The Run to Block Island
The Sparkman & Stephens yachts Dorade (left) and Sonny (right) are shown in a good breeze, as they sail on a broad reach past Castle Hill Light on Aquidneck Island, Narragansett Bay. Built in 1930 and 1935 respectively, both yachts survived not only the Depression, but also World War II. Their longevity is a testimony to their designer, Olin Stephens and his brother Rod—who oversaw the project, their builders, and especially their owners, who have lovingly cared for these classic beauties. Today it’s not unusual to see the two yachts with similar hulls just over 52 feet, but very different rigs, jousting in the waters off Newport where they have summered for several years, actively competing in numerous yachting events and berthed with other classics at the IYRS docks. Mecray was also a major supporter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and donated one of his limited-edition prints to each of 45 Leukemia Cup regattas held throughout the country as fundraisers. The prints were featured items in the regatta auctions and helped to raise funds for the fight against leukemia/lymphoma. John Mecray’s paintings of the great racing yachts continue to be prized by collectors. Most of his limited editions are now sold out and continue to appreciate on the secondary art market. His powerful images have given us a new perspective and greater appreciation of the classic racing yachts that are his trademark and the lasting images that are his legacy.
Reliance—Herreshoff’s Tour-de-Force
The largest racing sloop that ever sailed was painted here as a full-rigged portrait and published for the Herreshoff Marine Museum. The 143-foot yacht handily beat Sir Thomas Lipton’s Shamrock in the 1903 America’s Cup races off New York.
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SEA HISTORY 164, AUTUMN 2018