‡Stephen J. Renard (b.1947) Britannia leading White Heather off the Needles Signed

‡Stephen J. Renard (b.1947) Britannia leading White Heather off the Needles Signed, also titled verso Oil on canvas 91.5 x 152.5cm; 36 x 60in Britannia was undoubtedly the most famous of all the large yachts. Built in 1893 for the Prince of Wales she had an unparalleled career of 43 years and over 600 races, of which she won 240. Her longevity was aided by the total re-fit she received in 1921 from George V, her new owner, and she successfully competed against the modern yachts of the 20's. The J Class yachts after 1930 were tougher competition but she was spared a slow decline as King George V stipulated in his will that she should be scuttled on his death. This was duly carried out on the southern tip of the Isle of Wight on 10th July 1936. White Heather was built in 1907 for Mr. Myles Kennedy by William Fife, at Fairlie in Scotland. She was re-fitted in 1930 to compete with the J Class yachts. She also had a long and successful career and was broken up in 1936 when J Class racing started to go into decline.