Classics Off The Squadron

I sadly can’t go to every regatta – this is one I wish I had! The British Classic Yacht Club Regatta 2008.

During my time following the classics, I’ve attended many regattas. One of the most frequent competitors is the stunning two masted gaff schooner, designed and built by Nathanael Herreshoff in 1915 – Mariette.

A good friend of mine and a friend of the owner of Mariette is a well respected sailor in his own right and often recruited as the race skipper for the many regattas she attends. It was his introduction that cemented my relationship with classic yachts and involvement in the various regattas.

When sourcing reference for a painting I’m drawn to dramatic conditions; action, drama, big swell, bow waves, stern wash; all that can add interest to a composition. This regatta had all of that, but sadly I couldn’t attend.

The fore mentioned friend was skippering that day along with several other friends being crew. Each of them independently described this as the best day’s sailing they’d ever had. 25-30 knots of breeze, along with the tidal challenges The Solent creates, proved to be exhilarating sailing for all involved.

After many months of consideration, it was decided this was the race he wished to commission a painting of. The problem for me, was I wasn’t there and had no reference. I began the painstaking process of trawling through various photographers’ images of the day. After much research I found what we were looking for from the world famous Beken of Cowes and composed a scene accurate to race reports and my client’s approval. We purchased the rights to use his photos and began the six month process of producing an artwork of this size and complexity.

I’ve only ever produced two paintings of this size (60” x 40”). My friend owns this one, the (sadly now late) Aga Khan owns the other.

(Photographic reference courtesy of Beken of Cowes)

A limited edition Giclée print from an original oil painting.