Valkyrie III bears down on Defender at the start of the second
race of the infamous America's Cup of 1895, her boom swinging over the heads of
Captain Hank Haff, designer Nat Herreshoff and syndicate head C. Oliver Iselin.
In a moment it will snag Defender's topmast shroud, setting off a storm of
controversy.
This painting was first shown at the June 2004
America's Cup Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Newport, RI, honoring Captain
Hank Haff, and will be featured at the 2004 Mystic International Marine Art
Exhibition. The original oil on canvas, measuring 40" x 27", is now in private
collection.
Russ Kramer writes: “I was so inspired by Nat
Herreshoff's first-hand account of this incident, describing how C. Oliver
Iselin hollered “we will hold our course!” to Valkyrie III as her boom swung
directly over the heads of those onboard Defender. What a sight that must have
been! So I wanted to put us right on deck, as if we were eyewitnesses to 'The
Foul' as it happened. It is perhaps the most infamous incident in the history of
the America's Cup, due entirely to Valkyrie owner Lord Dunraven's strident poor
sportsmanship after the fact.”
NOTES AMERICA-SCOOP :