America’s Cup
This oldest sporting competition has enthralled over the years since 1851 when the schooner America beat the finest British yachts around the Isle of Wight. So many fine racing machines have since been produced which have provided a wonderful spectacle as well as exciting competition.
Sadly it is no longer possible to see any of these fine old yachts with the notable exception of the resurgence of the fabulous J Class yachts from the 1930’s. Next year possibly as many as 10 of these beautiful yachts will be racing together.
However I can make a marquetry representation of any of the America’s Cup defenders or challengers, either alone or together with a half model, and these do illustrate their wonderful spreads of canvas. A wide choice of woods and veneers can be used to produce a work that would grace any room or cabin. A variety of combinations can be provided – an example could be a matched set of the five Shamrocks either separately or on a single background.
The example below shows Shamrock III, Sir Thomas Lipton's third challenger designed by William Fife III. She set the largest sail area in the competition at over 16,000 square feet, but was beaten by the American yacht Reliance, designed by Nat Hereshoff.