"Round The Gybe Mark"

Ref: ROS-GL088

by Steven Dews

Edition Info - A Limited Edition Gouttelette

Reproduction of 50 numbered copies, available on canvas only, supplied with a certificate signed by the artist.

Canvas Size: 34 x 44 ins / 86 x 112 cm

Image Size: 30 x 40 ins / 76 x 102 cm


The 2004 Antigua Classic Regatta brought together the ‘J’ Class Ranger of John Williams and his arch rival, Ronald de Waal's ‘J’ Class yacht, Velsheda. After losing the first race through a poor start, Williams was hoping for a dramatic improvement but, in spite of all the technology, power and muscle of Ranger, they miscalculated the start and allowed Velsheda to escape and take the lead to win. On the third day of racing, the breeze had strengthened to 25 knots and, with a tight start line, a dramatic start was guaranteed. Velsheda was forced to sail through a dangerously small gap of 4 feet between the committee boat and another much smaller yacht, Vittfarne, which was sailing in a different class. Ranger stayed well clear to take and maintain the lead until the gybe mark which, taken wide, left enough room for Velsheda to squeeze through and lead to the finish. However, having not established an overlap before taking the inside course at the gybe mark, Velsheda had broken the race rules and took a penalty. Also, she had inadvertently touched the gybe mark and would therefore be penalized, which would allow Ranger to win on handicap. The overall results were 2 - 1 to Velsheda, who was therefore victorious on handicap