Falmouth has become renowned for having some of the most challenging and exciting sailing conditions in the UK, making it an increasingly popular hub for superyacht sailing events. This year’s J-Class regatta from the 23rd-27th June was no exception with a dramatic week of racing played out between the three competing yachts: Lionheart, Ranger and Velsheda.

Following Ranger’s win of the first race on the final morning all three yachts were separated by a single point – everything was still to play for in the afternoon. The final race provided a thrilling spectacle for the large spectator fleet. Ranger and Velsheda battled throughout the race but a spinnaker incident between these two helped Lionheart extend her lead to win not only the final race, but also victory in the Falmouth Regatta.

43.4m Lionheart completed her winter refit at Pendennis Shipyard in May 2015, with works including her five-year survey programme and exterior paint. The team at Pendennis watched the 5 days of racing unfold with great interest, having welcomed each of the yachts into the yard for refit works over the years – Lionheart this year and in 2012, Ranger in 2006, and Velsheda in 2012.

This event was the second J-Class Regatta to take place in Falmouth Bay in the past three years. Further information and race results were posted to the Falmouth 2015 J-Class Regatta website http://www.jclassyachts.com/news/lionheart-draw-first-blood-of-2015-with-falmouth-win .

(photo Andrew Wright)