Admiral’s Cup Carina Leads 1969 by Brian Mays Cross Channel Yacht Race off Cowes

Description

Large Traditional Marine Oil Painting – “Admiral’s Cup Carina Leads 1969” by Brian Mays – Cross Channel Yacht Race off Cowes, Isle of Wight

Subject & Medium:

Make a bold nautical statement with this exceptional marine oil painting, depicting the legendary Admiral’s Cup Race of 1969 off the coast of Cowes, Isle of Wight. Titled “Admiral’s Cup – Carina Leads 1969”, this dramatic seascape shows the renowned yacht Carina surging ahead across choppy waters, with spinnakers ballooning in the wind like great sails.

Above, the sky opens in hues of blue and soft white, giving both energy and atmosphere to the composition. The movement of the boats and texture of the sea are powerfully conveyed, making this a standout piece for collectors of maritime history.

Medium: Oil on canvas
Title (inscribed verso): “Admirals Cup Carina Leads 1969”
Signed: By Brian Mays (lower corner & verso inscription)
Date: Circa 1970s
Frame: Original decorative giltwood frame

Composition & Technique:

Painted in a dynamic realist maritime style, this large seascape captures the energy and spectacle of the 1969 Admiral’s Cup. The yacht Carina dominates the composition, leading a competitive fleet through choppy green and navy waters under a vibrant blue sky streaked with white clouds.

The artist uses a vivid, natural palette:

Sea tones range from emerald and deep blue to foamy white.
Sails glow with ivory and soft ochre, curved like inflated wings.
The sky blends light blue, grey, and hints of sunlit warmth.
Brushwork is varied and intentional:

The water is rendered with bold, textured strokes for movement.
The sails and vessels are painted with clean, precise lines.
The background softens with gentle blending to create depth.
This composition is both atmospheric and focused, giving a sense of realism, motion, and yachting grandeur with clarity and confidence.

About the Artist – Brian Mays (1938–2005):

Born in Hull, East Yorkshire, a historic hub for British marine artists, Brian Mays brought firsthand sea experience to his work. Having served as a fisherman aboard Arctic trawlers, he developed a deep understanding of maritime life and seafaring conditions.

Later in life, while working in the family business, Mays devoted himself to painting—specialising in yacht racing and traditional marine scenes. His works have been sold through prestigious venues such as Sotheby’s and remain highly collectible among nautical and historical art collectors worldwide.

About the Race – Admiral’s Cup, 1969:

Held in Cowes by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, the Admiral’s Cup was once considered the unofficial world championship of offshore yacht racing. In 1969, eleven nations competed.

The U.S. team included Red Rooster, Carina, and Palawan III, with Carina designed by McCurdy & Rhodes and skippered by Dick Nye. The Americans triumphed in the decisive Fastnet Race, with Red Rooster finishing first in a field of 140 yachts—securing the U.S. its second Admiral’s Cup victory.

This painting immortalises that moment: Carina leads confidently across the Channel, emblematic of teamwork, design brilliance, and sailing history.

Frame:

Housed in its original decorative giltwood frame, with elegant moulding that enhances the drama and traditional elegance of the marine scene.

Frame Dimensions:

Height: 66 cm
Width: 91 cm
Depth: 4 cm
Fitted with hanging thread – ready to display.

Provenance:

From the artist’s family collection, notable northern shire auction house, now offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, specialists in historic maritime and fine British art.

Why You’ll Love It:

Original oil painting by marine artist Brian Mays (1938–2005)
Commemorates the historic 1969 Admiral’s Cup yacht race
Rich colour palette and expressive brushwork
Captures movement, competition, and nautical tradition
Ideal statement piece for home, yacht club, or corporate office
Signed and inscribed, with strong provenance

Condition Report:

Painting Surface: In good condition with craquelure and various foxing staining consistent with age
Frame: Presentable vintage condition with minor chips, wear, and paint loss commensurate with use and age



Reserve: $4,590.00

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