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Marine Art Giclée Print from an Original Oil Painting
J Class History
"The Most Beautiful Yachts In The World"
The J Class has its roots in the oldest sporting race in the world, The America's Cup. This International Event came from an annual race
around the Isle of Wight held by the Royal Yacht Squadron, but in 1851 an overseas yacht was allowed to participate. The yacht "America"
was built that year to an innovative new design and had sailed to the Solent in search of racing. Initially excluded from racing against
British yachts, she was finally allowed to enter the Round The Island Race for the '100 Guinea Cup'. With the complex tides and shallow
areas of the Solent it was natural for 'America' to hire the services of a Pilot and in due course Robert Underwood was employed to guide
them through the very tricky waters off the Island. Although the race program was advertised as rounding the Nab Buoy and then the Isle of
Wight, leaving all to Starboard, this was not what was printed by the RYS on the instruction cards and whilst the four leaders tacked away
to round the Nab lightship, Underwood directed "America's" Skipper to press on through the shallow area, missing the Nab Buoy and saving a
very considerable distance. Naturally "America" took the lead and held it to win the race, although the nearest British boat closed to just
a few minutes at the finish. The Trophy became known as the "America's Cup" and was taken back to the USA. Yachts were able to challenge to
win back the cup and a series of larger and larger yachts were designed to compete. More information about these stunning yachts may be found
at www.jclassyachts.com/history.html
"The Big J's"
24x36 • Giclée on Canvas • $2900 • CP# 85
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