.

Jelvis crew: Martin Dent, Ruby Dent, Henry Wetherell, Jack Wetherell.

"Jelvis Team: Ruby, Jack and Henry - we all love racing the J/70. It’s the best one Design class in the world. Great boat, great class rules, and it attracts like-minded people who just love fantastic racing. Well done to DSP for winning the Corinthian championship, and to Max Clapp and his cohorts for winning the David Haw Youth Trophy. "

Doug Struth’s DSP, with Tom Mallandine on the helm, had a stellar performance. Not only did DSP win the 19-strong Corinthian Division by a huge margin but also came within a point of making the Open Division podium. Tim Dickinson’s Jellyfish with son Fin on the stick was second, a fantastic achievement in only their second season in the class with a family crew. Tim Simpson & Ole Bettum’s Dads ‘N’ Lads, also new to the class, and sailing with family members was third.

The J70 DSP

DSP Crew: Freya Adams, Ed Chapman, Tom Mallandine, Dan Schieber, Doug Struth.

“We are so pleased with our performance, especially in big breeze against fantastic competition, and well done to Jelvis, who were magnificent,” commented Doug Struth. “DSP was really consistent, scoring no worse than sixth. One of the great things about the J/70 Class in the UK is that we share knowledge and that has been a real boost to our performance. Also coaching is really well organised and especially Elliott Willis has really helped the DSP team, fingers crossed we intend to race at the J/70 European and World Championships later this year.”

There was also a special award of the Best Newcomer Trophy to Paul Barnett’s J/70 Panther. Paul and the team travelled down from Dundee in Scotland to compete in the Key Yachting J-Cup. The team are learning fast, and always full of fun after racing.

Celebrating Youth Sailing at the Key Yachting J-Cup

The David Haw Youth Trophy Photo: Ian Roman

The new David Haw Youth Trophy, created by the combined teams of David McLeman’s Offbeat and Ian Poynton’s Powder Monkey, was awarded to Max Clapp’s Little J. All of the Little J team are 25 or under and finished in 11th place in a highly competitive fleet.

Max Clapp’s Little J Photo: Paul Wyeth

“The J/70 Class in the UK is one that many young sailors aspire to race in,” commented David McLeman. “We tragically lost David Haw earlier this year, and to celebrate youth sailing and as a tribute and lasting memory to David; Little J are worthy winners.”

There was also a special award for the young team racing on Charles Berry’s J/109 Jenie, which was awarded The Nipper Trophy. Jenie is a new team for the J-Cup representing the Exeter University Sailing Club.

J/109 UK National Championships

A J/109 National Championship start Photo: Paul Wyeth

Arjen van Leeuwen’s Dutch J/109 Joule held off a strong challenge to win the class from defending J/109 National Champion, David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish.

David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish Photo: Paul Wyeth

David McGough’s Just So, made their best results on the final day, scoring a 5-1-2 to finish third, ahead of Mike & Susie Yates J/109 JAGO. The Joule team from the Jachtclub Scheveningen in the Netherlands scored five race wins in a fleet of 12 J/109s

Arjen van Leeuwen’s Dutch J/109 Joule Photo: Paul Wyeth

“We are very, very pleased,” smiled Joule’s Arjen van Leeuwen. “Today was a little more difficult, when we blew out a spinnaker, which ruined our last race and made the championship really tight. We already had really tough competition from Jumping Jellyfish, which was really well prepared, but Joule was very well prepared as well. The boat was four months on the hard for a refit. The Joule team had a really nice time at the regatta, with super conditions, great competition, and fun on and off the water. We will definitely be back to the J-Cup.”

Arjen van Leeuwen’s Dutch J/109 Joule crew Photo: Paul Wyeth

J/111 UK National Championships

Defending UK National Champions Tony and Sally Mack’s J/111 McFly. The crew included Cork mainsheet trimmer, Harry Durcan who told Afloat "Nice to win again after winning Cowes week IRC 1 last August with the same team!" Photo: Paul Wyeth

Defending UK National Champions Tony & Sally Mack’s J/111 McFly retained the trophy with an impressive five wins from eight races. Louise Makin & Chris Jones’ JourneyMaker II scored no worse than third the entire regatta to finish as runner-up. Cornel Riklin’s Jitterbug held off a big challenge to take third from Paul Griffiths Jagerbomb, which won two races on the final day; Jitterbug was third by a single point.

