Crossing the Line, Shamrock V Leading Enterprise, America’s Cup, 1930, Third Race, September 17, 1930

oil, 30” x 40”

$65,000

The painting depicts the America’s Cup defender Enterprise, and challenger Shamrock V, at the start of the third race of the 1930 America’s Cup Race. Both yachts started on starboard tack, Enterprise to leeward of Shamrock, the 13-knot breeze off Newport, RI was ideal for racing. This is the moment the two yachts cross the line with the America’s Cup buoy visible on Shamrock’s windward bow. Shamrock’s owner Sir Thomas Lipton is shown in the ideal position to witness this exciting start from his steam yacht Erin also off Shamrock’s bow.

The race then developed in a dramatic fashion, two minutes after the start, Enterprise tacked quickly to take advantage of the fact that most of Shamrock’s crew were engaged in trimming the main sheet after tacking, and Enterprise gained substantially by the maneuver. Shamrock did not relish tacking into the head sea as they beat out to the windward mark. Forty minutes into the race her main peak halyard parted, forcing her to retire. Enterprise in accordance with the race instructions carried on alone to take the race and go three up in the best of seven race series. Enterprise went on to win the fourth and final race the following day and retained the America’s Cup.

Astern of Enterprise can be seen J P Morgan’s steam yacht Corsair IV, then the largest steam yacht in the world and behind her, Nourmahal, the Flag ship of the New York Yacht Club. On the extreme left is the U.S. Kelly on of numerous destroyers and Coast Guard cutters detailed with keeping the course clear for the racers.