Battle of the Js, Endeavour vs Velsheda, 1934

In 1934 a number of special races were arranged between the New J Class Yacht Endeavour  JK4, built to the design of Charles Nicholson for  T.O.M Sopwith and the J Class Velsheda JK7 also designed by Charles Nicholson for Bill Stephenson, the owner of Woolworths.  Endeavour had been built with the express purpose of challenging for the Americas Cup of 1934 but the New York Yacht Club allowed for the substitution of Velsheda as the challenger should Endeavour prove to be slower than Velsheda built in 1933.

A number of special trial races where organised between the two owners. This painting depicts the second trial race organised by the Lymington Yacht Club. The race was a 15 mile beat to windward and return from a start line off the Needles. Velsheda got the better start with Endeavour on her windward quarter. However Endeavour quickly proved her superior speed to windward and rounded the windward mark first  before running home the clear winner. The painting depicts the key moment in the thrash to windward when Endeavour splits tacks and crosses Velsheda's bow as she begins to open up a clear lead.