At Key Yachting we have always been incredibly lucky to be able to continue the legacy of the legendary J Cup. The event was started by Paul Heys over 25 years ago and set the standard for class racing as well as attributing to the rise and popularity of what is now a sprawling and successful J Boat fleet throughout the UK and European yacht racing scene. J Boats has always arguably been the strongest yachting community on and off the water, of which J Cup has always been the epitome.

In 2026 we celebrate 30 Years of Key Yachting as well as the 25th Edition of the J Cup Calendar. In the constantly progressing world of yacht racing we yearn to learn, evolve and grow, bringing great racing and joy to all J sailors, from keen amateurs to high level racers. It was with this this that we spread the arms of the J Cup to Ireland in 2023, bringing together vast fleets of Irish J Boats to race both in class and under IRC. The J Cup has ventured out of the Solent before but this year will undoubtedly stand out.

This coming year we grow again, expanding our reach to Europe. Being hosted by Cherbourg Yacht Club, we now invite all European J Boats to the challenge, putting the great UK and Irish fleets up against previously unfamiliar opponents. With Axe-sail, French J Boat expert and J Composites accompanying Key Yachting, we look forward to seeing the greatest gathering of J Boats in modern time.

J Cup Europe will also facilitate the first ever J/99 Europeans. The relatively young fleet combines boats from shorthanded offshore backgrounds to fully crewed inshore teams. They unite at this event under one umbrella rule-set, with an expected 20 J/99s to concentrate on the start line to decide the first ever J/99 European Champion. Another highlight will be the Irish and UK J/109 fleets competing gunnel-to-gunnel, which will no doubt live up to the adrenaline inducing reputation both fleets have manifested to decide their new European winners.

Fresh from the delivery race from the Solent or further afield, competitors will be welcomed by the Port of Cherbourg, with help from J Composites, Key Yachting and Axe-sail, it will be home to the J-Hub facilities and social centre as well as appearances from our sponsors. No doubt the party will be one to remember (or not)!

So… 2 anniversaries, 2 European titles to be decided and numerous nations colliding, that J Boat spirit has never felt stronger, we are unbelievably excited and look forward to seeing all you J Sailors there.

And yes, you will all still get a J hat….