In a preview of the World Cup to be held in Porquerolles next June, the fleet of 12MJIs (boats that took part in the America’s Cup from 1958 to 1987).

12m JI does not correspond to a hull length, but to the result of a mathematical formula obtained by taking several criteria into account. The overall length of a 12m JI is between 18 and 21 m, with a displacement of around 30 tonnes.

15 boats will be competing in this international event, racing on a ‘banana’ course (a round trip between 2 buoys).

The International 12-metre class, now 116 years old, encompasses a living history of racing yacht design by the world’s greatest naval architects, including Olin Stephens, Clinton Crane, William Fife III, Philip Rhodes, Johan Anker, Ben Lexcen and many others, who pushed their designs to the limits of innovation.

The resulting boats represented the pinnacle of yacht development from 1907 to 1987 for the highest levels of international sailing competition: the Olympic Games from 1908 to 1920 and the America’s Cup from 1958 to 1987.

Around a hundred boats are still sailing around the world, and the class is managed by the ITMA (International Twelve Metre Association).

They are grouped into 4 categories, depending on their age:

A – Grand Prix
B – Moderne
C – Traditionel
D – Vintage