🌊 "Regatta Painting Carina Leads" – 1969 Admiral's Cup Yacht Race Oil Painting by Brian Mays – Historic Marine Art off Cowes

🎯 Subject & Medium:

Make a powerful nautical statement with this striking original marine oil painting, commemorating the legendary Admiral’s Cup Race of 1969, held off the shores of Cowes, Isle of Wight. Titled “Admiral’s Cup – Carina Leads 1969”, this dynamic seascape portrays the celebrated yacht Carina racing ahead through lively waters, with billowing spinnakers shaped like great airborne sails.

The sea swells beneath a sky of bright blue and soft cloud, evoking both movement and tension. Mays captures the essence of competitive yacht racing with precision and atmosphere, offering collectors a commanding visual tribute to one of sailing’s most iconic events.

🎨 Medium: Oil on canvas
🖼️ Title (verso): “Admirals Cup Carina Leads 1969”
🖋️ Signed: Lower right & inscribed verso by Brian Mays
🗓️ Date: Circa 1970s
🖼️ Frame: Original giltwood frame with decorative moulding

🎨 Composition & Technique:

Executed in a traditional British realist marine style, this composition captures the adrenaline and rhythm of open-sea racing. At the forefront, Carina commands attention with clean lines and full sails, framed against a vibrant seascape.

✦ Colour Palette:

• Sea: Deep navy, emerald, and foam white

• Sails: Soft ochre, ivory, and sunlit tones

• Sky: Pale blue, soft greys, and hints of warmth

✦ Brushwork:

• Water: Expressive, textural strokes evoke motion

• Yachts & rigging: Rendered with crisp, refined detail

• Sky & background: Softly blended to convey depth

This painting is both atmospheric and visually precise, combining naturalistic colour with dynamic energy to celebrate the beauty and discipline of yacht racing.

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

A proud native of Hull, East Yorkshire, marine artist Brian Mays brought deep personal experience to his works. Having worked aboard Arctic fishing trawlers in the White Sea, Bear Island, and Greenland, he later transitioned from seafarer to professional artist, channelling his knowledge into rich depictions of racing yachts and historic maritime events.

A traditionalist at heart, Mays became especially known for portraying the America’s Cup and the Admiral’s Cup. His paintings are held in private collections worldwide and have appeared in auctions including Sotheby’s, celebrated for their accuracy, motion, and elegance.

⛵ About the Race – Admiral’s Cup, 1969:

The Admiral’s Cup, organised by the Royal Ocean Racing Club, was once regarded as the unofficial world championship of offshore sailing. In 1969, 11 nations competed.

The U.S. team, including Red Rooster, Palawan III, and Carina, won the regatta—thanks in part to Carina’s leadership in the Channel race and Red Rooster’s decisive Fastnet victory. This painting immortalises that pivotal moment, as Carina leads with strength and grace, carving a path through challenging waters just off the coast of Cowes.

🖼️ Frame:

Presented in its original giltwood frame, detailed with period moulding and rich patina—enhancing the marine subject with traditional gallery charm.

📐 Frame Dimensions:

• Height: 66 cm

• Width: 91 cm

• Depth: 4 cm

🪝 Equipped with hanging thread – ready for display.

🏛️ Provenance:

From the artist’s family collection via a respected Northern Shires auction, now curated and offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, specialists in marine and historic British fine art.

💖 Why You’ll Love It:

✅ Original signed work by British marine painter Brian Mays
✅ Captures the 1969 Admiral’s Cup in action with vivid realism
✅ Expressive brushwork and naturalistic colours
✅ Excellent large size for statement display
✅ Ideal for collectors of yachting history or nautical interiors
✅ Provenance direct from the artist’s family

🧾 Condition Report:

🖼️ Painting Surface: Good vintage condition with craquelure and foxing staining in line with age
🖼️ Frame: Structurally sound; shows minor chips, wear, and gilt loss consistent with vintage display

🌍 Worldwide Shipping Available
Professionally packaged and fully insured for safe international delivery.

🖼️ Available exclusively through Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD

📩 Inquire now to secure this unique piece