Locked down in Dublin and glued to the America’s Cup coming from Auckland, artist, Pete Hogan has been watching a lot of the preliminary action on his computer. Inevitably, such a sailfest inspired the round the world sailor to paint what he saw in his usual wonderful style (below) and to provide some useful commentary on the eve of the Cup in New Zealand.
The competition for the oldest trophy in international sport that dates back to 1851 begins on Wednesday.
The 36th America's Cup will be contested on the inner Hauraki Gulf, off Auckland, between the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Circolo Della Vela Sicilia of Italy.
‘Steinlager’ - For obvious reasons the spectator fleet of this AC has been restricted. Normally there is a stellar cast of camp followers lining the race track. Superyachts, interesting yachts, gorilla advertising, camp followers, celebs. Here in the background, we have Steinlager, the most successful ocean racer ever built
‘Carbon’ - Everything is black. Carbon everywhere, interspersed with precision markings, graphics and branding. The simple, stark, simplicity of Luna Rossa gets my vote. Italians are nothing if not stylish.
‘Crossing’ - With the boats travelling at 40 knots it would not be much good attending the event. Even with a good camera. So the online coverage is essential. Celebrated marine artist JMW Turner might have lashed himself to the mast to sketch the storm. Were he alive today, he would be lashed to his computer?
‘Hook’ - The Start. The boats are exciting but if you don’t win the start, chances are, it's game over. The race becomes a procession. But then, that's the America’s Cup
‘Foils’ - Are these boats really sailing boats? The Americas Cup gives them legitimacy and I am sure a foiling class bigger than the Moths must be in the works. The foilers are not going to go away.
’Rangitoto’ The modern city or the island of Rangitoto provides the backdrop to the racing. The lighthouse on Rangitoto dates from 1882. Auckland is about the size of Dublin and NZ has the same population as Ireland. Could all this happen in Dublin Bay someday?
The intention is to work these sketches into larger paintings on canvas. Above is the first effort.
Enjoy the racing. May the best boat (from Italy!) win.
Pete Hogan. Irish Artist. www.phogan.com
All the above paintings are for sale.
Contact the artist: [email protected]
