J/99 European Cup Headlines J/Cup Europe in Cherbourg
(Cherbourg, France)- Run in partnership with Axe Sail and Yacht Club de Cherbourg, this year’s J/Cup Europe will bring together J/Boats teams from across Europe for competitive, well-run racing and great shoreside hospitality. All J/Boats are invited, and the J/99 European Cup will be incorporated into the program – expect close battles, busy start lines, and high-energy racing throughout.
In what amounts to their “European Cup”, there are seven J/109s expecting to race as a class. Some of those leading teams from the offshore wars on the Solent, the North Sea, and the English Channel include Philip Morgan’s JAGO, Pat Kelly’s STORM from Ireland, John Smart’s JUKEBOX, Rob Cotterill’s MOJO RISIN’, and Arjen van Leeuwen’s JOULE from The Netherlands.
Joining the large J/109 contingent will be Martin Priest’s J/112E FANDANGLE, Philippe Girardin’s J/120 HEY JUDE, and three J/105s (Adrian Johnson’s FLAWLESS J, William Newton’s JELLY BABY, and Andrew Roberts’s JIN TONIC).
J/99 European Cup
For the J/99s, the event expands to three full days of inshore racing from 18–20 June 2026, with the additional racing day included automatically in the J/Cup entry.
The first day of inshore racing Thursday 18 June, is dedicated exclusively to the J/99 fleet, giving teams their own start lines and on-the-water support with coaching and expert insight from J/Composites and North Sails.
After three days of close, competitive racing, getting crowned will be the first-ever J/99 European Champion — a landmark moment for the class and a major highlight of the 2026 event.
Fourteen J/99 teams from France, Great Britain, and The Netherlands will be vying for European class honors! Notable teams that have excelled in recent offshore events in France and the United Kingdom include Fred Bouvier’s JEM, Jan Scholtes WARP 5, Jean-Baptiste Brian’s JOLLY JUMPER, Jean-Lin Flipo’s YALA, and Alain Waha’s FURTHER WEST.
J/99 Delivery Race
There will be an optional Delivery Race from Hamble to Cherbourg for any traveling J/99s fleet only on Wednesday 17th June. With the return alongside the rest of J/Cup competitors on the 21st back to Hamble.
For more J/Cup Europe sailing information
https://j-cup.co.uk/europe/