The Challenge

When Sir Thomas Liptons 5th challenge for the Americas Cup was accepted by the New York Yacht Club in May 1929 it was stipulated that the contesting yachts where to be built to the American Universal Rule and would be 75ft-87ft on the waterline “J Class” It was also agreed that the new yachts be built to Lloyds A1 scantling, requirements that avoided the construction of lightweight unseaworthy hulls of past contests.

As a result of receiving the challenge four syndicates formed and built 4 new J class yachts Enterprise, Weetamoe, Whirlwind and Yankee

 The Long Island series

The new boats raced for the first time on Long island sound in June 1930, in addition to the 4 new Js , Resolute, the successful Americas Cup defender of 1919 and her long term rival Vanitie were rerigged as Js to provide trial horses for the new Js.

The long Island sound series consisted of 4 races, raced around Glen cove and Eatons Neck, unfortunately Yankee only arrived in time for the last of these races. During these races Weetamoe and Enterprise proved very equal and the favourites to defend the Cup