J-Class yacht "Velsheda" (K7) reaching down the line before the start of Race 2 of the J Class Solent Regatta, July 2012
J-Class yacht "Velsheda" (JK7) reaching down the line before the start of Race 2 of the J Class Solent Regatta, July 2012. Designed by Charles Nicholson and built by Camper & Nicholson in 1933 for Mr Stephenson, Owner of Woolworth chain of shops, she was built in 1933 at Gosport. She was Nicholson’s second design for a J Class and Stephenson’s second big yacht. “Velsheda” was named after Stephenson’s three daughters, Velma, Sheila and Daphne. Stephenson never planned to compete for the America’s Cup but rather her raced with the greatest names in classic yachting including “Britannia”, “Endeavour” and “Shamrock” between 1933 and her second season she won more than 40 races and achieved an outstanding record of success at Regattas from Southend to Dartmouth. Other venues included Torbay, Swanage and the Solent, all under the control of the famous Captain Mountifield. By 1937 she was laid up in a mud berth on the Hamble and became derelict. But this unique yacht was rescued in 1984 by Terry Brabant, who economically refitted her for charter work with a new steel mast and limited interior. Still without an engine she sailed regularly along the UK South Coast on charter and occasionally ventured to the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Velsheda’ was purchased in 1996 as a bare hull lying at mooring in Portsmouth Harbour, and was taken to Southampton Yacht Services, on the River Itchen where a two year comprehensive rebuild was completed to bring her back into immaculate racing condition. She was fitted with the tallest one piece carbon mast in the world and a comprehensive suit of racing sails were produced, developed from wind tunnel testing at Southampton University. She was re-launched in November 1997.
Size: 5120px × 3413px
Location: West Solent, Hampshire, England
Photo credit: © will Perrett / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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