J Cup Europe returned to Cherbourg from 18-20 June, bringing together J/Boats teams from across Europe for three days of competitive racing, international rivalry and memorable shoreside hospitality.
Run in partnership with Axe Sail and Yacht Club de Cherbourg, the event featured J/99, IRC and J/109 fleets, with the J/99 class competing for the inaugural J/99 European Cup title.
While the wind remained lighter than many crews would have ordered, sunshine and flat-water conditions provided classic champagne sailing. Across three days, competitors enjoyed tactical racing in picturesque conditions, while Cherbourg once again proved itself an outstanding host venue both on and off the water.
The headline act was the inaugural J/99 European Cup, which attracted a strong fleet of 13 boats from across France, Great Britain and the Netherlands. After eleven races, France’s PJ Yachting, helmed by Eric Kerscaven, secured the European title with an impressive and consistent performance throughout the series.
Fellow French team JEM finished second overall, while Britain’s Jolly Jumper completed the podium after a closely contested championship. The new European Cup format showcased the growing strength of the J/99 class and delivered close racing from start to finish.
The J/109 fleet also produced highly competitive racing over four races. Dutch entry Joule, helmed by Arjen van Leeuwen, proved untouchable, winning all four races to take a commanding overall victory. Britain’s Jukebox secured second place, while Jai Ho claimed third after edging out Mojo Risin on countback.
In the IRC division, the larger mixed fleet produced some equally competitive racing. Fandangle, the J/112 sailed by Martin Priest, claimed overall honours ahead of Andrew Roberts’ J/105 Jin Tonic, with Philippe Girardin’s J/120 Hey Jude completing the podium.
Away from the racecourse, competitors enjoyed the warm welcome and hospitality of Yacht Club de Cherbourg, with dockside socials, prize-givings and a lively closing party reinforcing the unique atmosphere that has become a hallmark of J/Boats events.
A huge thank you goes to event partners Axe Sail and Yacht Club de Cherbourg, together with sponsors B&G, North Sails and Harken, whose support helped deliver another successful edition of J Cup Europe.
With the European event now concluded, attention turns to the next major fixture on the calendar. J Cup UK takes place in just three weeks’ time, with strong entries already building for another weekend of close racing and legendary J Cup camaraderie.
Full results, photos and the official event video are on the J Cup Europe page.
