Whirlwind

oil on panel 8.5x15inches

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Whirlwind oil on panel 8.5×15

Whirlwind

Oil on Panel 8.5x15inches 

Whirlwind — J Class, 1930

This studio painting brings us close to Whirlwind’s crew as she drives through a lively sea. The low viewpoint draws attention to her distinctive deck houses, the action on deck and the foaming water along her hull.

Designed by L. Francis Herreshoff and built by George Lawley & Son of Boston for a syndicate led by Paul Hammond and Landon K. Thorne, Whirlwind was one of four American yachts competing for selection to defend the America’s Cup in 1930.

Her distinctive double-ended hull and double timber planking over steel frames set her apart from Enterprise, Weetamoe and Yankee. Unlike those three rivals, she carried no centreboard. The season brought continuing experiments with sails and rig, including a July visit to City Island to move her mast forward. Enterprise ultimately secured the defender’s place.

Principal particulars

  • Racing number: 3

  • Length overall: 130 ft

  • Waterline length: 86 ft

  • Beam: 21 ft 7 in

  • Draft: 15 ft 6 in

  • Displacement: 158 tons

  • Sail area: 7,550 sq ft

  • Construction: Double timber planking over steel frames

  • Figures reported in Scientific American, September 1930:

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