topaz j8 yacht

Launched June 2015

Design: Original Frank C Paine, replica Hoek Design Naval Architects

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Topaz is derived from an original Frank C Paine design and was launched in June 2015. Paine is known as the designer of JH3 Yankee which was ultimately beaten in the defender trials by the mighty Ranger by one single second, but went on to twice defeat Ranger in subsequent races.

After extensive research and testing, Hoek Design drew the lines for Topaz from an unbuilt 1935 Paine boat which was designed to take on the Super Js using the maximum waterline length at 88ft, one foot longer than any other J of the time. Paine’s design preference, under the rule, was to accept slightly less sail area in order to maximise waterline length.

On Topaz, Hoek aligned this with a high aspect – narrower and deeper – keel and low wetted surface area. This produced a hull which is fast in light airs and downwind.

Mast position, stability and sail areas were optimised to the J Class Association handicap system and the hull structure designed to accept maximum running backstay loads. Topaz is unique among the modern replica Js having a low bulwark around the deck edge which adds extra stiffness. And Topaz, Lionheart and Svea are all built with longitudinal framing which maximises fore and aft stiffness.

Besides being azure blue underwater, Topaz is recognisable in having a double cockpit, double deckhouse layout. The helm position is in front of the aft deckhouse and behind the main cockpit. This means all the key positions are relatively close to each other, and the primary winches as well as the mainsheet winches are close to the helm.

Topaz’s core crew have been together pretty much since the boat was launched. America’s Cup winner and Olympic silver medallist Peter Holmberg steers Topaz with Nacho Postigo as navigator and Italian Louis Vuitton Cup winner Francesco de Angelis is tactician . Germany’s renowned round the world and America’s Cup sailor Timmy Kroger is project manager.

Length at waterline

displacement

upwind sail area

spinnaker sail area

2016 Saint Barths Bucket (Topaz debut)

2019 superyacht cup palma.

Topaz class winners

2021 Les Voiles de Saint Tropez

2022 superyacht cup palma.

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Is the newly launched J Class yacht Topaz the fastest yet?

Holland Jachtbouw (HJB) has launched J8 , now named Topaz . The latest J Class yacht has been hotly anticipated and now brings the J Class Association fleet to a total of eight yachts on the water.

Known as Project J8 while in build, the 42.62 metre J Class yacht Topaz was launched from HJB’s shipyard in Zaandam, The Netherlands.

Designed inside and out by Andre Hoek , Topaz ’s hull design features a reduced wetted surface and higher keel aspect ratio to the longest waterline found on J Class yacht measuring nearly 27 metres. As a long waterline length is often tied to swifter performance, this raises the question: will the newly launched J Class yacht Topaz be the fastest in the J Class fleet?

She will be put to the test in the coming days as she undergoes sea trials and commissioning, overseen by project managers from HJB, Cornelsen and Partners and the Hoek Design office.

How she stacks up compared to the rest of the Js will only be discovered in J Class events in the years to come. Getting the chance to compete against other J Class yachts in an elite fleet is just one of the many reasons to buy a J Class yacht .

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Topaz (or ‘J8’ as she was originally named during the build) is an unbuilt 1935 Frank C Paine design. Lines plans were created by the Hoek Design office and they are also responsible for the complete optimisation of the yacht as well as her interior design. She is presently under construction at Holland Jachtbouw for delivery in early 2015 and will have a very special art-deco interior.

Frank Paine had previously designed the yacht Yankee , which was built by Lawleys in 1930.

Topaz has been researched by the Hoek office, and found to be a good all round performer. She is the longest waterline J Class designed, with the highest keel aspect ratio, combined with the lowest wetted surface area. Frank Paine had already calculated in the 1930s that it was better to take a penalty on an increased waterline length in a trade off against sail area and displacement.

She carries a High Modulus carbon mast and boom, and fibre rigging.

Above information courtesy of the J Class Association.

After an owner cruise in Norway in the summer of 2015 she sailed across the Atlantic where she continues with her cruising and race-training program based out of Antigua.

Following racing in St Barths she headed to New York and race against to other J-Class yachts.

St Barths 2018

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

A pocket guide to the J Class yachts – the world’s most elegant racing fleet

• Toby Hodges
• March 19, 2017

Toby Hodges profiles the world's most beautiful fleet of classic racing yachts – the J Class

Shamrock V – JK3

J Class yacht Shamrock sailplan

LOA: 36.50m /119ft 9in · LWL: 26.7m/87ft 7in · Beam: 6.00m/19ft 8in · Disp: 166 tonnes

Original lines: Charles E Nicholson

Modified design: Dykstra Naval Architects

Launch year and yard: 1930, Camper & Nicholsons

Identifying features: The only wooden J and the smallest. Dark green hull with bronze deck fittings.

Current state: She has just had a refit in Palma after a long period under her past owner chartering, cruising and occasional racing.

Race prediction:Her smaller size means she will struggle against the other J Class yachts in real time – but she has the most experienced skipper and her recent mods are all aimed at making her competitive on handicap.

Skipper: Simon Lacey · Race Helmsman: Mike ‘Moose’ Sanderson

Photo: J Class Association / Gerhard Standop

Velsheda – JK7

J Class yacht Velsheda sailplan

LOA: 39.25m/128ft 9in · LWL: 27.8m/91ft 3in · Beam: 6.57m/21ft 7in · Disp: 180 tonnes

Launch year and yard: 1933, Camper & Nicholsons. Rebuilt by Southampton Yacht Services in 1997.

