Birth of the J Class

Whirlwind wins the start

oil on canvas 30x40 inches

Available Cavalier Galleries

Whirlwind wins the start

Oil on canvas 30x40 inches

 I

The painting depicts the start of the second race on Long Island sound of the J Class. June 12th 1930. The race included 3 of the 4 new J class yachts built to defend the 1930 America’s Cup against Sir Thomas Liptons 5th challenger Shamrock V.

Whirlwind makes the best start giving Enterprise some dirty air whilst Weetamoe heels to the breeze down to Leeward. The two older boats Vanitie and Resolute tack after the start in search of a better breeze over on the Long Island shore.

Shortly after the start Enterprise makes a quick tack to clear her air before coming back on Whirlwinds weather qtr. With clean air and pointing higher than Whirlwind she gains the lead which she holds around the course closely pressed by Weetamoe.