signed and dated 'G.F. GERRARD. 1885.' (lower right)
oil on canvas
20 x 30 in. (51 x 76 cm.)

The Edward Burgess-designed Puritan, a 94-foot cutter, defeated Genesta, designed by J. Beavor Webb and owned by Sir Richard Sutton. It was the closest match yet, with Genesta winning the first race after her mainsail was punctured by Puritans lengthy bowsprit. However, Sutton, a noted sportsman, asked that the race be dismissed, not wanting to claim such an easy victory. Puritan then won the next two races, but the second one was the closest race to date: 1 minute, 30 seconds.