Yacht America, a 20x200 Vintage Edition
8"x10" ($24) | 11"x14" ($60) | 16"x20" ($240) | 24"x30" ($800)
Get you a breton striped shirt and a yearning for yacht life—we’ll bring the boat. It’s the season for seaside escapades. Whether your beach is in Queens, SoCal or Sandusky, Ohio, chances are you’re feeling some sorta pull toward sand and waves, (probably more than your PTO allots for). Our nautical new Vintage Edition will satisfy your seafaring fantasies, actual sailing acumen optional. Yacht America is a circa 1850 black & white stunner that’ll serve you straight into summer.
Once Yacht America sets sail for your walls it’s game over—the sailboat in this image has a history of winning. We’ve editioned a number of beauteous boat images, and they’re all winners, but there’s a seriously compelling story behind the vessel pictured in Yacht America. Who took the photograph is a mystery. While we know a photographer working for Detroit Publishing Company captured this shot, there's no record of who precisely. But we know this for sure: in what was a rather remarkable upset, this boat named America won the Royal Yacht Squadron’s regatta a whopping eighteen minutes ahead of the curve.
A race 53 miles around the Isle of Wight, the British regatta was issued as a challenge from the commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron. The New York Yacht Club seized the opportunity to show off their shipbuilding skills, to rep the US of A, and to take home a pretty penny by competing in yacht racing. And boy did America deliver.
The British yachting community had been following the construction of America with interest and some trepidation. America was designed by George and James Rich Steers using a specific combination of traditional and modern techniques—an equation for excellent speed. At the official Squadron members-only regatta on August 22, 1851, America dealt with a fouled anchor at the outset and was well behind when she finally got underway. Within just half an hour, she held 5th place. In the hands of captain Richard Brown, America pulled even further ahead, winning with an unprecedented 18-minute lead. Supposedly, while watching the race, Queen Victoria asked who was second. The famous reply: “There is no second, your Majesty.”
After this incredible performance, America was sold to various British owners until she returned to the United States in 1860. In 1862, she was taken by Union soldiers, and served the United States Navy in the Civil War, armed with bronze cannons. In one crucial battle, the actions of America resulted in the destruction of the Georgiana, the most powerful Confederate cruiser. It was a critical win for the United States Navy.
Collect this edition for its fascinating history, its dreamy vintage maritime vibes, or because it’s the closest you may come to owning a yacht. Whatever floats your boat! No matter what, a classic black & white image of this caliber will anchor your art collection for years to come.
With art for everyone,
Jen Bekman + Team 20x200
