The Spirit of Jaguars on the Island

The Spirit of Jaguars on the Island
by Gregory Andrachuk

Jaguars on the Island (JOTI) is a special event. Since its inception this Jaguar event has been the largest of its type in North America and is unique among Jaguar Clubs of North America shows because, while the Concours d´Élégance on Saturday is central to the event, it is not the only, nor the major component. At Jaguars on the Island we also have an additional class, the Enthusiast class. This class differs from the Concours classes in that these cars are not judged according to any established set of rules – in fact they are not judged at all (but they are eligible for “popular choice” awards). The two elements of this show, Concours and Enthusiast are physically blended: there is no differentiation in placement on the field because the Jaguars are grouped according to model only, not to class. There are no “second class” Jaguars. In fact, the majority of the Jaguars on the field are Enthusiast class cars. Every Jaguar (YOURS!) is both welcome and wanted on the field. Let’s make this the best and biggest JOTI ever!

When you register for JOTI you will have the opportunity to select either the Enthusiast class or one of the Concours classes. For the Enthusiast class the preparation of the car is simple: you may wash it – or not! That’s it. Your personal sense of pride might want to make a vacuuming desirable but you should feel absolutely no obligation to do anything more – this is a stress-free, fun day at the park in the company of other Jaguar enthusiasts and you have the opportunity of doing what Jaguar owners like to do: talk about their pride and joy! Every Jaguar is beautiful and every Jaguar wants to be in the company of more than 100 others.

But if you are interested in having your car judged according to the rules of Jaguar Clubs of North America, the following information may be useful.

A Concours d’Élégance (from the French meaning a competition of elegance referring to the gathering of prestigious cars) is a gathering of automobiles in specifically defined classes and divisions strictly judged on their appearance, authenticity and condition. Under the rules of Jaguar Clubs of North America, vehicles are judged in either “Champion Division” or “Driven Division”.

In the latter, the engine compartment and boot (trunk) of the cars are not judged and rules regarding authenticity are not quite as strict as they are for “Champion Division” cars. But in both the Championship and the Driven division, the owner’s preparation of the car is important – anything that is seen must be clean and, ideally, in a condition as close to new as possible (one of the reasons that most JOTI entrants choose Enthusiast class!). And if the owner chooses to participate in other JCNA Concours events elsewhere, the scores obtained will make the car eligible for Regional or North American awards. JCCV cars have a history of both Regional and North American championships.

Your Jaguar will spend the day with its pack at Windsor Park and owners will enjoy the lush green grass, plenty of shade trees, and an adjacent rose garden, and proximity to Oak Bay Village. There will be a silent auction, food facilities, a tea tent, and ice cream available. All Jaguars are gorgeous, and all are welcome, from the most meticulously restored show car to the most experienced daily driver, from the oldest to the newest model right out of the show room. Jaguar Victoria will have a display of new models for your inspection.

Find further information on the JCNA-sanctioned concours, the rules, JCNA classes, forms, etc. on the JCNA website by clicking here.