Louise Makin & Chris Jones’ JourneyMaker II Photo: Paul Wyeth

“When all the J/111s line up there is nothing much between us,” commented McFly’s Tony Mack. “We have to work hard to sail faster or higher to get ahead, and even then, it’s only seconds between us. It is very much a team effort on McFly for trim and balance with Jeremy Smart calling the shots. We all know our jobs and we get on and do it. If we do well, it’s always a team effort.”

Tony & Sally Mack’s J/111 McFly crew defended their national title Photo: Paul Wyeth

IRC One

The J122e Jahmali Photo: Paul Wyeth

Michael & Sarah Wallis’ J/122 Jahmali won all three races on the final day to finish the regatta with five race-wins and retain the class title. Kevin Taylor’s J/99 Jump 2 it was leading the class until the final day, but even three podium finishes were not enough to hold off Jahmali. Wayne Palmer’s J/99 Jam was only commissioned last month, the crew are all friends of the Key Yachting owner and under the guidance of Vendee Globe star Pip Hare, Jam scored all podium finishes on the final day to take third in class.

Kevin Taylor’s J/99 Jump 2 it Photo: Paul Wyeth

All of the Jahmali crew were rejoicing at the Key Yachting Prize Giving, skipper Michael Wallis commented: “We enjoyed the flatter conditions today and it is always a pleasure to race at the J-Cup. A big thank you to all the Key Yachting team, who have been fabulous, they came to our assistance today before racing, without them we wouldn’t have been on the start line today.”

The J122 Jahmali crew Photo: Paul Wyeth

The J/99 Jam crew Photo: Paul Wyeth

IRC Two

Mark Stevens’ J/105 Photo: Paul Wyeth

Mark Stevens’ J/105 Jacana scored a 1-2-3 on the final day to secure the class title from defending IRC Two champions J/92s Upstart, sailed by Robin Stevenson. David Greenhalgh’s J/92 J'ronimo won the final race but was just a point off the podium.

“It wasn’t easy, but it was good fun!” commented Jacana’s Mark Stevens. “This was something else, Jacana is a great bunch of friends enjoying a great regatta, that is what it is all about. The good competition made us focus on our performance, it was great to race with well-sailed J/92s and another J/105. We had sunshine and wind, what more do you want?” 

The Jacana J/105 crew Photo: Paul Wyeth

The Upstart crew Photo: Paul Wyeth

The J/92 J'ronimo crew Photo: Paul Wyeth

The Key Yachting Final Prize Giving was held at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse with a Salcombe Gin Cocktails Reception, followed by a plated three-course dinner for the J/Boat Clan. Key Yachting’s Hayley Quinn and Hannah Le Provost welcomed J/Boats teams to the stage to receive a bevy of prizes from regatta sponsors. B&G Ambassador Pip Hare presented the prizes to the winners, podium teams, and other special prizes.

Key Yachting Sales Director Hannah Le Prevost confirmed that the 2023 J-Cup will be held 15-17 June, hosted by the Royal Southern Yacht Club in Hamble.

Irish J Cup in 2023

There will be the inaugural Irish J-Cup in 2023, 26-27 August, hosted by the Royal Irish Yacht Club. All J/Boats owners and charterers are very welcome to enter and enjoy both events.

The Key Yachting J-Cup, in association with B&G, had superb conditions for the second day of racing. Brilliant sunshine with a south-westerly breeze, pumping up to over 20 knots, produced stunning, planing conditions for the 56 J/Boats. Hundreds of sailors were grinning from ear to ear after a ballistic day on the Solent, three races were completed by all classes.

Race winners on Day Two of the Key Yachting J-Cup: J/99 Jump 2 it, J/122 Jahmali, J/105 Jacana, J/92 J'ronimo, J/111 McFly, J/111 JourneyMaker II, J/109 Joule, and J/70 Jelvis.

Results link here

Martin Dent’s J/70 Jelvis Photo: Paul Wyeth

J/70 UK National Championships

Martin Dent’s Jelvis had an exceptional day, scoring three straight bullets in the highly competitive 27-boat J/70 fleet for the UK National Championships. Paul Ward’s Eat Sleep J Repeat scored a 4-2-3 today and drops to second place.

