Description
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by Steven Dews
Paper Size: 22 x 30 ins / 56 x 76 cm
Image Size: 18 x 26 ins / 46 x 66 cm
Limited Edition of 95 copies Each print is accompanied by a certificate, which is numbered, and then signed by the Master Printer
This magnificent painting shows Westward leading the ‘Big Class’ on the Solent, one of the most challenging stretches of coastline for sailing.
The 323-ton Westward was built by Nat Herreshoff on Rhode Island in 1910 for Alexander Cochran. With a hand-picked crew of 31 men, she was initially commanded by one of the most famous racing skippers of all time, Captain Charlie Barr.
Alexander Cochran was an avid yachtsman, and had already owned several exceptional yachts. He was inspired to approach Nathanael Herreshoff to build his new schooner because of the performance of the Americas Cup contender, Defender, which Herreshoff had designed and constructed. Prominent in the world of yacht design for 75 years, Captain Natê Herreshoff is now perhaps the best known of all American yacht builders.
Captain Barr declared at the launching of the 160ft schooner, Sheês a wonder, and the press celebrated her launch as the new Herreshoff Flyer. Only a month after her launch, she sailed to Europe to challenge the worldês most formidable schooners in their back yard and she won all 11 of her starts during her first season.
Westward was purchased by T B Davis in 1924 and with her huge sail area and Davisês hand on the wheel, she took some beating.
In July 2010, the inaugural Westward Cup Regatta was held on the Solent, which was organised by three of most prestigious yacht clubs in the world, namely the Royal Yacht Squadron, the New York Yacht Club and Yacht Club de Monaco. Initiated by the owner of Eleonora, a replica of Westward, which was made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Westwardês launch, the event replicated the style, class and atmosphere of the period when Westward and the Big Class yachts first raced in Cowes, the birthplace of elegant racing during the 1920s and 30s.
