Built purposely to defend the America’s Cup in 1934, Rainbow is one of the classic J-Class yachts that cause people to wax poetic. While the battle she fought – and won – against Endeavour is much talked about, Rainbow has had an even further-reaching impact on sailing, that being the introduction of the genoa jib.
The technological innovations of several of the J-Class yachts, as well as their grace and style, have inspired a few replicas to be commissioned. As I wrote last summer, the former owner of Windrose of Amsterdam, which set the transatlantic schooner record at just over 10 days in 2005, commissioned a new-build version of Rainbow. Now comes word that HJB (Holland Jachtbouw) anticipates receiving the hull, already under construction elsewhere, to arrive at its facility this spring. It will build the superstructure and finish the outfitting of the yacht.
Measuring 40 meters (131 feet), the Rainbow replica is from the design team at Dykstra & Partners Naval Architects. She’ll meet the J-Class Association maximum performance rules, which features a special handicap system to permit side-by-side competition between the original J-Class racers and new builds. If you’re wondering why that was needed, consider that the original racers employed steel hulls. The aluminum preferred by modern builders and yachtsmen therefore had to come under careful review, since the committee did not want to dissuade owners from commissioning new versions of the classics.
During a trip I made in June to a number of the Dutch superyacht builders, sponsored by HISWA, the mood at HJB was somewhat sober, due to the worldwide recession. Even though manging director Paul Dielemans said the owners of the two yachts under construction at the time thankfully were not dealt devastating financial blows, he was quite frank about how HJB hadn’t signed a contract in a year. He also explained how negotiations with potential clients were taking far longer and requiring more effort. It was a sentiment repeated at many yards that week – indeed, many additional yards worldwide that I’ve spoken with through early autumn.
What a difference a few months make. Rainbow may only represent one contract, but one is better than none. “It is a great privilege for everyone at Holland Jachtbouw to be involved with the Rainbow project,” Dielemans said in a statement.
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