James E. Buttersworth’s most sought-after artworks emerge from his depictions of American racing yachts going head to head in the major regattas and cup races of their heyday. Positioned in New York, he diligently captured pivotal matches during the nascent years and zenith of the sport. One of these was the subject of this painting- the Cape May Cup Race, a $1,000 prize match co-sponsored by the New York Yacht Club as a precursor to the America’s Cup later in the season.

The inaugural event on July 5th, 1871 saw 12 schooners and three sloops sail, the race having been delayed due to fog on the intended Independence Day start the day before. The racers started at a point off hotels on the Iron Pier at Cape May, then raced to the Five Fathom Lightship, then to a stake boat and buoy, finishing up back at the starting line.

Buttersworth’s focus here is on the race’s top three finishers –the large center yacht is the race’s winner, schooner SAPPHO. To her left, the sloop GRACIE, and to her right, schooner DAUNTLESS. As the yachts set sail, their crews navigated the unpredictable winds, currents, and waves that characterized the course. The race was as much a test of strategy and seamanship as it was a demonstration of technological prowess.

Buttersworth portrays this magnificently, with crews active on all three ships with outstanding details throughout but with SAPPHO’s crew on center stage, hard at work to adjust sails and rigging to take best advantage of the winds. The sky is equally dramatic with dark purple giving way to brilliant warm sunlight, fading into blue skies and his trademark intricately layered cloud formations. The sea possesses an undulating wave pattern, the currents requiring the yachtsmen to employ their full repertoire of skills to attain peak speed and emerge victorious.

SAPPHO crossed the 39 mile course in slightly over six hours, securing her lead a notable seven minutes ahead of the infamous DAUNTLESS, owned by J. Gordon Bennett. The race’s popularity prompted the introduction of a formal cup in the subsequent season. It also contributed to the establishment of the Corinthian Yacht Club in Cape May, in conjunction with its Philadelphia counterpart. This era in yacht racing history carries immense significance, and only a handful of artists were present to document it. Among them, James Edward Buttersworth’s depictions stand unparalleled in their quality and accuracy.

Unfortunately the signature on this painting was lost in early restoration. We 100% authenticate this painting and will provide a certificate of authenticity upon purchase. Housed in a quality 22k period style frame.