Paul Ward’s Eat Sleep J Repeat Photo: Paul Wyeth

“When you add together 20-25 knots of wind with a fleet of 27 J/70s, managed by a great Race Officer and team, who set perfect courses and start lines, you are in for a spectacular day,” commented Jelvis’ Martin Dent. “Normal J/70 racing is sick, today was super-sick. Given the strong wind, boat handling was at a premium and Ruby (Dent), and Wetherell Brothers; Jack and Henry did a great job.”

Doug Struth’s DSP Photo: Paul Wyeth

Doug Struth’s DSP had another belter of a day, scoring a 5-3-2 to retain third in the Open Division. DSP leads the 19-strong Corinthian Division by an impressive18-point margin. In the Open Division DSP is one point ahead of the 2021 Open J/70 National Champion, Nick Phillips’ Chaotic, as well as two points ahead of Charles Thompson’s Brutus and Simon Patterson’s Standfast. Tim Dickinson’s Jellyfish, with son Fin on the helm, moves up to second in the Corinthian Division, three points ahead of Jon Calascione & Marshall King’s Calypso. 

J/109 UK National Championships

Jukebox and Just So, competing in the 12-boat J109 fleet Photo: Paul Wyeth

Arjen van Leeuwen’s Dutch J/109 Joule put in an outstanding performance winning all three uber-windy races. Defending J/109 National Champion, David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish, scored a 3-3-2 and drops to second, four points behind Joule. John Smart’s Jukebox retains third but only by single point from David McGough’s Just So, which battled hard today scoring a 4-2-3. Mike & Susie Yates racing JAGO scored a second in the first race of the day and have joined the challenge for the championship podium.

Jumping Jellyfish in the J109 Fleet Photo: Paul Wyeth

The Dutch J/109 Joule comes from Jachtclub Scheveningen on the North Sea. The team are all-Dutch and after the Key Yachting J-Cup the boat will remain to compete in Cowes Week. “We enjoy one-design racing but back home we are lucky if we have six J/109s racing together, so it is great to race in such a big fleet,” commented Joule’s Arjen van Leeuwen. “We were surprised at the speed advantage we had today, but the crew also sailed really well. We did have one mistake with the spinnaker, but we were far enough ahead that we still won the race. The goal now is to avoid the pub, go to bed early, and sail as well tomorrow. After that you will see us on the dance floor!"

Arjen van Leeuwen's J109 Joule Photo: Paul Wyeth

J/111 UK National Championships

The J/111 Start at the Key Yachting J/Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

Defending UK National Champions Tony & Sally Mack’s J/111 McFly with Royal Cork's Harry Durcan on the crew) scored two race wins today. However, Louise Makin & Chris Jones’ JourneyMaker II won the last race to stay in touch with McFly for the national championships. Cornel Riklin’s Jitterbug scored a 3-2-3 today to move up to third ahead of Tim Tolcher’s Raging Bull 2. 

IRC One

Derek Shakespeare’s J/122 Bulldog Photo: Paul Wyeth

Kevin Taylor’s J/99 Jump 2 it scored a third and a win, but a retirement in the last race, due to a block failure, all but cost Jump 2 it the class lead. Michael & Sarah Wallis’ J/122 Jahmali revelled in the big breeze scoring two race victories to move up to second in class. Derek Shakespeare’s J/122 Bulldog scored a 2-2-4 to finish the day in third place for the regatta.

IRC Two

Mark Stevens’ J/105 Jacana had another excellent day, scoring two race bullets, to lead the class by three points. David Greenhalgh’s J/92 J'ronimo scored a 1-3-2 to move up to second place just one point ahead of the defending IRC Two champions J/92s Upstart, sailed by Robin Stevenson.

Half of the J/105 Jacana crew are members of the Royal Southern Yacht Club and skipper Mark Stevens has raced at many J-Cups in many different classes. “It was absolutely awesome sailing today, one of the best for a long time, we had great breeze and good courses,” commented Mark Stevens. “There is a lot of racing history between boats in our class; we have raced against each other for a long time, so it is great to do so well! The best we have achieved in the J-Cup is third, so we are really going for it this year.” 

The Key Yachting Daily Prize Giving at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse Photo: Paul Wyeth

The Key Yachting Daily Prize Giving at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse was a very happy affair with sailors grinning from ear to ear after a superb day of racing. Key Yachting’s Wayne Palmer and Hannah Le Provost welcoming winners to the stage to receive a bevy of prizes from regatta sponsors.

