RANGER Leads the J-Class Fleet in the Race From Mattapoissett to Edgartown, 1937

oil, 40" x 60"

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Two weeks after “Ranger” had won the America’s Cup, the J Class fleet raced together on the New York Yacht Club Cruise of 1937. The painting depicts a race to Edgartown, not long after the start near Mattapoisett.

“Ranger”, J5, on port tack has just crossed ahead of “Rainbow”, J4 and “Endeavour I”, J K4. “Yankee”, J US2, follows astern of “Ranger”. At the right hand background is “Endeavour II”, the unsuccessful challenger for the 1937 America’s Cup.

Harold Vanderbilt is on the wheel of “Ranger”. Just behind him is his wife, Gertrude. Alongside is his assistant helmsman (skippered “Ranger” downwind) Olin Stephens. Crouching next to Olin Stephens is Zena R. Bliss, the navigator. Arthur Knapp, sail trimmer, is amongst the crew on the windward deck. Rod Stephens, rover (ready for any urgent job) and without a shirt on, is crouching on the leeward deck watching the set of the staysail and quadrilateral jib.

“Ranger” pulled away from the other J Class on the beat to the Vineyard Sounds lightship, rounding over 8 minutes ahead of second placed “Endeavour II”. “Rainbow” pulled out from the race with backstay problems. “Ranger” won the race followed by “Endeavour II”, “Yankee” and “Endeavour I”.