Candida, Shamrock, Astra and Valsheda racing off Cowes

Designed and built by Camper & Nicholsons at Gosport in 1928, Astra was a Bermudian-rigged composite cutter of 91 tons and measured 115 feet in length with a 20 foot beam. Originally built for Sir A. Mortimer Singer the inventor of the sewing machine. She was owned in the 1930s by Mr. Hugh Paul who enjoyed much success with her during the so-called 'golden years' yachting. Valsheda was built by Stephenson two years after Shamrock, she was the only British Modern J not made to challenge for the America's cup. She was 83 feet and carried 7,600 square feet of sail. At Southend Velsheda won her first race but, it wasn't until her four consecutive winnings at Clyde that she was considered a contender for the America's cup, winning 20 of the 43 starts. Velsheda is one of the two great yachts from the golden pre-War era that has survived and remained in commission.
Candida was built by the prestigious British yacht builders Camper and Nicholson at Gosport, her LOA was 117.2 ft. and her owner was H. A. Andreae.