Racing at the Key Yachting J-Cup concludes tomorrow the 2nd of July with three more races to finish the regatta. For more information about the J/Boats range. Visit Key Yachting, the exclusive agent for J/Boats in the UK and Ireland for over twenty years. www.keyyachting.com

The Key Yachting J-Cup, in association with B&G, kicked off with 56 teams enjoying superb sunny conditions in the Solent. A south westerly breeze built steadily during the day, and by the second race the gradient breeze was up to 15 knots, with 20 knots in the gusts. Race winners on Day One of the Key Yachting J-Cup: J/99 Jump 2 it, J/105 Jacana, J/92s Upstart, J/111 McFly, J/109 Jumping Jellyfish, J/109 Joule, J/70 Brutus, and J/70 Jelvis.

Results link here 

J/99s racing at the Key Yachting J-Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

IRC One

Kevin Taylor’s J/99 Jump 2 it raced beautifully today, scoring a perfect two bullets. Derek Shakespeare’s J/122 Bulldog is second after the first day, but only on countback from Michael & Sarah Wallis’ J/122 Jahmali. Wayne Palmer’s J/99 Jam had a close battle with Vernon Bradley’s J/99 Black Jack. Jam ending the day ahead of Black Jack by two points, the two skippers did enjoy a friendly beer after racing, but the gloves will be back on for tomorrow’s racing!

Tight racing in the IRC One division at the Key Yachting J-Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

“That was fantastic!” exclaimed Jump 2 it’s Kevin Taylor. “The whole crew put in a superb performance leaving me to just focus on driving the boat. To be honest, Jump 2 it is specifically set up for inshore racing, while Jam and Black Jack have a more offshore set up. I was really pleased to beat the two larger J/122s on corrected time, my crew deserve all the praise. We are really focused on just sailing the boat well, and after today, I am just so happy with how we are performing.”

IRC Two

Mark Stevens J/105 Jacana had an excellent day, scoring a 1-2, to lead the class by one point from defending IRC Two champions J/92s Upstart, sailed by Robin Stevenson. David Greenhalgh’s J/92 J'ronimo is third after two races, just one point ahead of Becky Walford’s J/92 Brenda’s J

UK J111 National Champion’s McFly skippered by Tony Mack whose crew inlcudes Royal Cork's Harry Durcan Photo: Paul Wyeth 

J/111 UK National Championships

Defending UK National Champion’s McFly sailed by Tony Mack, started the regatta with two straight wins to lead the class after the first day. Louise Makin & Chris Jones’ JourneyMaker II is second after two races with Tim Tolcher’s Raging Bull 2 in third.

Part of the J111 fleet at the Key Yachting J-Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

“We had good boat speed today, which was one of the main reasons for our performance,” commented McFly’s Tony Mack. “With the breeze building, we made sure that we retuned the rig in between races. We have had a few changes in our crew brought upon us, but the new sailors have settled in really well. As always, starts are very competitive in the J/111 fleet, and I am sure the level of competition will remain high for the whole regatta. It was great fun today, especially planing in the second race.” 

J/109 UK National Championships

The J/109 National Champion, David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish at the Key Yachting J-Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

Defending J/109 National Champion, David Richards’ Jumping Jellyfish, won the first race of the regatta by just 30 seconds from John Smart’s Jukebox. Race Two was even closer with Arjen van Leeuwen’s Dutch J/109 Joule taking the gun by just 12 seconds from Jumping Jellyfish. The J/109 fleet enjoyed thrilling racing, with seconds separating the boats. Race Two was a seriously competitive start, causing a general recall for the 12 boat fleet.

The J109s have a 12 boat fleet at the Key Yachting J Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

Anthony & William Tahourdin racing J/109 Jedi, may not have got the best results today, but the crew were full of smiles enjoying a beer at the RORC Clubhouse after racing. “We bought Jedi just before lockdown, so we haven’t done much racing with her, but the J/109 is a great boat; we race inshore and offshore and we can sail her just two-handed as well, I can’t think of a more all-rounder than a J/109, which gives such competitive racing.” Commented the Tahourdins.

