On September 23rd Holland Jachtbouw exchanged contracts with an Amsterdam-based syndicate, headed by Simon Dierdorp, to build a 39m modern version of the original 37.4m Yankee, designed by Frank C. Payne. Built in the USA to defend the America’s Cup in 1930, 1934 and 1937, Yankee has served as the inspiration for a new all-aluminium design by Dykstra Naval Architects.
Named Yankee J-H3, the hull build will start in late October 2010 at Bloemsma Aluminiumbouw, scheduled to be delivered to Holland Jachtbouw in April 2011. The interior design is based on a permanent crew of seven and, for racing purposes, accommodation is in pipe cots for another 21 (mainly Dutch) crew members.
Yankee J-H3 will be launched in early 2012, ready to take part in the J-Class regattas in the UK during June and July 2012, after which she will be available for charter during the London Olympics.