- 85
John Steven Dews b. 1949
Estimate
50,000 - 70,000 GBP
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Description
- John Steven Dews
- Vigilant, Britannia and Marjorie, Clyde Week 1894
- signed l.l.:John Steven Dews
- oil on canvas
- 101.5 by 152.5cm.; 46 by 60in.
Catalogue Note
On the July 5th 1894 Britannia and Vigilant met on the Clyde for a race from Hunters Quay twice round the Skelmorlie, Ascog and Kilceggan mark and back to the starting line to finish. A cup would be presented to the winner by Her Majesty Queen Victoria. However, fo the result to qualify, three yachts were required to fulfill the RYA race rules. The problem was solved by the entry of a small cutter called Marjorie. She was hopelessly outclassed but enabled the big cutters to start.
The weather on the Clyde was perfect for the race, being a light to moderate Southerly. Britannia took the lead from the start but Vigilant kept her under pressure and on some occasions even drew level, with both yachts reaching speeds of over 12 knots. Marjorie quickly dropped astern and retired. In the final couple of miles Vigilant actually overtook Britannia and was first over the line by 67 seconds. Despite being first past the post she had to give Britannia a time allowance due measurement differences and Britannia was therefore declared the winner of The Queen's Cup.
The weather on the Clyde was perfect for the race, being a light to moderate Southerly. Britannia took the lead from the start but Vigilant kept her under pressure and on some occasions even drew level, with both yachts reaching speeds of over 12 knots. Marjorie quickly dropped astern and retired. In the final couple of miles Vigilant actually overtook Britannia and was first over the line by 67 seconds. Despite being first past the post she had to give Britannia a time allowance due measurement differences and Britannia was therefore declared the winner of The Queen's Cup.