J/70 UK National Championships

On the first day of the UK Nationals, Paul Ward’s Eat Sleep J Repeat is top of the leaderboard without winning a race. Such was the ferocity of the racing in the 27-strong J/70 fleet that a 2-3 score was enough for pole position. Charles Thompson’s Brutus won the first race and placed fifth in Race 2 to finish the day in second place, just a point off the lead. Doug Struth’s DSP had a tremendous day at the races; the Corinthian team helmed by Tom Mallandine, scored a 4-2 to finish the day tied on points with Brutus, but third on countback. Martin Dent’s Jelvis recovered from a ninth in Race 1, to win the second and place fourth on countback from defending National Champion Nick Phillips’ Chaotic.

There is a 27-strong J/70 fleet competing at the Key Yachting J Cup Photo: Paul Wyeth

“There is a great standard right through this fleet,” commented Eat Sleep Repeat’s Elliott Willis, world-class 470 sailor and Melges 32 World Champion. “Well done to DSP, I raced against Tom (Mallandine) way back in youth sailing. Tom is a talented sailor, but well done to the whole DSP crew, they were really impressive. Today, you had to get a good start, as without one it was really difficult to get back in it. With really shifty condition in the first race, decision making on board was crucial, especially timing of when to take the shift.”

DSP leads the 19-strong J/70 Corinthian Division. Jon Calascione & Marshall King’s Calypso is second and the Dickinson family racing Jellyfish is third. Both Calypso and Jellyfish scored consistently well to cement their position, scoring top ten results in both races.

“DSP was really quick today, it all seemed to come together really well, I just wish we had more races!” commented Doug Struth. “We came really close to winning the last race; the leader Jelvis, had sailed low on the last leg, while we stayed high, but fair play to Jelvis, they judged the downwind leg to perfection. We hope we can keep up the momentum tomorrow, it looks like there will be a bit more breeze, enough to keep us planing all day – I can’t wait!” 

The Key Yachting Daily Prize Giving was held at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse. Key Yachting’s Wayne Palmer and Hannah Le Provost welcomed winners to the stage to receive a bevy of prizes from regatta sponsors. With complimentary cold beers from the RORC, and Key Yachting providing hot jacket potatoes and live music, the evening was very well attended!

The Key Yachting daily pizegiving was held at the RORC Cowes Clubhouse Photo: Paul Wyeth

Racing at the Key Yachting J-Cup continues tomorrow, 1st July. For more information about the J/Boats range. Visit Key Yachting, the exclusive agent for J Boats in the UK and Ireland for over twenty years.

Fifty-two teams have already entered the Key Yachting J-Cup in association with B&G, hosted by the RORC in Cowes from 30 June to 2 July, with over 300 sailors taking part in what’s set to be Northern Europe’s largest meeting of J/Boats.

At least 12 examples of the range will be in action, including in the nationals for the J/70, J/111 and J/109 classes. Mixed J/Boats will race under the IRC Rating Rule divided into several classes.

“The Key Yachting J-Cup is a celebration of the J/Boats family and offers extremely good value for a truly enjoyable and memorable occasion,” said Key Yachting’s Wayne Palmer, who will also be racing his J/99 Jam — one of three J/99s in the regatta.

The RORC Clubhouse in Cowes will host the J-Cup competitors over the three days of competition | Credit: Paul Wyeth

“The three-day regatta is a proper J/Boats get-together with sailors ranging from Olympic medallists to complete novices and everybody in between.

“With three national championships, the competition on the water will be at the highest level, but there is something for everybody at the J-Cup. We have families, veterans and youth teams racing.

Action from the 2021 J-Cup | Credit: Paul Wyeth

“A big part of the regatta is getting together after racing; Key Yachting have daily prize givings and great parties every day at the impressive RORC Clubhouse in Cowes.”

Online entry is still available for the Key Yachting J-Cup with all J/Boats welcome. For regatta information including race documents and the full schedule of racing and shoreside fun, visit www.j-cup.co.uk.

Key Yachting is already looking forward to September and the exclusive world premiere of the new Grand Soleil 40 at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival.

A fast and responsive boat that reflects its sporting personality in its performance on the water, the new Grand Soleil 40 has all the credentials to replicate the great success of the GS 44 — winner of the last ORC World Championship — while maintaining the feeling of style, elegance and safety seen throughout the range.

Available in both Performance and Race versions, the design once again bears the signature of Matteo Polli.

