There has been excellent progress on the construction of the new J Class Yacht Lionheart, which is due to complete in 2009.
Originally designed for the Ranger syndicate by Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens, Lionheart will be the largest J afloat when launched - and with 17-metre overhangs on a LOA of 44 metres she promises to be an awesome spectacle.

Endeavour II is also heading towards completion later this year. The original Endeavour II was built in steel in 1937 at the Nicholson's Yard, designed by Charles Nicholson. Endeavour II was built to battle the J's in the America's Cup that year, and she mounted an (ultimately unsuccessful) challenge to Ranger. With the replica of Ranger having launched in 2004, there is every chance of an exciting rematch between the two.

For more information on all these yachts and their plans for the year, visit the J Class website
Yachting Monthly, 29 January 2008