Among the many exciting events happening in 2012, here is an opportunity to watch possibly six or even eight J Class yachts, competing in The Hundred Guinea Cup, a race around the Isle of Wight over the original 1851 America’s Cup course.  Clockwise from Cowes covering approximately 75 miles and without a time limit this is the one race that captures the true spirit of the J Class yacht, one of the greatest sailing Classes ever created and the ultimate in racing yachts.    You will be able to follow and watch this race for the day aboard the MV Balmorala traditional pleasure ship beautifully maintained and restored in classic 1930 Art Deco style.

We have taken an allocation on MV Balmoral for this event and although registered for 800, there will only be a maximum of 300 on board so everybody has a good view. The course is arranged in such a way that at times the yachts will be sailing against the wind which will give Balmoral a chance to get ahead of them and be in a good position to keep the boats well in view and also to enjoy the extensive views of the Isle of Wight coastline.   Departing from Southampton at 8 am, you will be served breakfast, a substantial two course buffet lunch and an afternoon cream tea. It will be possible to buy refreshments and there is a licensed bar on board. Depending on the sailing conditions the ship should be back around 4.30 pm. 

On a historical note the 1930s era saw the birth of the Js –– no other class requires a racing crew of 30  experienced sailors, handling 10,000 square feet of sail, around 140 ft long, driving a 200 ton hull at 16 knots around the course. Just 10 yachts were constructed, six in the USA and four in England. During this period there were never more than four J yachts racing together. Only three originals survived the Second World War - Shamrock V, Endeavour and Velsheda. They rested and rotted in mud berths, until their rebuild and rebirth as 21st Century racing super yachts. With the formation of the J Class Association in 2000, the possibility existed for replicas from history to be built and race again. New yachts have been launched and more are under construction and many are expected to be completed by 2012, creating a fleet of the biggest, finest racing yachts the world has ever seen.

This tour will be staying for two nights at the 4 star Macdonald Botley Park Hotel and Spa, near Southampton.  The hotel has an award winning restaurant, extensive leisure facilities and a golf course.  Nearest station Hedge End, within reasonable distance Southampton Parkway Station or Airport and onsite parking. 

Friday 20 July:  Check into the hotel for welcome drink and dinner.
Saturday 21 July:  Early breakfast and departure for Southampton.  Day around the Solent.  Return to the hotel in the evening for dinner.  Depart on Sunday morning at your leisure.  If you prefer you can depart on Saturday evening having checked out in the morning – time cannot be guaranteed!

	2 nights accommodation, dinner and full English breakfast.
	Day on Balmoral with meals as stated
	Transfers from hotel/Southampton
	Heritage Touring Representative.

It is hoped the weather conditions will be ideal but we reserve the right on the instructions of the captain of Balmoral who has the final decision on the day regarding sailing to alter the itinerary should it be necessary due to conditions beyond our control.  We will try to maintain the spirit of the theme.