Velsheda proved how age is by no means restrictive on a racecourse, with a demonstration of near perfect sailing during today’s two-hour coastal race. Their start was spot on, the manoeuvres slick, and the layline calls spot on – despite a shifting breeze.

The 82-year old Velsheda won the day, and the prestigious King’s Hundred Guinea Cup – the biggest trophy of the week, and one originally presented by King George VI at the Royal Northern and Clyde Yacht Club in 1937. The result and trophy more than makes up for Velsheda’s third place yesterday and levels the scores between the three Js.

Velsheda’s foredeck crew wrestle the 3Di carbon genoa to the deck

Lionheart, the newest of the three J Class here meanwhile, showed how despite all the preparation – including a recent seven month refit at Pendennis Shipyard, and having top a tactician and navigator aboard – it’s a simple mistake like being over the line early that can still ruin a race.

No doubt she will bounce back strongly – this powerful Hoek design, a replica of a Ranger design never built, certainly seems to have speed to burn.

The Classen built Lionheart is looking fast, but two errors cost her race today

Ranger also looked consistently quick despite the light, 10-knot shifty conditions. Ranger is the heaviest J, and will be relishing the forecasted build in wind strength over the next couple of days.

The powerful, steel-hulled Ranger is a consistent performer whatever the conditions

During the build-up, postponement and racing itself, it is the fanfare that surrounds a J Class regatta that is also entertaining. There is always an eclectic mix of craft following these showpiece yachts.

I was on a press boat full to the gunwhales of photographers armed with long lenses. The Js each tend to have a chase boat with photographers aboard. Then there are the committee boats, mark layers, marshals and even an on-water umpire.

Press and spectator boats are getting prime views of the Js in Falmouth this week

Today a local tripper boat brought 40 disadvantaged children out from local schools and charities. And it is the spectator fleet in general here that is making an impression. It is midweek in June, yet there are a huge variety of vessels out to see the Js race, from traditional workboats and gaffers, to dinghies and cruising yachts. Of note is that they all sail between the marks to catch the action – Falmouth really is a sailor’s home.

The Royal Cornwall YC and J Class Association recognise how much it means to the local community. They deliberately set a course today that came as close to Gyllyngvase beach as was safely possible – giving the spectators ashore prime viewing. And following the finish, Velsheda, Ranger and Lionheart each did a flyby past Pendennis Point for the benefit of the crowds before dropping sails.

The sailing spirit in Falmouth this week is reinvigorating.

Enjoy the pictures, courtesy of Emma Jones and Graham Snook

Ranger and Lionheart cross in the pre-start manoeuvres

Lionheart’s bowman ‘Juanpa’ doing his stuff

A bit of sport on the press boat during the postponement

Ranger’s bowman Matt Mitchell in acrobatic mode in attempt to catch Velsheda

Velsheda’s foredeck crew on the winning leg home off St Anthony’s Head

And this is why the Js need so many crew. Lionheart drops her genoa and sets the kite

Ranger’s afterguard includes America’s Cup and Volvo sailors Erle Williams, Murray Jones and Mike Quilter

Ranger mid gybe-drop right off Pendennis Castle

Fighting for lens space on the Anglo Dawn press boat