Identifying features: Dark blue hull, pinched transom and that iconic sharp J bow.

Current state: Continually optimised and very well prepared.

Race prediction: Highly experienced, well-gelled crew and a yacht that is looking particularly nimble and aggressive at the start. Despite surrendering size to the modern J Class yachts she’s a firm favourite to win any regatta.

Skipper: Barney Henshaw-Depledge · Race helmsman: Owner-driver

Helen Fretter goes racing on board J Class yacht Velsheda

Photo: J Class Association / Onne van der Wal

Endeavour – JK4

J Class yacht Endeavour sailplan

LOA: 39.31m/128ft 12in · LWL: 27.30m/89ft 7in · Beam: 6.68m/21ft 11in · Disp: 175 tonnes

Launch year and yard: 1934, Camper & Nicholson. Relaunched by Royal Huisman in 1989.

Identifying features: Royal ‘Endeavour Blue’ hull, clean deck, single deckhouse.

Current state: Completely refitted by Yachting Developments in 2010-11. Based between Palma and Cascais she is for sale through Edmiston and in prize condition.

Race prediction: Fully optimised and race ready, but is up for sale and now already unlikely to be ready in time for Bermuda.

Skipper: Luke Bines · Race helmsman: N/A (Torben Grael in 2012)

Video exclusive: what it’s like to sail the iconic J Class Endeavour

Photo: J Class Association / Jens Fischer

Ranger – J5

J Class yacht Ranger sailplan

LOA: 41.63m/136ft 7in · LWL: 28.80m/94ft 6in · Beam: 6.41m/21ft 0in · Disp: 203 tonnes

Original design: Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens

Modified design: Studio Scanu, Reichel Pugh, Fred Elliot and Dykstra Naval Architects

Launch year and yard: 2003, Danish Yacht

Identifying features: White hull with snub nose and spoon bow.

Current state: Refitted and optimised at Newport Shipyard 2016, where chainplates were moved forward and tracks modified to take a bigger headsail.

Race prediction: The heaviest J, but a rocket in flat water, such as in Bermuda’s Great Sound. A veteran crew whose consistency is Ranger’s trump card.

Skipper: Dan Jackson · Race helmsman: Erle Williams

Ranger J5 – the first completely new J Class yacht

Ranger , J5 RYS centenary 2015. Photo Paul Wyeth

Rainbow – JH2

J Class yacht Rainbow sailplan

LOA: 39.89m/130ft 11in · LWL: 26.90m/88ft 3in · Beam: 6.42m/21ft 1in · Disp: 167 tonnes

Original lines: William Starling Burgess

Launch year and yard: 2012, Holland Jachtbouw

Identifying features: Black hull, red bottom and modern grey rig with race boom.

Current state: Sold in 2015 by Chris Gongriep, the former owner of Holland Jachtbouw, she has since solely been used for cruising by her US owner who shows no signs of wanting to race, although she will be in Bermuda to watch.

Race prediction: Was cruised and raced extensively for a couple of seasons after she was built and has proven to be a supremely fast boat for her size in the right hands.

J Class yacht Rainbow – the Dutch destroyer

Hanuman – JK6

J Class yacht Hanuman sailplan

LOA: 42.19m/138ft 5in · LWL: 27.50m/90ft 3in · Beam: 6.60m/21ft 8in · Disp: 180 tonnes

Launch year and yard: 2009 Royal Huisman

Identifying features: Carries the old Endeavour II sail number JK6 – but a totally modern day reinterpretation of Sopwith’s second boat, built in aluminium.

Current state: Her weight and stability were optimised at Newport Shipyard in 2016 and she was also fitted with a new mast and rigging, plus a new furling headstay.

Race prediction: With her same core Comanche/Puma crew and Ken Read on the wheel, this is a highly race-oriented J Class yacht.

Skipper: Greg Sloat · Race helmsman: Ken Read

Inside J class yacht Hanuman

Lionheart JH1

J Class yacht Lionheart sailplan

LOA: 43.4m/142ft 5in · LWL 27.2m/89ft 3in · Beam: 6.55m/21ft 6in · Disp: 180 tonnes

Original lines: Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens

Modified design: Hoek Design

Launch year and yard: 2010, Bloemsma and Claasen Jachtbouw

Identifying features: Black hull and rig, bulwarks giving a high freeboard effect, two deckhouses.

Current state: Constantly upgraded, Lionheart has new North raw sails with plans to build more sails before Bermuda.

Race prediction: Lionheart is consistently optimised, has some key pros and a fantastic crew spirit. Should be finishing in the top three in Bermuda.

Skipper: Toby Brand · Race helmsman: Owner-driver · Tactics: Bouwe Bekking

J Class yacht Lionheart J/H1 – replica of an original that was never built

Photo: J Class Association / Thierry Martinez

J Class yacht Topaz sailplan

LOA: 42.7m/140ft 1in · LWL: 27.8m/91ft 3in · Beam: 6.75m/22ft 2in · Disp: 180 tonnes

Original lines: Frank Paine

Launch year and yard: 2015, Holland Jachtbouw

Identifying features: Longest waterline of all the Js (for which there is a sail area penalty) she has a striking Art Deco interior and a dark blue hull with turquoise antifoul.

Current state: New and raring to go.

Race prediction: With her fuller volume forward, longer waterline and shorter keel, Hoek believes she will be the fastest J Class downwind and in light airs. The crew has practised hard since last year and now has top big boat helm in Holmberg.

