Lot 995: THE BRIG "WATERWITCH" OF THE ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON. ATTRIBUTED TO MILES WALTERS (BRITISH 1774-1849).

THE BRIG "WATERWITCH" OF THE ROYAL YACHT SQUADRON. ATTRIBUTED TO MILES WALTERS (BRITISH 1774-1849). Built in 1832 by White's at East Cowes for Lord Belfast, the Waterwitch's innovative design did much to advance naval ship performance. From the day of her launching, she outsailed every vessel of her size and many larger boats. Her most famous race was in 1834 when Lord Belfast wagered 1,000 pounds that Waterwitch would beat "any square-rigger afloat" in a race around the Eddystone Light. The race with the Galatea was sailed in a full gale; Waterwitch won hands down. Following the contest, Waterwitch was acquired by the British Admiralty and put into service as a 'chaser' of slave traders on the West African coast. Oil on canvas, 26 x 42 inches.
Est. $14,000-$18,000