Classic Boat Awards 2018

J Class Svea wins the Spirit of Tradition over 40ft category of the 2018 Classic Boat Awards

Classic Boat Award Comittee commentary:

“Svea’s win is as sure a sign as ever that the allure of the J-Class never dies – it’s the stuff of dreams for so many, young and old. The story of her slow journey from Tore Holm’s drawing board in 1937 to her build in aluminium and launch last year is enough to send shivers up your spine. She was never built back in the day, and the only reminder of her existence was the original plans, packed in a suitcase in the cellar of a residential house, unearthed by John Lammerts van Bueren. Sailing her in 25 knots was, as we discovered last year, pretty electrifying. She’s part of a bigger picture too, which is the re-emergence of the class in general, with a slow but steady stream of new builds emerging from Dutch boatyards. With a price tag of £10 million or more for each boat, not to mention the other costs involved, racing a J is among the most expensive sports on earth. As a phenomenon, it’s unmatched.”

Congratulations to the owners and everyone involved in getting Svea on the water!