Photo: Øivind Lorentzen

One of the best features of the Classic Yacht Owners Association is our openness to a wide array of sailing vessels. From restored historic boats, to rebuilds based on designs from years past, this is a community that celebrates yachting in many different forms. That’s what drew Øivind Lorentzen to the CYOA and to sail his contemporary classic yacht Jax in the Classic Yacht Challenge Series (CYCS).

“I would encourage anyone interested to embrace CYOA’s openness to all kinds of boats,” says Lorentzen. He was inspired to build Jax after years of sailing in various one design performance classes. Lorentzen thought to himself, “is there a way that I can build a boat that could be competitive in other racing circuits but also support wooden boat racing in Maine?” After brainstorming with his friend Steve White, the idea to build a boat in wood that was as simple and fast as possible came together.

What has resulted is a contemporary classic yacht that is not only fun to sail, but also competitive in regattas for both classic and modern boats. “She has proven to be very exciting off the wind,” Lorentzen says. He is also proud of the aesthetics of Jax and the vessel’s use of modern applications of wood. “Wood and engineered wood is being used in modern buildings so why not also try it with boats, combining it with carbon fiber in strategic areas.”

Thanks to the trademark welcoming spirit of the CYOA, Lorentzen and Jax have found a home in the CYCS that allows for the pursuit of the mission to support wooden boat racing. Beyond that, Lorentzen sings praises of the regattas’ beauty—both in the landscapes of where they take place and boats that take part.

When in New England, Jax travels on its own bottom from regatta to regatta, which makes the CYCS and the proximity of its various events a perfect series for her to sail.

Lorentzen encourages all boat owners to not put too much concern on class distinction when it comes to classic yachts, and notes that the CYOA has embraced modern and contemporary classics like Jax. “Anyone can follow my lead and experiment with something different and build something new.”
We are only a couple months away from the beginning of this year’s CYCS! Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take part and join this incredible community of sailors. Join the CYOA today and sign up for the CYCS—we’ll see you on the water!