SPARKMAN & STEPHENS' NEW "SUPER-J" CLASS YACHT
 

New York - July 17, 2009

Ranger was one of the most famous J-Class yachts ever to sail, responsible for launching the Sparkman & Stephens era in the America's Cup by successfully defending against the 1937 British challenger, Endeavor II, in four straight races.  It was clear that Ranger was a far superior boat when she defeated Endeavor II by a full two miles in race one of the series.
 
The original design was a joint effort between W. Starling Burgess and Sparkman & Stephens, who tank-tested a total of seven different hull shapes before settling on the "best."  So, when Sparkman & Stephens was asked to develop a new "Super-J" for a class aficionado, they launched an in-depth study of all the J-Class hull lines in their extensive library.  All hull lines were assessed with a wide range of construction methods in mind, and one clear star was revealed.
 
While developing the new design, the tradition and elegance of the J-Class was respected at every step.  The new "Super-J" uses cold-molded wood construction on the hull and deck, fastened to stainless steel frames.  Modern, lightweight systems and lightweight joinery allow ballast to be maximized, yielding the best sailing performance for the yacht.
 
The original arrangement was adapted to modern classic racing yacht standards - a full-beam owner's stateroom aft, one ensuite guest stateroom, and two additional guest cabins provide comfortable accommodations for eight guests.  Accommodations for eight crew members are also available, in addition to a spacious full-beam galley, with an open bar area leading into the main saloon.
 
On deck, the "Super-J" boasts of all the modern conveniences of yacht racing while staying true to the beauty and grace of her older sister, Ranger.  The original low-profile deckhouse has been maintained resulting in a clean, unobstructed working deck.  All high-modulus carbon spars, sixteen hydraulic winches, four coffee grinder pedestals, and a hydraulic main sheet traveler allow her to be raced competitively against any modern yacht and most importantly, her competition in the class.  While the traditional deckhouse, helm pedestal, and twenty stainless steel Dorade vents maintain the true essence of the era.
 
The Sparkman & Stephens "Super-J" is the truest representation of the splendor of the J-Class for the modern yachtsman.  Any yachting connoisseur will appreciate the care and respect that has been demonstrated toward a yacht that is a jewel of America's Cup and yachting history.





"Super-J" Class Sloop
Principal Characteristics
 
Length Overall:             135 ft                41.2 m
Length Waterline:          86.9 ft               26.5 m
Beam:                            21.0 ft               6.4 m
Draft:                            15.0 ft               4.57 m
Displacement:               177 LT             180 tonnes
 
Naval Architect:           Sparkman & Stephens
Interior Design:            Sparkman & Stephens
Original Design:           W. Starling Burgess and Sparkman & Stephens