Skipper: Romke Lopik · Race helmsman: Peter Holmberg

New J Class yacht named Topaz is launched – and the design team says she is “absolutely stunning”

Photo: J Class Association / Carlo Borlenghi

J Class yacht Svea sailplan

LOA: 43.6m/143ft 1in · LWL: 27.6m/90ft 7in · Beam: 6.65m/21ft 10in · Disp: 180 tonnes

Original lines: Tore Holm

Launch year and yard: 2017, Bloemsma / Vitters

Identifying features: Dark grey metallic hull, near flush ultra-clean, ergonomically optimised deck with low single doghouse and huge 8ft diameter wheel that turns in a well that extends down to the keel frames.

Current state: Just launched.

Race prediction: Tore Holm was a gifted Metre designer and Svea looks like a fast upwind boat, with a race oriented deck design and a slippery underwater shape. It’s asking a lot of her crew to be competitive for 2017.

Skipper: Paul ‘PK’ Kelly

Race helmsman: Owner driver

Nine Js and counting: J Class Svea J-S1 is sold and under construction at Vitters

The history of the J-Class

The Js are inextricably linked with the America’s Cup as, barring Velsheda , all were built for the purpose of America’s Cup racing. From 1929 to 1937, 20 J Class yachts were designed. Ten of these went on to be built, with six racing in the America’s Cup finals. A modern J Class yacht’s  lines can only be taken from the original designs, ensuring the fleet’s look endures.

Yachting World

• Digital Edition

New J Class yacht named Topaz is launched – and the design team says she is “absolutely stunning”

• Elaine Bunting
• June 18, 2015

A new J Class yacht from a design by Frank Paine in 1935, J8, named Topaz has been launched in the Netherlands and joins a growing fleet of highly competitive Js

The latest J Class yacht, named Topaz, was launched from Holland Jachtbouw in June, bringing the total number of Js on the water to eight. From an unbuilt 1935 design by Frank Paine, designer of Yankee, J8 was researched and updated to the new rule by Andre Hoek. She is one of the longer ‘super Js’, with an 88ft original waterline length, a foot longer than any other J ever designed.

According to Hoek, the design ‘has the lowest wetted surface and highest keel aspect ratio of all Js. The design was then extensively optimised to perform under the J Class Association handicap system. Mast position, stability, sail area and hull stiffness were extensively researched. The hull structure was designed and augmented to take very high runner loads in order to reduce head stay sag.’

The design has a double cockpit, double deckhouse layout with the helm station amidships just forward of the aft deckhouse.

After sea trials, the new yacht will be handed over in July.

Hoek says the yacht and the quality of the build is “absolutely stunning”.

“The yard has done so much on the details, inside and outside. The 1930s interior will really wow people. It is macassar [ebony] in high gloss, with leather panels on the wall with stainless steel rims in between and straight-cut walnut floors. It looks really amazing.”

The launch of Topaz brings the J Class fleet on the water to eight boats.

Plans for J9 have also been developed by Hoek Design are ready to build from, and the hull of J11, a Swedish design named Svea, has been built at Claasen Shipyards in the Netherlands and there are discussions with several prospective owners.

Interest in the Js is at a high point because the Js will have a showcase regatta as part of the America’s Cup in Bermuda in 2017. The class boasts the only level-pegging boat-on-boat superyacht racing.

Published on March 9th, 2022 | by Editor

J Class Topaz: World’s coolest yachts

Published on March 9th, 2022 by Editor -->

Yachting World has been asking top sailors and marine industry gurus to choose the coolest and most innovative yachts of our times, and former world #1 match racer Pete Holmberg nominates J Class Topaz. Here’s the report :

“I’ve climbed a lot of mountains so choosing the coolest is a tough one, but it has to be the J Class Topaz. I love what we are able to do, to bring it back and sail to a high level, combining history with modern technology.

“Figuring out how to manoeuvre this thing properly, accurately, and do it right, is the ultimate challenge. But we put it right in there; when we’re racing, we’re metres apart in these big things.”

Holmberg is the racing helmsman on Topaz, J8, one of the most recent of the J Class yachts. She was built to a Frank Paine design from 1935, optimised by Hoek Design, and launched in 2015. Under Holmberg and her race crew, performance and results have steadily been improving. She won over Velsheda at the Superyacht Cup in June.

Holmberg says the addictive thing about the Js is that they are a challenge to handle, being slow to respond and with a race crew of over 30, and they will punish any mistake.

J Class Topaz Stats rating: Top speed: 12 knots LOA: 42.7m Launched: 2015 Berths: 15 Price: $20-30m Adrenalin factor: 80%

For Yachting World’s list of cool boats, click here .

Tags: coolest yachts , J Class , Peter Holmberg , Topaz , Yachting World

Related Posts

How to build a great sailing crew →

History returns to the America’s Cup →

Will USA’s radical design choices pay off? →

Who is the quickest America’s Cup team? →

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Topaz (J8) // Holland Jachtbouw // J-Class

Holland jachtbouw launched the new j-class sailing yacht "topaz". she will carry the sail emblem "j8"..

Hoek Design created the lines and gave her the longest waterline currently on J-Class Yachts. Topaz will undergo now her sea trails with the project managers and the naval architects.

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"Topaz" : Regatta day on an impressive J-Class yacht

Sören Gehlhaus

 ·  03.09.2023

The strongest aesthetic shower sets in at the same time as the first real heel. Upwind, the moderate beam, the lavish overhangs and the carbon rig with 130 per cent overlapping genoa work perfectly. Then the bow creates a wave that sucks the water along the aluminium hull. Of course, this can only be seen from on board to a limited extent, but it can be felt. The unbeatable aesthetics of sailing when "Topaz" shows large parts of her well-proportioned underwater hull, in the most beautiful turquoise colour, in keeping with the yacht's name.

