Enterprise vs Resolute

Long Is Sound May 1930

oil on panel 8x12inches

Private collection

Enterprise vs Resolute

Oil on panel 8.5x15inches

 Enterprise was the first of the 4 new J class yachts built to defend the 1930 America’s Cup against Sir Thomas Liptons Shamrock V.

Resolute the successful defender of the 1920 America’s Cup was rerigged to act as a trial horse for Enterpise, The meeting of the two yachts was looked upon with a keen interest as many belived the new J class yachts would not be able to hold therir own against the older Yachts like Resolute and Vanitie. The early races soon proved the Enterprise was considerably faster than both the older yachts.

Enterprise was the shortest of the new J’s. It was thought by her designer that a shorter water line would best suit the light to moderate conditions expected of Newport during the Cup races. She did indeed prove fast in light conditions and her underwater profile made her quick in stays.

During the season she had a very close battle for selection with Weetamoe, Weetamoe proving the early favourite. However, bit by bit new improvements were made to her including a new light weight duralimin mast, bar rigging, improved winches and finally the famous Park Ave boom. These improvements had the hoped-for effect and Enterprise finally was selected over Weetamoe to defend the Cup.

 Enterprise was known as the Mechanical ship with all her stays, shrouds and runners being set up below decks and operated by the “Black Gang. The Black Gang operated below decks throughout the race and responded to orders relayed to them from a crewman stationed between decks

 The 1930 Americas Cup races proved a disappointment as Shamrock V was hopelessly out classed and never looked like winning a race.

 Changes were made to the rule for the 1934 Americas Cup relating to minimum mast weight and the requirement of full internal cabins and fittings. In addition, the rule required that all rigging must be tended and worked on deck not below. These changes to the rule meant Enterprise with her small hull would not be competitive and she was accordingly not fitted out to defend the Cup in 1934.

 in 1935 Enterprise was broken up