"Sheet 'Em In Lads" by New Zealand Artist Jim Bolland

In this painting Harold S.Vanderbilt’s 1937 America’s Cup defender “Ranger” has just swept majestically around the leeward mark of the third race of what was destined to be the last contest for the ‘Auld Mug’ before the outbreak of World War II.

This truly dominant J Class yacht was; at this stage of the race; at least three minutes ahead of the British challenger; the “Endeavor II.” But the crew of the defending yacht were keeping to their high work rate to ensure that the next day would see their fourth consecutive win and ensure that the Cup would remain at the New York Yacht Club.

The J Class were beautiful big brutes that relied on much physical effort and crew skill to trim their huge sails. Vanderbilt brought a new meaning to crew efficiency and his three America’s Cup victories owed a lot to the skill of his crew and their attitude of co-operation. There was no ‘them and us’ attitude between the after guard and the rest of the crew. RANGER was not only the greatest but also sadly; the last of the beautiful J Class.

Oil on canvas board; framed: 47½ x 33 "