Sailing on the almost 90-year-old J-Class crack feels almost contemporary. In contrast, the 170-tonne displacement long-keel yachts on aft courses have to plough through and not glide over, as racing yachts of the moment do with their increasingly flatter hulls, even on non-stop circumnavigations. Once again, it is extremely impressive to witness the sophisticated choreography of the foredeck crew, especially when the wind is blowing from behind.

Coastal race off Mallorca

While "Topaz" crosses the starting line, the on-board reporter sits in the centre cockpit, surrounded by winches the size of a mortar bucket for the headsail, the 3D hoist points, backstays and mainsheet. Aft of the metal compass house stand helmsman Peter Holmberg and his tactician Francesco de Angelis. It is the second day of the Superyacht Cup Palma, and Mallorca's thermals are producing medium winds of up to 15 knots.

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Today we have a coastal race, not rounding landmarks like Porto Cervo or St Barth, but buoys off the Mallorcan coast. Yesterday, only the J-Class yachts went out into the Bay of Palma for two races. From the start, the up-and-down courses were surprisingly close, and even when calculated, there were only a few seconds between the four racing beauties, which are separated by a 15-year age difference and in which the steel "Ranger" even differs in hull material. The race committee widened the starting line for today because the racing yachts, which were just over 40 metres long, had almost come close to each other the day before. Like "Topaz" skipper Peter Holmberg, many of the J helmsmen come from a match racing background.

One first and one second place are on the books. The pre-start phase is not hectic, but the tension is omnipresent. The manoeuvres become faster, the mechanical rattling of free-running winches breaks the perceived silence. The J 8 turns two boat lengths away from the starting boat under "Velsheda", which appears to be parked, and immediately picks up speed while the foremost foreship man Mike Pammenter signals the distance to the line by hand. The boat takes to the course a little after the starting signal. "Nice", Holmberg motivates himself and his crew by radio.

Creation of the J-Class

"Topaz" was completed by Holland Jachtbouw in 2015 and measures 42.62 metres from the spearhead-like stem to the half-moon transom. The design, optimised by André Hoek, was based on a Frank C. Paine design drawn in 1935 that was never realised. After analysing all the J-Class lines still available, the Dutch design team found that the Paine crack would produce a yacht that was fast in virtually all wind conditions. The newer replicas all went through a calculation software (VPP) that predicts the performance potential using design and environmental data. The original plans were usually surprisingly sophisticated. For example, the legendary US designer Olin Stephens carried out tank tests for "Ranger" back in the 1930s and set the standard for the development of fast yachts with this pioneering work.

The nucleus of the J-Renaissance was the "Endeavour", built in 1934, which Royal Huisman helped to restore to its former glory together with Elizabeth Meyer in 1989. This was followed 15 years later by "Ranger", the first building based on the historical model. The youngest and longest of the six other replicas at 43.60 metres is the "Svea", completed in 2017 and taking part in the Superyacht Cup for the first time with Swedish co-owner Niklas Zennström ("Rán") and Bouwe Bekking as tactician. The last time more than three Js competed in the Superyacht Cup was in 2014, when there were six. At the peak of the premier class, seven met in 2017 for the America's Cup off Bermuda. After that, things went quiet and a dispute arose between the owners over measurement details, which even the class association was unable to resolve for a long time.

The helmsman comes from the US Virgin Islands

During the long upwind leg far out of the bay of Palma, "Velsheda" sets off to the right and thus, as on the previous day, on the wrong side. Navigator Nacho Postigo reports: "We are currently the second fastest boat." Despite consistent cover, "Svea" reaches the windward mark first. Although the barrel is close, Holmberg continues to shield "Ranger". There is a loud bang as the open foot of the mainsail breaks through, and the five-minute preparations for setting the asymmetrical sail, for which the spinnaker pole is driven just above the deck, begin immediately. Peter Holmberg stands lightly and firmly at the wheel. The helmsman comes from the US Virgin Islands, not to be confused with the British Virgin Islands to the north. He is American-cool, but not unpleasantly loud like some mainlanders.

At times it seems as if Holmberg is holding on to the Ferris wheel, for example when he lets himself fall backwards. Then he bends his knees low so that he can see under the genoa apron. Although there is only a small wave of wind, his hands are constantly in motion, usually from a sideways position and with his upper arms close to his body. When he is not moving himself, Holmberg directs the human "ballast".

For example, for roll tacking - as it is actually called here - which requires 20 people to stay on the new leeward edge for ten seconds. Or he speaks instructions into his headset almost in a whisper during lulls: "Half the crew to leeward and in front of the shrouds. Feet over the edge please." Radio communication is one reason why everything runs so smoothly. The other: Everyone is well-rehearsed and knows each other. "Almost 90 per cent of the crew have been sailing on 'Topaz' since 2016. A handful were already on the owner's previous yacht," explains Tim Kröger, who has been Race Crew Manager for six years. "Our average age is 48 years. We work with very heavy loads, so we need experienced people."

Yacht management by Tim Kröger

For some time now, the Hamburg native has also been in charge of yacht management for "Topaz", which includes planning the permanent crew together with the captain and coordinating shipyard visits. The race crew is hand-picked, Tim Kröger's maxim is: "They have to fit in sailing-wise, but also socially. We don't need big egos here, we want to have fun sailing in a regatta despite all the professionalism." The 57-year-old has also called on former companions. He himself was involved in two America's Cup campaigns, for France and South Africa. Holmberg even won the Auld Mug once with Alinghi. A total of 40 people are on board today, as the class rules do not allow more. The decisions of the helmsman and tactician are based on Nacho Postigo's navigation, weather and position data. The Spaniard is the only person who communicates with de Angelis in Italian.

