Montague Dawson R.S.M.A., F.R.S.A.

Frost & Reed, London

STRUCTURE The canvas is original and unlined. The paint surface is in good, clean condition; ready to hang. ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT UV light reveals no sign of retouching; good original condition. FRAME Held in the original plaster moulded frame in fair condition. For more information regarding this picture please contact the Victorian & Edwardian Pictures Department on +44 (0)207 293 5718
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Gretel II was owned by the Sydney newspaper magnate Sir Frank Packer, designed by Alan Payne and built by William H. Barnett in 1970.  Her predecessor Gretel, also owned by Packer, had challenged on behalf of the Sydney Yacht Squadron for the America's Cup in 1962.  This was the first time since the competition's inauguration in 1851 that the Cup had been competed for by a country other than Britain, America and, on two occasions, Canada.  Gretel lost to Weatherley, who was owned by Henry D. Merce and designed by Philip Rhodes, but the margin of defeat was so narrow that Packer was determined to challenge again and his opportunity came in 1970.

The New York yacht club decided that the Olin Stephens-designed Intrepid would defend the cup that she had won in 1967 after defeating another Australian yacht Dame Pattie.  Modifications were made however which meant that she and Gretel II were very evenly matched; Intrepid displaced 32.5 tons, measured 64.5 feet and had a beam of 12.25 feet while Gretel II displaced 31.5 tons, was 62 feet in length and a 12.5 foot beam.  Both yachts flew 1750 feet of sail.

The crews lined up for the first race on 15th September 1970.  Gretel II got off to a disastrous start when a tangled sail resulted in a broken spinnaker thus gifting Intrepid an easy victory.  Gretel II won the second race on 20th September but celebrations were short-lived as she was disqualified for barging at the start.  Wins were shared in the third and fourth race but Intrepid won a conclusive victory in the final race on 28th September to clinch one of the closest series in the Cup's history.