John Steven Dews (British, born 1949)
'Sceptre and Evaine off East Cowes Castle, 1958'
signed 'J Steven Dews' (lower left); inscribed with title (verso)
oil on canvas
61.3 x 92.1cm (24 1/8 x 36 1/4in).
Together with 10 black and white photographs (6 unframed) depicting Sceptre and her crew, with some shown off New York; a printed plan of Sceptre; a silver presentation tray made by Alfredo Sciarrotta, Newport Rhode Island circa 1958, engraved 'SCEPTRE / AMERICA'S CUP CHALLENGER / SEPTEMBER 1958 / PRESENTED BY CITY OF NEWPORT, R.I.', length 25cm, weight 13.5oz. (13)
Footnotes:
Provenance
Private collection, UK.

The 12-metre yacht Sceptre, depicted on the right with sail number 'K17', was especially built for the 17th America's Cup in 1958 as the British challenger. She was entirely funded by a syndicate made up of 12 members of the Royal Yacht Squadron, with Hugh L. Goodson as Chairman, who made the formal challenge for the Cup in April 1957. Prior to this, there had not been a challenge in almost twenty years. Furthermore, the 17th America's Cup would be the first competition since the Deed of Gift* was amended in 1956, allowing yachts as small as the 12-metre class to take part.

Designed by David Boyd and built in Alexander Robertson & Son's yard in Holy Lock, Sceptre was launched in April 1958. She started preliminary sailing almost at once. Evaine, the best existing 12-metre, was lent by Owen Aisher to be the sparring partner to help tune up Sceptre in preparation for the challenge. The present work depicts one of the many sea trials Sceptre faced against Evaine on the Solent through the late spring and early summer of 1958.

Sceptre was eventually shipped to America for the Cup series commencing in September 1958 at Newport, Rhode Island. Unfortunately, Sceptre lost the challenge 4-0 to Columbia of the New York Yacht Club. Despite the loss, the 1958 challenge renewed interest in the America's Cup, which has remained until this day. Sir Ben Ainslie, the British Olympic medallist, along with Ineos Team UK are currently preparing for the next challenge, which will take place in Barcelona in 2024.

After the 1958 challenge Sceptre returned to the UK where she excelled in competitions on the Clyde under the new ownership of Erik Maxwell, who had her extensively modified. She came first in all her races at Torquay and Cowes in 1960. By 1965 Sceptre was still racing, winning 17 races out of 20 entered. Since 1968, Sceptre has been owned by 'The Sceptre Preservation Society' who preserve and maintain her to ensure she remains in the public eye and a part of the UK's sailing heritage. To this date she is believed to be the only UK challenger still sailing in British waters, albeit in a non-competing capacity.

* The Deed of Gift of the America's Cup is the primary instrument that governs the rules to make a valid challenge for the America's Cup and the rules of conduct of the races.
This lot is subject to the following lot symbols: AR
AR Goods subject to Artists Resale Right Additional Premium.