The language on board is English, but the majority of the sailors are German. Thomas "Flomi" Zankel has been on board for 15 years and sailed on the previous yacht. Together with Dirk Neumann, he is responsible for the backstays. Eckhard "Ecki" Kaller from Lake Constance supports the French main trimmer Yann Gouinot. Kröger himself operates the halyards on the mast. He wears knee pads and his white Oakley sunglasses have a similar shape to models from the late nineties. And it is precisely from this period that he has reactivated former companions and brought them back to the Spibaum system, which is familiar to many from previous America's Cups. While the gennaker generation is often only familiar with the procedure with a fixed nose from skiffs, sports boats or TP52s, double spinnaker tackle is used here. Team "Topaz" has participated in 34 ACs - mostly in the more comparable pre-foiling era.

The team deserves its name

They are masters of their craft, which for jibes or shifts includes picking and unpicking the torpedo-sized spinnaker pole, which weighs over 150 kilograms and is 18 metres long. Jacek Wysocki from Poland, with the stature of a weightlifter, reports on the dock with his climbing harness on that four men are needed on the mast and three on the leech. They would drive the spinnaker at up to 25 knots, even in waves in the Caribbean. There is a certain pride in his voice that many of his team mates share. 90 years ago, J-Class crews dared for the first time not to retrieve the spinnaker before jibing, but to lead the spinnaker pole round and let it swing. Previously, this was considered an act of impossibility.

Spinnaker sailing also doesn't work without the eternal game with the topsail. Before the start, the team practises the optimum wind catch on the anticipated layline course; North sail designer Heine Sørensen records the performance values in his notebook. During the race, he passes on data and optimisations to the trimmers and helps out as a floater on the winches. "The carbon fibres make a huge difference," says the Dane about the upscale sailing wardrobe. Once correctly adjusted, the black laminate from North Sails stands like a rigid wing in the wind. "Topaz" relies on 3Di Raw, the lightest and most profiled cloth, which is less abrasion-resistant due to the lack of an outer coating.

Everyone has their own specialised area, and yet no one acts alone. "Everyone is important and has their job," emphasises Kröger. Even the stewardess, who accompanies all manoeuvres on deck and walks around the stations, some of which are 40 metres apart, with a bag full of chocolate and muesli bars, always crouching so as not to obstruct the view. For some, it's nourishment for the nerves, for others a steady supply of energy.

Strong human and mechanical forces

It takes the most manpower to haul in the headsails. A dozen sailors quickly line up and pull and tug the light cloth or stiff laminate onto the deck before it can become a brake chute. They don't even shy away from kiwi drops: like on a sports boat, they boldly jibe into the recovery manoeuvre and catch the balloon flat upwind during the short dead spot. Holmberg steers the bow around the barrel wide, and the schrick remains in the genoa sheet for a surprisingly long time to bring "Topaz" back up to maximum boat speed.

All winches turn at the behest of buttons that are embedded in the deck like trip hazards. Incidentally, the main engine runs continuously during the race, but can only be heard on aft courses. During downwind manoeuvres, when up to four drums rotate in a race, over 600 litres of oil per minute run through the hydraulic pumps, reports First Engineer Dunco Kaplan from South Africa. Nevertheless, it takes three men to free the 122 drum, which is traditionally made of metal, from the seven-layer stranglehold of the thickly sheathed Dyneema sheet.

The South African Mike Giles removes the first coil with both hands, but when the nervous slagging starts and the sail shoots onto the new leeward side, it has to be done quickly. Now the last three layers are fired down like a lasso and into the hands of Hans Eric Ståler. The 62-year-old Swede, who has been sailing regattas with the owner's family since 2008, takes over the sheet, the thickness of which is somewhere between a garden hose and a fire hose.

Ståler passes the loose material on to the cockpit to floater Heine Sørensen, who places the high-performance rigging in figure eights on the dyke. This is done in close proximity to the reporter, who spends most of his time trying not to get in anyone's way. His finest hour comes when Holmberg says: "Tell that guy in the cockpit to clear the display from that line." Pushing aside the staysail sheet reveals the view of the log on the deckhouse. It feels a bit like joining in.

If someone goes overboard, they are collected by the chase boat

Tim Kröger repeatedly emphasises that safety comes first. In March 2020, there was the Pre-start crash with "Svea" during the Superyacht Challenge Antigua . One year later, during training for the regatta, a crew member died on another maxi yacht as a result of an exploding block. To prevent this from happening, the backstay crew check after the race to see if any bolts have come loose on the blocks. In addition, all winches are disassembled and greased daily.

Minimising danger even influences the weight trim. Sitting on the high edge is not really good or safe without a railing anyway. But team manager Kröger also doesn't allow the horizontal clutching of the bulwark with flying legs, as practised on starboats or metre-class yachts in the past. Instead, everyone snuggles up to the deck. This has a huddled, yet at the same time very graceful feel to it and, in addition to visually spoiling the golden ornamental mould, prevents the boat from going overboard.

