“A Desperate Battle: Yankee Vies to Defend the Cup, 1934”

By Russ Kramer
Oil on Linen, 28″ x 44″

The America’s Cup trials of 1934 were closer than any before or since. YANKEE, the Boston syndicate boat, under owner Chandler Hovey and helmed by Charles Frances Adams, had the upper hand throughout the Summer. But, after Mike Vanderbilt ordered RAINBOW to be re-ballasted, she soon drew even in matches. All tied up going into the final race, RAINBOW would win it by a single second, and when chosen over YANKEE to defend, it was a crushing blow to the team from Marblehead.

History

Launched May 10, 1930. Yankee Syndicate: John Lawrence, Charles Francis Adams, Chandler Hovey. Spruce original mast. Tobin bronze plating. Triple-headed rig. Defense Trials, 1934, modified including bow entry, slightly longer waterline, and increased sail area. Nearly beat out Rainbow for 1934 Defender. Sold to Gerard Lambert, 1935. Sailed to England, 1935 (only US J to do so), racing Lambert’s schooner Atlantic and winning by 17 hours. Raced in England, took eight first-place finishes in 32 races. Defense Trials, 1937, tested single-headed rig, mast step moved forward, lowered center of ballast, larger mainsail. Sold for scrap by Lambert (reportedly for $10,000) in April, 1941, Fall River, MA, with proceeds donated to war effort.

This painting was first exhibited at the 2009 Modern Marine Masters show at The Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport, April 2009, and was sold into private collection.