Volunteer vs Mayflower: A Pair of Works

The present works depict a trial race before the America's Cup race of 1887, between the Mayflower and the Cup defender Volunteer. Representing the New York Yacht Club, the private signal of Volunteer’s owner Charles J. Paine can be seen from her mast at upper center. Mayflower was the only boat Volunteer raced as preparation before she went on to retain her title as champion, ending the series after winning the first two of the three races against the Scottish challenger Thistle.