JH1 Lionheart
The first fruits of our lengthy research into the J-class, Lionheart was unveiled in early 2010. In 2011 she became the first Hoek-designed J to hit the race course, starting with the Superyacht Cup in Palma. Lionheart benefits from ideas developed for other large classic yachts, including the privacy concept with an aft owner’s cabin, deckhouse and cockpit.
Specific velocity prediction software was developed by our office to determine the exact performance of specific J-class hull shapes. Tank testing data for a six-metre J-class model as well as wind tunnel data were used to calibrate this software. All existing and potential J-class designs were run through this software to determine the effects of different hull shapes on performance. The five best models were subsequently also analysed by Computational Fluid Dynamics software. Various yachts are under construction thanks to this successful research.
Lionheart’s original hull design was one of the lines plans made for the Ranger syndicate in 1936. Although never built, our research showed that this design was very promising. The yacht has been extensively optimised by our office with VPP software for racing under handicap and line honours. She was outfitted by Claasen Jachtbouw and features a retro-styled interior in teak.
Lionheart is the leading J Class at the moment and World champion since 2017. That year she won the title in Newport (RI) as well as the America’s Cup J Class regatta where seven J’s were competing.
43.4 m
27.2 m
6.55 m
4.6 m
975 m2
Claasen Shipyards
2010
