Passing the mark boat, 6 metre yachts racing at Cowes Regatta August, 1923

The year 1923 saw three important 6 Meter regattas take place in the United Kingdom; Cowes Week, the British American Cup (both raced at Cowes) and the Seawanhaka Cup (raced on the Clyde river). The large American flag in the foreground of Lot 128 gives the indication that the subject is the British American Cup, a 4 on 4 team race between U.S. and U.K. boats. This would be the third year for this challenge cup and the second sailed on British waters. The U.S.S. Utah was stationed at Cowes during the regatta, and in support of the U.S. team, gave them the use of a launch. Cowes was full of Royalty for the event, and during the various social events the Americans regularly carried on late into the evening, usually led by Sherman Hoyt. He managed to ingratiate himself with Prince Louis Mountbatten without knowing who he was, and then again at a reception on board the H.M.S. Barham with the Duke of York, later King George VI. The American team was represented by the yachts Ingomar, Hawk, Clytie (Clifford D. Mallroy) and Lea (C. Sherman Hoyt); against the UK team of Coila III (K20), Reg (K1), Capelle (K5), Susette (K2). The British team dominated the competition and handily defeated the U.S. team.