“A MILLION DOLLAR BREEZE”

By Russ Kramer
Oil on canvas, 44” x 27”

Mike Vanderbilt’s great J-boat RANGER takes the start ahead of ENDEAVOUR II in the third race of the America’s Cup of 1937. RANGER, who’s afterguard included the young duo of Rod and Olin Stephens, was unbeatable. Redbook magazine wrote of her, “The wind that fills my riggin’… is a million dollar breeze … And I only go-a-sailing … in the most exclusive seas.”

History

Design based on Burgess’s scheme derived from models tested in Stevens Institute towing-tank during partnership work with Olin Stephens; final design has elements of both men’s ideas; design lines established by August, 1936; keel laid December, 1936; cost $500,000; steel hull, flush riveted; heat-treated steel rod shrouds; translucent bakelite deck inserts; lost mast on delivery cruise off Cape Cod; replaced with new in 21 days; used wheel, rigging and sails salvaged from Rainbow and Enterprise (same No. 1 main was used on all three); Launched May 11, 1937; Bath Iron Works Hull # 172; built at cost; funded solely by Vanderbilt; named for US frigate Ranger commanded by John Paul Jones; largest displacement J-Class; Hauled at end of 1937 and never sailed again. Sold for scrap May, 1941, bringing $12,000.

This original painting was first shown at Russ Kramer’s one-man show at the Museum of Yachting in August and then at the 2006 Mystic International exhibition in September at the Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport – where it sold into private collection on opening night.