Following the launch of J8 Topaz in June by Holland Jachtbouw, a new J is under construction by Vitters Shipyard.
The design for Svea is based on a Tore Holm design from 1937, but has been reconfigured by Hoek Design, with reimagined lines and improved strength to the construction.
The new J will be the longest of the current fleet, measuring in at 143 feet overall. Svea is being constructed in aluminum with an integrated traditional long keel. The next step at Vitters will be to begin fit-out all onboard systems.
The new J will bring the current fleet to 9, the first time in decades that the J Class has had a true fleet. There are expected to be 6 Js competing at the America’s Cup before the event in 2017, but that number could be as high as 8 as Topaz intends to make it to Bermuda for the event.
