The Yacht America at Freshwater Bay shows the yacht “America” during the first Cup race on August 22, 1851 at Freshwater Bay passing the Royal Yacht “Victoria and Albert I”. By the mid-19th century, yachting had become a favorite diversion of wealthy noblemen on the European continent. In 1850, a syndicate of New York Yacht Club members decided to build a racing yacht to contend with British yachts that routinely raced against one another. Constructed in the William H. Brown shipyard in New York City, the yacht, “America”, was launched on May 3, 1851. At 10 a.m. on August 22, 1851, fifteen yachts lined up to race around the Isle of Wight; a distance of 53 miles. “America” got off to a slow start, due to a fouled anchor. But within half an hour, she was in fifth place and gaining rapidly on the leaders. Completely outdistancing all of her competitors, the “America” won the race shortly after 6 p.m. Legend said that while watching the conclusion, “America” well in the lead, Queen Victoria asked who was second. She supposedly received this famous reply: "There is no second, your Majesty." The painting shows the ship sailing on the last stretch to the Needles; various vessels with spectators are also shown.