AMERICAN SCHOOL (late 19th century) THE GREAT TRANSATLANTIC YACHT RACE watercolor and gouache; inscribed Vesta, Herietta and Fleetwing;  sight: 20 x 30 inches; Note: R. J. Schaefer, in his  book "J.E. Buttersworth, 19th century Marine Painter", states  that the Great Race carried a prize of $90,000 with each  participant putting up $30,000. The Henrietta was owned by James  Bennett, the Vesta was owned by Pierre Lorillard and the Fleetwing  was owned by George and Franklin Osgood. Henrietta was first to  finish off the Needles, Isle of Wight on Christmas Day. At one  point during the race, tragedy struck when the Fleetwing was pooped  and lost six of it's men overboard. James Buttersworth was so taken  by the race, he painted several renditions of it. (Schaefer, R. J.  "J.E. Buttersworth, 19th Century Marine Painter", Mystic, CT, 1975,  p. 154)