J-Class Sloop, Hanuman

27 July 2009 Hanuman J-boat

BOAT: Hanuman http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hanuman
OWNER: Anonymous
DESIGNERS: Charles Nicholson/ Dykstra & Partners http://www.herreshoff.org/achof/charles_e_nicholson.html
http://www.gdnp.nl/
BUILDER: Royal Huissman Shipyard. Apeldoorn, Netherlands http://www.royalhuisman.com/en/skip.html
LENGTH: 138 feet [42.09 meters]
YEAR: 2009
HULL: Alustar Aluminum Alloy http://www.royalhuisman.com/en/innovations1472.html
HISTORY:
 Back in 1937 “Endeavour II” was built in steel at the Nicholson’s Yard [Gosport, England] to challenge the defending yacht Ranger, in the America’s Cup Race that year. Time and events [such as WWII ] took their toll on these incredible yachts and before long both boats were gone- alive as legends, but with no physical presence.
 Known as “super Js “ these boats were arguably the two most spectacular yachts in the history of racing. Their legend was so powerful, that it prompted two owners to recreate the boats.
 History was made on Friday, 17 July, when the replicas of both Ranger and Endeavour II [Hanuman] lined up together for the first time since their historic match in 1937. This time, however, things turned out differently. Hanuman [aka Endeavour II] beat what was the American defender Ranger. Had this happened in 1937, Newport would be a very different place now.
 Thanks to the owners of these magnificent yachts, and the organizers of The Newport Bucket Regatta- Newport Shipyard- these remarkable boats can be seen just by going down to Washington Street and walking into the yard. Go to Belle’s Café, have a meal, and view history.