The Yachting World team were sad to learn that shortly after the end of the St Barths Regatta, Hanuman, who had come last of the four Js by the smallest of margins, was withdrawn from the 2012 UK events programme, a disappointment to all those looking forward to seeing her in UK waters.

Sadly Endeavour has now announced that the owner has business elsewhere in June and cannot attend the Falmouth Regatta, so just four yachts are expected to attend, not the six that have been expected and planned for.

Even though Endeavour and Hanuman will be missed, having Ranger, Velsheda, Rainbow and Lionheart sailing in Falmouth bay will still offer a spectacular sight.

Velsheda is due to arrive in Falmouth within seven days having crossed the Atlantic from Antigua. Her support ship MY Bystander has already arrived, whilst Ranger will berth first in Ocean Village, Southampton, before repositioning to Falmouth by early June.

The new J class yacht Rainbow, launched just before Christmas 2011, is now on sail trials in Holland in preparation for the event. She will be supported by the 57 metre ship, MV Holland. Lionheart is also scheduled to arrive in Falmouth shortly.

The Js are planning to leave at the end of the Falmouth event, and reposition at Solent Refit, in preparation for the Solent regattas. Endeavour is currently still planning to compete in the Solent regatta, together with the other four yachts, making a fleet of five.

Check yachtingworld.com for regular updates on the J class fleet.

Photo: J class yachts Velsheda, Hanuman and Ranger race together in St Barths this year.

For more information on the J class events this summer, visit www.jclassyachts.com