Lot 77: Shane Michael Couch (b.1963)

Shane Michael Couch (b.1963)
Genesta, Irex and Margorie racing during Cowes Week, 1884
signed 'Shane Michael Couch' (lower left)
oil on canvas
12 x 18 in. (30.5 x 45.7 cm.)

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Genesta, a composite cutter designed by J.B. Webb and built by D. & W. Henderson at Glasgow in 1884, was owned by Sir Richard Sutton, Bt., of Benham Park, Berkshire. Constructed from wooden planks upon a steel frame, she was registered at 80 tons gross (75 net) and measured 85 feet in length with a 14 foot beam.

Irex, another composite cutter of 1884, was designed by A. Richardson and built by J.G. Fay & Co. at Southampton for Mr. John Jameson of Malahide, Co. Dublin. Registered at 88 tons gross (74 net), she measured 88 feet in length with a 15 foot beam and carried her original rig for five years, until 1889. That year she was sold to Count Stroganoff of St. Petersburg who not only renamed her Kretchett but also had her re-rigged as a yawl.

Marjorie, also a composite cutter, was built in 1883 by Robert Steele & Co. at Greenock and was owned by Mr. James Coates, Jnr., the heir to the cotton thread fortune. Designed, like the legendary Britannia, by the great G.L. Watson, Marjorie was registered at 72 tons gross (59 net) and measured 79 feet in length with a 14 foot beam.

Marjorie had a disappointing maiden season in 1883 but had greatly improved her form by 1884, so much so that she won ten 'firsts' that year compared to Irex's eight and Genesta's seven. In fact, all three cutters had a marvellous season that summer and enjoyed considerable acclaim wherever they appeared.