Should it happen anyway, the tender is on hand. "The rib is our life insurance policy," says Kröger, who considers driver Piet Dabelstein to be highly relevant. "In the Caribbean, a MOB manoeuvre is possible for us in a wave, but we would be on site far too late and wouldn't be able to find the person who went overboard." Most of the crew have an inflatable buoy hanging from their belts. Above all, however, the "Topaz" tender is permanently in the shade, naturally also loaded with spare sailing gear and, for the first time in Mallorca, with its own cameraman, Eike Schurr, who normally films the TP52 events. Before casting off, Holmberg asked him to record the start in order to have evidence in the event of a protest.

Tactical no room for manoeuvre

There's no getting close to "Svea" on the long approach. In principle, she is allowed to cross the line first, as she has the highest time calculation factor of all starters and has to pay for "Topaz". The navigator is constantly trying to calculate how much using forecasting software. The wind drops slightly and after a short upwind leg, the final leg is on the cards. According to Nacho Postigo, "Svea" is only a few seconds ahead of us. It is even quieter than usual on board. The A2 is upwind and Christoph Podesta, the Maltese captain from the permanent crew, is driving the sheet. He is 33 and comes from a family of sailors with whom he won the Rolex Middle Sea Race on his own yacht. His compatriot Sam hangs the boom vang on aft courses and attaches it to the bulwark.

Tactically there is no room for manoeuvre, all that remains is to stay on course and hope for a nice gust. The usual jiggling of the spinnaker starts and Postigo brings the staysail into play. De Angelis is immediately on his side, as is sail designer Sørensen.

Only Holmberg doesn't want to commit himself. Suddenly the furled sail goes up. The helmsman tries in vain to intervene, but remains relaxed as it slides off the furler. His fear: it could cause more resistance than propulsion. A breeze nips the supposed staysail conflict in the bud; "Topaz" picks up speed and the gap to "Svea" shrinks. However, it is not enough to come close to the stern of the Swedes, but the hope of a calculated victory remains at the finish. Accordingly, everyone happily indulges in clearing the water. The reporter shows initiative and helps to lift the genoa sail bag, which the A 1.5 has buried, out of the cockpit with the Brazilian floater. In the end, three of us manage to get it out - it's an empty bag. When full, it takes nine people to transport it to the foredeck.

The majority of the race crew sign on to other sailing yachts

Drinks and wraps are handed out, Mike Giles, the neighbour from the Genuawinsch, leans against the shiny painted deckhouse. "I'm very glad that there are still owners who run campaigns like this. The effort required to cast off in the first place is immense. And then there's the safety aspect. There are 40 tonnes on the forestay and up to eight tonnes on my winch," reports Giles. The 49-year-old South African first joined the "Topaz" team for the Superyacht Cup and, like many of his colleagues, lives in Mallorca, the European hub for supersailor crews from all over the world.

The effort required to even take the exam is immense.

The majority of the "Topaz" race crew sign on to other sailing yachts in addition to the three to four J regattas per year. Tim Kröger has been a sailing professional since 1994 and is broadly based. He has already written a book on the complex interplay within crews and uses his knowledge of efficient team leadership and team building in lectures. He is also hired for large corporate events. Kröger's credo: "There is no better school of life than sailing."

The power of the collective is also evident in how much it radiates beyond the actual sailing mission. The crew live together in a house on Mallorca and stay in contact with each other for the rest of the year via a WhatsApp group. The on-board reporter feels a similar bond and longs for the day's result in the evening. But it wasn't enough to beat "Svea", and what's more: the following day, "Topaz" had a pitch-black day and finished in last place. Holmberg and his team managed to recover in the final race of the Superyacht Cup Palma and hold second place in the overall standings. Another goosebump moment, albeit a much smaller one than the actual sailing on a J.

By the way: It has just been announced that the 2024 J-Class World Championship will be sailed in Barcelona. The Js will take to the water on 3 and 4 October and from 7 to 11 October 2024 in the territory of the America's Cup!

Technical data of the "Topaz"

• Original design: Frank Cabot Paine
• Design: Hoek Design Naval Architects
• Shipyard: Holland Jachtbouw
• Material: Aluminium
• Torso length: 42,68 m
• Waterline length: 26,82 m
• Width: 6,75 m
• Depth: 4,55 m
• Displacement: 178,3 t
• Sail area on the wind: 959,7 m2
• Spinnaker: 906,6 m2
• Theoretical torso speed: 12.58 kn
• Sail carrying capacity: 5,5

More on the topic:

• Superyacht Cup Palma: A European J-Class summit: XXL regatta cinema off Mallorca
• Maxi Yacht Rolex Cup: J-Class yacht "Svea" wins with aplomb
• Superyacht Challange Antigua: Dramatic J-Class collision off Antigua

