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VAGRANT, OHONKARA, MARRIETTE of BOSTON, QUEEN MAB, ENCHANTRESS, FLYING
CLOUD, IROLITA, SONNICA, all these famous yachts and others, made
their mark during the grand years of the big schooners, but my painting “THE
SUMMER OF ‘26” features the two yachts that played a
major part in the development of the schooner rig.
In the scene depicted, ADVANCE alters course and trim to defend her
position against the advancing and larger WILDFIRE during the Astor
Cup race of 1926. WILDFIRE appears to be responding to the luff by
ADVANCE, but her full-cut ‘fisherman’ staysail is not enjoying
the change in course.
ADVANCE finished far enough up in the 17-boat fleet to save her time
and win the event, but was subsequently disqualified. Whether the event
portrayed was she downfall in this race is not known, but it is known
that like most successful yachts throughout history, she was aggressively
campaigned and finished the 1926 season at the top of the prize winners
list. |
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© 2007 Jim Bolland – All rights reserved
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