How to Charter a J Class Yacht

It was late March, with damp that felt like snow still lingering in the air, when the photos began to pour in from the St. Barth's Bucket Regatta, where five J Class Yachts competed together for the first time since 1937.

Like most sailors, I hold a special place in my heart for these America's Cup beauties, and seeing five of them pounding through glistening Caribbean waves made me wonder: How could I possibly get onboard one?
It didn't take much research to discover that Shamrock V (who wasn't part of the St. Barth's fleet this year) is actively advertised for charter—with options for signing on as part of a race team. So if you're looking for me, check the crew list for the next J Class regatta... and in the meantime, here's a bit of info on several other Js as well. Some of the others may be available for charter at times; contact info is supplied below.
Shamrock
Shamrock V was commissioned in 1929 for Sir Thomas Lipton, in his fifth, final, fruitless attempt to win the America's Cup. She was rebuilt in the late 1980s and is currently based in the Mediterranean, available as a cruising or racing charter. As the Shamrock V charter page states, "Few experiences can compare with pushing a J-Class yacht to her limits with a experienced and professional race crew. After a full day of racing you and your guests can sit quayside for cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, chatting with race crew and planning the next day’s assault on the fleet."
Lionheart
At 142 feet overall, Lionheart is the largest J-class yacht. (Read Lionheart, the new J-Class Yacht on YachtWorld.) She was built in 2010 from original designs for the Ranger syndicate by Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens, set up for both racing and luxurious cruising. Her owner even commissioned a private owner's cockpit.
Velsheda
Velsheda was built in 1933, and after winning more than 40 races she was laid up in 1937 in a "mud berth." Fortunately she survived until 1984, when she was refit for charter work.
Rainbow
The building of the original Rainbow took only 100 days in 1934 at the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company. She eventually won the 1934 America's Cup against Endeavour. Rainbow JH-2 was launched in 2012 of modern materials. (Read Rainbow, Newest J-Class Sailing Yacht on YachtWorld.)
Hanuman 
Another replica of Endeavour II, Hanuman was built in 2009, the first of the "new" Js. She was the winner of the 2013 St. Barth's Bucket, helmed by professional sailor Ken Read.
Ranger
The current Ranger is a replica of the original yacht that won the 1937 America's Cup. She's competed in several Caribbean events since her debut in 2003.