Yankee storms toward the mark boat to finish the first race of her summer spent in English waters to compete with the British 'J' class, around the coast. On June 6, 1935, the racing fleet lay off Southend, on the Essex shore at the mouth of the Thames. It was the annual Southend Regatta, but Shamrock V woukd not start because of repairs to her boom and Candida refused because of a new and unstretched mainsail she didn't wish to pull out of shape in the continually freshening wind, then blowing at about 17 miles per hour. Endeavor led over the line, off Southend Pier, followed by Velsheda, Yankee and Astra.
The course was to the Nore Light Vessel, then to the West Oaze buoy, round the Mouse Light Vessel and back to the mark boat off Southend, twice round. The four "J" class yachts roared away in the southwest wind, which quickly freshened to half a gale. Disaster came the Mouse when the Astra lost a steward, George Lewis of Brightlingsea, overboard while attempting to control a wildly thrashing spinnaker sheet. He was drowned. Endeavour lost her mast and Velsheda broke her boom during the jibe.
As there were vessels nearby, the Yankee carried on, to finish the winner of the shortened course without mishap and displaying good seamanship. She won eight of the 32 races entered on the east and south coasts, four second and two third prizes.