The J Class Yacht Velsheda and Yanneke Too by John Steven Dews

John Steven Dews
b.1949 | British

The J Class Yacht Velsheda and Yanneke Too Racing in the Millennium Cup, Auckland

Signed "J Steven Dews" (lower left)
Oil on canvas

A master of maritime art, John Steven Dews possesses a remarkable talent for rendering ships at sea with outstanding realism. In the present work, Dews' skillful depiction of dynamic movement is fully evident as he faithfully renders the Velsheda racing against the Yanneke Too during Auckland's Millennium Cup. Imbued with excitement and energy, the oil on canvas captures the exhilaration of ships at full sail, pulling the viewer into the heart-pounding adventure of the race.

One of the fastest racing schooners to ever set sail, the Velsheda was designed and built by Camper & Nicholson in 1933 for W.L. Stephenson, the owner of the famed Woolworths chain. Stephenson named the vessel for his three daughters: Velma, Sheila and Daphne. She quickly became one of the most impressive J class yachts in the world, winning over 40 races in her second year alone and competing against some of the greatest racing boats of their generation, including Brittania, Endeavour and Shamrock. Amazingly, Velsheda continues racing to this day, having been rescued and refitted in 1984 by Terry Brabant, and officially relaunched in 1997.

Born in Yorkshire in 1949, Dews learned his trade at the Hull Regional College of Art after being turned down as a candidate at numerous naval academies. He turned to art to express his love for the sea, eventually building a sizable enough portfolio to mount his first exhibition in 1976. An astounding success, nearly the entire collection was sold on opening night, and Dews received 17 new commissions. Ever since his blockbuster opening, Dews has enjoyed remarkable success and critical acclaim, earning numerous prestigious commissions and awards to this day as one of Britain’s most sought-after living artists. 

Circa 2017

Canvas: 23 3/4" high x 35 5/8" wide
Frame: 29 1/4" high x 41 1/4" wide