Oil on canvas, signed and dated lower right "Gregory 1871." The painting depicts yacht Cambria passing the Sandy Hook lightship. The painting is expertly rendered and depicts Cambria in wonderful detail. The sea and sky are painted with rich bright color and the painting documents this important event in yachting history. The 108-foot Cambria, owned by James Ashbury of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, raced the Dauntless, owned by James Gordon Bennett of the New York Yacht Club, from Queenstown, Ireland, to New York on 4 July, 1870. The Cambria arrived first, making the crossing in 23 days, 5 hours 17 minutes and 15 seconds, just under two hours ahead of the Dauntless. During the race, the Cambria flew from her gaff the flag of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club displaying the rampart lion. At the top of the foremast is the American flag signaling Cambria is bound for America. After recuperating for 11 days the Cambria took part in the first true America's Cup race. She competed against a field of 23 American yachts, and lost to the Magic by 40 minutes, finishing in 10th place overall. In a print titled: ANGLO-AMERICAN ATLANTIC YACHT RACE of 1870 by Dutton who expertly captures the exciting moment of the start of the Trans-Atlantic race, and shows the great beauty and style of this remarkable ship. (PA1034)
Dimensions of Painting: L - 46 1/4, W - 29 1/2, Inches
Dimensions of Frame: L 49 3/4, H - 32 1/2, Inches
Reference: "The Holy Grail of Yachting the Art of the America's Cup" Volume II by Alan Granby and Janice Hyland page 27 (PA-9431). A very similar painting to the one above is illustrated full page color in this book and is captioned, "Running Before the Wind" owned by the Royal Thames Yacht Club. The painting depicts Cambria running before the wind with square rigged topsails passing Sandy Hook lightship in a fresh breeze. Cambria raced across the Atlantic in the much talked about race beating the American schooner Dauntless. Many feared the results in the upcoming first America's Cup defense giving her recent win and previous successes while racing in England. Dimensions: H 28 3/4; W 45 1/4 inches.
Note: This print depicts the start of the race in England. Hand-colored lithograph by T.G. Dutton based on a painting by R.L. Stopford. The print was published in London May 25, 1871. The exact name of work is "ANGLO-AMERICAN ATLANTIC YACHT RACE of 1870. Start of the Yachts Dauntless and Cambria from Queenstown for New York on the 4th July. DAUNTLESS: AMERICAN SCHOONER YACHT, 321 Tons R.T.Y.C. rule and 268 N.Y.Y.C. rule (James Gordon Bennett Jun. Esq: Vice-Commodore of the New York Yacht Club, Owner). Time 23 days 7 hours CAMBRIA: ENGLISH SCHOONER YACHT, 188 Tons R.T.Y.C. rule 227 6 N.Y.Y.C. rule (James Ashbury Esq. Commodore of the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, Owner). Time 23 days 5 hours 17 minutes & 15 Seconds." The image depicts the two yachts at the starting line. There is a steamship to the right with a puff of smoke from the starting gun. There is a huge number of vessels observing the beginning of this historic race. This race was the precursor to the first America's cup race that was held a few months later in 1870. The fact that Cambria beat the great Yacht Dauntless put alot a fear into the American's regarding the America's chances against her.
Condition: Slight even toning and in very good condition.
Dimensions: Image 17.75" x 25" sight.
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RTYC - Version
(PA-9431) Running Before the Wind Oil on canvas by the English artist, P. Oulness. The painting depicts Cambria running before the wind with square rigged topsails passing Sandy Hook light ship in a fresh breeze. Cambria raced across the Atlantic in the much talked about race beating the American schooner Dauntless. Many feared the results in the upcoming first America's Cup defense giving her recent win and previous successes while racing in England. H 28 3/4, W 45 1/4 inches Collection Royal Thames Yacht Club
https://www.royalharwichyachtclub.co.uk/club-information/history-of-the-club
Above link provides history of RHYC and Cambria race and paintings given.
https://www.royalharwichyachtclub.co.uk/club-information/history-of-the-club
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/415939