Most read in category Yachts

The design of the hull lines of J8 was originally from the legendary boards of Frank C. Paine. Paine is famous for his 1930 J-class yacht Yankee that was modified and updated in 1934 and the only J that could compete against the considerably longer waterline Super Js'. The lines plan shows that Paine designed J8 with an 88 ft original waterline length, a foot longer than any other J ever designed. He intended to accept a penalty on sail area for waterline length, which was quite radical in those days. The handicap system that is used nowadays is totally different but history has proven that waterline length is crucial in these designs. The hull lines of J8 proved to be very fast in an extensive research project that our office undertook. All Js from the past that could possibly be built today were examined with a specifically developed Velocity Prediction Program for yachts with long keels and long overhangs. The five designs identified as best in this research were also analysed with Computational Fluid Dynamics software. The lines of J8 came out as one of the three best performing lines, very fast in light airs and downwind in all conditions. This design has the lowest wetted surface and highest keel aspect ratio of all Js. The design was then extensively optimised to perform under the J-class Association handicap system. Mast position, stability, sail area and hull stiffness were extensively researched. The hull structure was designed and augmented to take very high runner loads in order to reduce head stay sag. The design has a double cockpit, double deckhouse layout with the helm station amidships just in front of the aft deckhouse. During racing the aft cockpit is the runner cockpit, the mid cockpit the sail storage and helm position is amidships in-between the aft deckhouse and main cockpit. The primary winches, and the mainsheet winches are close to the helmsman: this creates short communication lines and facilitates trimming and helming without the use of headsets. This concept has already proved to be very efficient on the J-class Lionheart, also from our boards. In cruising condition the aft cockpit is for the owners and directly connected to the master deckhouse and cabin, creating privacy. The 'art deco' interior is also designed by our office, a styling concept that fits the time period of the Js very well and will be unique in look and feel. The hull of J8 was built at Bloemsma Alumiuniumbouw, already responsible for two other aluminium Js (Lionheart and Rainbow). The yacht is finished by Holland Jachtbouw to a very high quality standard and launched in 2015 and has a similar hybrid propulsion installation to Rainbow. The yacht will benefit from the experience of Hoek Design and HJB with the J construction projects. 

LOA     42.7 m LWL     27.8 m Beam     6.75 m Draft     4.72 m Yard     Holland Jachtbouw Year     2015

Why J8 Topaz might be the fastest J class...

Trading sail area for waterline length - the mysterious design now launched as 'j8, topaz' races for the first time today at the saint barths bucket against velsheda & ranger..

J8 Topaz, seen in 2015 in Lanzarote. PHOTO © Emily Harris Photography

Photo: © Emily Harris / www.emilyharrisphotography.co.uk Beautiful St Barths is hosting 'the Bucket' and the race for the historical King's Hundred Guinea Cup; with ENE direction at 10 knots predicted, today, the wind looks stable but with 1m wave height - Friday and Saturday look as if the breeze will build to 15 knots max. the sea state will stabilise and the the wind shifts round to ESE. Good news for the newest J to be launched, Topaz (J8) , who with the longest waterline of any J built, the lowest wetted surface and highest keel aspect ratio she should be debuting in (hopefully) kind conditions. There is much anticipation for J8 who will be racing for the first time against Velsheda and Ranger - two veteran J Class yachts who's experience in key racing grounds, including St Barths will be their advantage. The anticipation surrounds her design which was drawn in 1934 by American John C. Paine , who traded sail area for waterline length - she had the longest waterline length at 88ft which meant in those days, under handicap, she would need to suffer loosing sail area by design in order to compete.

J8, 'Topaz' SPECIFICATIONS LOA    140ft / 42.7 m LWL     87.9ft / 26.8 m Beam    21.9ft / 6.7 m Draft    15ft / 4.6 m Yard Holland Jachtbouw Year 2015

Specifically selected as an elite design out of three different lines plans of J class yachts by means of tank testing; running Computational Fluid Dynamics and Velocity Prediction Program tests, Andre Hoek (designer) and Holland JachtBouw launched TOPAZ last summer. In the photograph above you see her in cruising mode undertaking sea trials in the waters off Lanzarote, the Canary Islands ( Photo: Emily Harris ). The 140ft yacht will grace the waters off Saint Barths for the bucket today, in race mode. We look forward to the results and for the season ahead to see if J8 Topaz , the eighth yacht to join the class, really is the fastest of them all.

King’s Hundred Guinea Cup – 1937

This wonderful Gilt trophy was originally presented by King George VI at the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club in 1937. This is now known as the “King’s Hundred Guinea Cup” and presented to the winning yacht for the J Class race during the St Barths Bucket.

Photo: Lionheart leads Velsheda and lastly Ranger on a downwind leg (looks great blown up) at the J Class Falmouth 2012 © Emily Harris Photography

Click on the image above to visit Emily's website.

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About Topaz

After the success of Rainbow (2012), we were delighted to build another J Class sailing yacht. Topaz (previously called J8 ) was built based on the designs of Frank Cabot Paine. Paine (1890-1952) was born in Boston, as the son of three times defending challenger of the America’s Cup. Besides designing several impressive, large sailing yachts, he became well known by designing certain sailing yachts for a specific class. These were sailing yachts suitable for competitive racing in the J Class (23-26.5 metres) of the first regattas of the America’s Cup in the 1930s.

Even though the spectacular Topaz had been brought to life on paper as early as 1935, it was not until many years later that she was actually developed by the renowned architectural firm Hoek Design Naval Architects and delivered to her owner. Topaz was designed to sail as Super J in the America’s Cup and though she was built for competitive racing, she simultaneously offers all onboard facilities for comfortably cruising at its best. Hoek Design did an extensive research project, which showed that the hull lines of Topaz (J8) were very fast. The Topaz design had the lowest wet surface of all tested models and the highest keel aspect ratio of all J Class boats. After the research project, Topaz’s design was optimized to make her suitable for racing under the J Class Association handicap system. The mast position, stability, sail area and hull stiffness were also extensively researched and improved.

The aluminium hull was manufactured by Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw, who had built hulls for other J Class boats ( Lionheart and Rainbow ) as well. Special systems were integrated in the initial phase of construction and both weight and volume had to be kept to a minimum. In addition, Topaz is equipped with a hybrid drive system: one of the most advanced systems built to date. Her deck systems were designed for maximum efficiency, while also allowing Topaz to race with a smaller crew.

Topaz is one of the most beautiful sailing yachts that you have ever seen. But don’t let that fool you: above all, she’s a true racer, packed with engineering ingenuity to deliver the best possible racing performance.

