After a largely reflective 2025 season focused on consolidation, extended cruising and limited competition, the J Class is preparing for a renewed burst of activity in 2026. Owners, crews and the Class Association alike are signalling a return to racing, rendezvous and collective momentum for one of sailing’s most iconic fleets.
Two key developments underpin this resurgence. First is the sale of J Class yacht Rainbow to Admiral’s Cup-winning owner Peter Harrison, whose clear ambition is to actively race and enjoy the yacht within the class calendar. Second is the return of Louise Morton as head of the J Class Association for a third tenure, bringing continuity, experience and a renewed focus on long-term sustainability for the class.
Palma and Saint-Tropez take centre stage
Owner and crew consensus has placed two major Mediterranean regattas at the heart of the 2026 season: the Palma Superyacht Regatta (24–27 June) and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez (26 September–4 October). Both Svea and Rainbow are expected to compete at these events under the J Class handicap system, setting the stage for competitive and visually striking racing.
Rainbow will be campaigned by an international crew drawn from Harrison’s Jolt Sailing Team, which continues to enjoy success across multiple grand prix programmes, including a Maji 72 and 52-foot campaigns, with eyes already on the Sardinia Cup and a future Admiral’s Cup defence in 2027.
As Matt Adams of the Jolt Sailing Team explains, the acquisition of Rainbow is as much about passion as performance: the yacht offers racing potential, a high-profile corporate platform and, above all, the opportunity to sail one of the world’s most beautiful boats. While 2026 will serve as a stepping stone, there is a clear desire to rebuild buzz and encourage broader participation across the class.
Renewed rivalry and collaboration
The relationship between the Rainbow and Svea teams remains strong, with collaboration extending beyond J Class racing. Svea’s crew is equally enthusiastic about returning to competition after an extensive cruising programme in 2025 that took the yacht up the U.S. East Coast and through the Caribbean.
“We’re excited to bookend the season with regattas again,” says Paul Kelly, Boat Captain of Svea. “With new crew joining and Rainbow under new ownership, there’s a fresh energy in the class that’s genuinely motivating.”
Shamrock V builds toward full commissioning
Meanwhile, Shamrock V — the original J Class yacht and the oldest surviving America’s Cup contender — continues her measured return following a major refit. After a 4,500-nautical-mile shakedown cruise and a late-2025 appearance at Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, the team is now optimising systems ahead of full commissioning in spring 2026.
Plans for the season include appearances at the Cyclades Cup and Spetses Classic Regatta, participation in a J Class Rendezvous planned for August, and a special invitation to contest the Club 55 ‘Nioulargue’ Trophy at Les Voiles, commemorating Patrice de Colmont. Looking further ahead, Shamrock V is also expected to feature in America’s Cup-related events in the run-up to Naples 2027, highlighting the heritage at the heart of the competition.
Looking ahead
Velsheda is scheduled to take a season off while undergoing a major refit, while construction of the new-build J-2 continues, with active participation anticipated from 2027.
With Louise Morton back guiding the Class Association, the focus is firmly on aligning owner expectations, learning from recent seasons and creating the right conditions for both racing and social engagement. Her aim is clear: to support active owners today while encouraging others — and future entrants — to rejoin the fleet over time.
As the J Class looks toward 2026, the signs point to a season defined not only by competition, but by renewed cohesion, heritage-driven storytelling and a shared commitment to keeping this extraordinary class vibrant for years to come.
