Fine Half-block Model of the America’s Cup Yacht Westward

A fine half-block model of the America’s Cup yacht Westward, carved by R. Tubbs and laid up in exotic timbers. The model is mounted on an ebonised elm backboard, the elegant hull form clearly articulated in the traditional half-block presentation. The reverse is signed and date stamped 15.8.95, and the model is executed to a scale of 1:54. The schooner Westward was designed and built by the legendary American naval architect Nathanael Greene Herreshoff, known as “Captain Nat,” and launched in 1910 for the millionaire yachtsman Alexander S. Cochran at Bristol, Rhode Island. Built by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company, Westward was the largest yacht constructed under the 1908 International Rule at the time of her launch. Commanded by the celebrated skipper Captain Charlie Barr, and sailed by a crew of 31 men, she became one of the most dominant and admired racing schooners of the early 20th century, achieving considerable success in European big-class racing. Provenance: Christie’s, South Kensington, November 1995 Private collection Wick Antiques