The schooner yacht America passing the Royal Yacht Victoria & Albert (I) at Cowes

Details

William Henry Bishop (b.1942)
The schooner yacht America passing the Royal Yacht Victoria & Albert (I) at Cowes
signed and dated 'W.H. Bishop./'85'.' (lower left)
oil on canvas
21 x 36 in. (53.4 x 91.5 cm.)

Special notice

This lot is offered without reserve. Artist's Resale Right ("Droit de Suite"). Artist's Resale Right Regulations 2006 apply to this lot, the buyer agrees to pay us an amount equal to the resale royalty provided for in those Regulations, and we undertake to the buyer to pay such amount to the artist's collection agent. VAT rate of 5% is payable on hammer price and at 15% on the buyer's premium

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Lot Essay

Arguably the most celebrated racing yacht ever built, America was commissioned by a syndicate of New York businessmen who engaged George Steers to design them a schooner based upon the lines of the city's distinctive pilot boats. Launched on 3rd May 1851, she measured 95 feet in length and was constructed of five different woods, mostly white oak. She left American waters in June and, after a brief call at Le Havre, arrived at Cowes on 1st August where she caused an immediate sensation. The now famous race for which the Royal Yacht Squadron had put up a handsome new Hundred Guinea Cup took place amidst great excitement on 22nd August 1851. Commencing at 10 o'clock, the fifty-eight mile course was around the Isle of Wight and, after a disappointing start, America took the lead at 11.30. She crossed the finishing line at 8.37 that evening, eight minutes ahead of the nearest challenger and, in that instant, achieved the fame which was to remain hers long after her timbers had perished away.

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