J Class sailboat Velsheda

America's Cup Challenger Velsheda

The Velsheda was designed by Charles Nicholson and built by Camper Nicholson in 1933 for Mr W.L. Stephenson at Gosport. She was Nicholson's second design for a J Class and Stephenson's second big yacht. Velsheda was named after Stephenson's three daughters, Velma, Sheila and Daphne. Between 1933 and 1963, she raced with many infamous yachts including Britannia, Endeavour and Shamrock. In her second season Velsheda won more than 40 races and achieved an outstanding record of success at Regatta's from Southend to Dartmouth. Although around 1934 her name was among great racings boats such as “Britannia”, “Endeavour”, and “Shamrock” as well. During her time, she represented one of the most advanced designs for rigging, sails, deck gear, ropes, and spars. She was equipped with aluminum masts, that were made of bent plates riveted together. New terylene threads made up her sails. At one point while on charter, she found herself on the beach from a falling tide, but was managed to be recovered safely. Every now and then she would compete in the annual Round the Island Race, though in poor condition, still an amazing site to yacht enthusiasts around the world.