Stage set for a stacked J/70 UK Nationals
by J/70 UK Class 12 Jun 17:34 NZST
13-15 June 2025
UK J70 Class Grand Slam 1 Spring Championships UK Solent © James Tomlinson
35 teams are set to line up for this year's J/70 UK Nationals, hosted by the Royal Thames Yacht Club (RTYC) as part of the 250th Anniversary Regatta. With a strong turnout and a mix of seasoned teams and new faces, this year's Nationals promise some epic racing.
Calypso head into the event in fine form, leading the Grand Slam standings after wins at both opening events. Close behind them is Sardonyx, currently lying 2nd in the series, with Ian Dobson on the stick, and James Peters on main/tactics - this is a formidable combo.
Jeepster, 5th at last year's European championships and currently lying 3rd in the Grand Slam series, will also be ones to watch, along with Jelvis who are back from a strong showing at Malcescine.
It's great to see some new names on the entry list too. The Perry family on Jiraffe, who made their J/70 debut at Cowes Week last year, are back for more. Also from a bigger boat programme is Paul Wollman's Frequent Flyer with some serious talent on board in the form of Twiggy - Chris Grube - a J/70 household name. Another rockstar appearance comes from Olympic gold medallist for China, Lijia Xu, who's joining Dads n Lads (n Ladies?) for the event.
As ever however, the J/70 fleet is deep and unpredictable - there are too many good teams to name them all and undoubtedly there will be some surprises. The stakes are high: the Nationals are a non-discardable event in the UK Grand Slam series- the top six teams of which will earn a spot at the 2026 Worlds in Cascais - a major target for UK teams with international ambitions.
Off the water, a strong social line-up includes a Friday night dinner at the Royal Yacht Squadron, hosted with support from Tideway Wealth Management, alongside celebrations throughout the RTYC 250th Regatta.
Thanks to class sponsors Rooster and Ocean Rope for supporting the Series.
Racing runs Friday 13th to Sunday 15th June.
Follow the action on instagram @j70ukclass - it's going to be a good one!