T. O. M. Sopwith at the wheel of Endeavour, with (left) Mrs Sopwith looking anxiously ahead, 1934. Three hands are alert by the lee shifting and running backstays. The mainsheet is in and the great yacht is smoking along to windward and well ahead of what is probably Velsheda (right). The exceptionally long-handled spokes of Endeavour's wheel were probably requested by her owner, who took close interest in her conception, design, construction, rigging and handling. He seemed often to prefer wearing simple, comfortable running clothing, in contrast to the more orthodox dress of many other owners in the class.

This photo was probably taken in Stokes Bay, at the northern shore of Spithead, with the class standing towards the entrance to Portsmouth Harbour, and Endeavour will soon tack as she nears the Spit.

The angle of heel shows that it was but a short step or stumble over the lee side: such a slip was a disgrace in those hotly contested races, where it meant certain loss of the chance of a prize, and in some cases probably death, as many of the racing skippers and hands could not swim, though they were outstanding seamen.