The design has a double cockpit and double deckhouse layout, with the helm position in the middle of the boat, just in front of the aft deckhouse. During racing, the aft cockpit is the runner cockpit, the center cockpit serves as sail storage and the helm is located in the middle of the boat, between the aft deck house and the main cockpit. The primary and mainsheet winches are located close to the helmsman, providing short communication lines and facilitating trimming and steering without the use of headsets.

Completely in line with the spirit of the time in which the J Class sailing yachts were originally built, Topaz also features an Art Deco interior (designed by Hoek Design Naval Architects & Rhoades Young Design).

Topaz’s layout has been designed to comfortably accommodate up to eight sleeping guests in four cabins, including a master cabin and two twin cabins. She is also able to accommodate up to seven crew members on board to ensure a relaxed luxury yacht experience for her guests.

Topaz features a displacement aluminium hull and aluminium superstructure, with teak decks. She was built to Lloyds Register classification society rules, and is MCA compliant.

Specifications

Above all, she’s a true racer, packed with engineering ingenuity to deliver the best possible racing performance.

42m J Class Yacht TOPAZ (J8) by Holland Jachtbouw

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Written by Zuzana Bednarova

This image is featured as part of the article Majestic 42m J Class Sailing Superyacht TOPAZ delivered by Holland Jachtbouw .

Please contact CharterWorld - the luxury yacht charter specialist - for more on superyacht news item "42m J Class Yacht TOPAZ (J8) by Holland Jachtbouw".

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15 Best Blue Guppy Breeds, Price & More

Blue guppy fish is an extremely beautiful fancy fish and is a great addition to the freshwater tanks. These guppies have an appearance of a show-stopper. They boast a solid blue electric coloration and have highlights of dark blue or light blue colors, which look very appealing and elegant.

These guppies are quite easy to maintain and very easy to breed. Their striking appearance makes them one of the most popular guppy strains among fish hobbyists.

Males are usually smaller and more vibrant and colorful than females. However, females also have stunning appearances and can be a center of attraction for many people.

Article Contents

15 Best Blue Guppy Breeds & Names

Moscow Blue Guppy

Electric blue guppy, blue dragon guppy, neon blue guppy, blue topaz guppy, blue lace guppy, sky blue guppy, albino blue topaz guppy, blue panda guppy, blue cobra guppy, galaxy blue grass guppy, blue tuxedo guppy, blue eagle guppy, singa blue guppy, half black blue guppy, all about blue guppy price & appearance.

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Electric blue guppies are truly striking and elegant guppy strains popular in many areas of the world. These guppy breeds boast a very stunning and punchy electric blue coloration.

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Blue dragon guppies are unique guppy strains that can enhance the elegance of the tank. These guppies are developed with careful and selective breeding. They have a striking blue-colored tail with a beautiful mosaic and a silver-colored head.

These punchy colors make them stand out and are popular among many fish aquarists. A pair of blue dragon guppies can be purchased online for a price of $40 on sites like bishopaquatics.com.

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Blue topaz guppies are beautiful guppy variants, and they are not so popular among hobbyists. However, they have a unique appearance with orange-blue coloration all over their bodies.

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Neon blue guppies are beautiful-looking and colorful variants of common guppies. As they are hardy and can mature easily, they can be ideal for beginner hobbyists. Males usually have stunning neon blue tail fins, and this color continues to run throughout the upper part of their bodies. They require a minimum tank of 10 gallons. A pair of neon blue guppies can be bought for a price of $27 on liveaquaria.com.

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Albino blue topaz guppies are very appealing and beautiful guppy breeds that look stunning with their bluish-orange appearance. These guppies can be easily found in the market, but they are not popular yet.

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Blue panda guppies are some of the smallest and the newest guppy strains. They have a beautiful and striking appearance. These guppies have an overall dark blue coloration and have shades of iridescent sky blue colors running all over their bodies.

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Galaxy bluegrass guppies are beautiful-looking guppy varieties. Males boast a stunning bright blue coloration around their bodies and fins, and females are equally colorful.

They are peaceful and hardy fishes, and hence they can live together with other fish species. They are also very easy to maintain and can be bred easily. A pair of galaxy bluegrass guppies can be bought online for a price of $3 on sites like an aqua store. 

Blue Tuxedo guppies are some of the most unique and beautiful guppy variants that you can purchase. They usually feature a dark tuxedo coloration on their bodies with neon blue-colored tail fins, and they also have a silver head.

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Blue Eagle guppies can stun a person with their classy and elegant appearances. They usually inhabit at the top of an aquarium. These guppy variants boast a punchy blue coloration over their bodies and can be found in many places. They have a calm temperament and can grab people’s attention very quickly. You can buy a pair of blue eagle guppies for a minimum cost of $2 on sites like an aqua store.

Singa blue guppies are relatively rare and beautiful guppy variants that are becoming popular. They usually boast a black or gray-colored body with shades of sky blue coloration all over their bodies. Their elegant looks and calm temperament make them one of the most sought-after guppy varieties. Males look brighter than females. A pair of singa blue guppies can be purchased online for $30 on sites like fishesonline.com.

As the name suggests, these guppy varieties have a dark black coloration on one half while a deep blue coloration on the other half of their bodies. They boast a multi-colored appearance with greyish color shades on the front half. They are highly energetic and peaceful fish and can easily adapt to numerous water problems and conditions. A pair of half-black blue guppies can be bought for a minimum price of $2 on sites like bunnycart.com.

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