Key Yachting’s Irish agent Mark Mansfield notes that this new design is following in footsteps of previous successful Grand Soleil 40s such as Nieulargo, winner of ICRA Boat of the Year for 2021 and the Dun Laoghaire to Dingle race.

The lines of the hull and the naval architecture of the GS 40 maintain the strong vocation for performance, without sacrificing volume to the advantage of space and comfort on board. A boat easy to use, luxurious and at the same time competitive and a thrill to sail.

In collaboration with the Nauta Design studio, the layout maximises the volume with fine finishes and timeless design. Below deck, the spaces have been optimised to ensure maximum comfort onboard for the owner and their guests.

As well as the Race and Performance design options, the GS 40 has a three-cabin, one-heads layout and an optional three-cabin, two-heads configuration.

“The design brief for the new Grand Soleil 40 was very similar to that of the GS 44, but with the request to further raise the bar, given the smaller size,” naval architect Matteo Polli says.

“The overall length of 40 feet, one of the most common on the market, presents a great challenge in finding a compromise between internal volumes and sporting characteristics.

“Thanks to the experience gained on the 44 and a well-established team of designers, it was possible to find the perfect combination of performance and comfort.”

Find out more about the new Grand Soleil 40 from Key Yachting HERE. And contact Mark Mansfield at [email protected] or at 00353 872506838.

Demand for brokerage boats in UK and Ireland is exceeding supply and now is the perfect time to sell your boat with Key Yachting.

There has never been a better time to sell your boat, with yards expected delivery slots creeping well into 2023 for new boats, demand for pre-loved boats has never been greater.

UK Sales director – Hannah Le Prevost “Currently we have clients waiting for new listings to come on to the market and some brokerage models don’t even make it to the open market before they are sold, as demand is so high.”

The Brokerage Market in both UK & Ireland has been very buoyant recently with sales of second-hand J 109, J99, J122, J70 and J 80 all recently completed. Key Yachting Ireland currently has three Brokerage boats under offer and is looking for further performance-orientated and cruising boats to list.

Irish Broker – Mark Mansfield “We have more buyers than sellers, so now is a great time to list with above-market prices being achieved. If you are not planning to use your boat in 2022, why not talk to the Key Yachting team, in UK or Ireland – as It really is a seller’s market!

Juggerknot J 99 —recently sold to a Client in the United States

Why use Key Yachting to sell your boat?

Key Yachting UK & Ireland has an unrivalled knowledge of J Boats, Grand Soleil, Tofinou, and Nautitech, which not only benefits the seller but the new owner as well. Key Yachting’s Headquarters based in the UK is located in Hamble the home of the UK yachting industry. Its modern office holds a prime position in MDL Hamble Point Marina. Brokerage boats are within view of the office, offering both ease of access for potential clients and first-class care during their time with us.

Wakey Wakey - J109 recently sold to Kinsale and now called Artful Dodger

Key Yachting’s Ireland office is operated on a mobile basis, with Broker “Mark Mansfield” travelling to boat locations for valuations and viewings. Key Yachting uses two online marketing forums – Yacht World, the world’s leading brokerage marketing service, where your boat will have maximum exposure to the global boat purchasing market. Additionally, your yacht will be displayed on Key Yachting’s own website alongside the new models and be promoted out via social media.

Key Yachting has built a database of prospective owners, which is unequalled by any other company and produces regular brokerage e-shots with a reach of over 4,000 recipients, in the UK, Ireland, Europe, and Worldwide. Key yachting has years of practical experience in new and used boat sales, the team will be able to analyse the market and advise on market positioning, providing documented details of similar boats sold, and currently on the market, so you know your boat is strategically positioned to sell. Prior to listing your boat, key yachting will usually visit the vessel to complete a thorough checklist of her condition and inventory, allowing us to suggest ideas to improve appearance and saleability keeping costs in mind, as you can only make one first impression.

Photos, video clips and comprehensive video are produced at the earliest opportunity of the sales process, to show the boat at her very best and allow us to share the details with prospective buyers.

Following a successful sale, the Key Yachting team can offer ongoing support to the buyer in the form of spare parts, upgrades, berthing etc.

Key Yachting’s primary business is the sale of new and brokerage boats but Key Yachting also offer marine services including marina berthing, storage ashore, and professional boat maintenance, spares, commissioning, and upgrades.

For more information email Irish Key Yachting Agent, Mark Mansfield: [email protected]