I have recently completed a commission for famed yacht designer, Ron Holland. His love of sail goes back to childhood and he especially respects and admires the great clipper ships and their crews.

The unbelievably fast tea races that captured the hearts of every Englishman are of special interest – the first ship to reach London made a fortune for the owner and ship’s crew. The ships sailed so well that up to six of them could arrive at the London dock on the same tide. That must have been an incredible thing to see!

In my painting I have attempted to show the size and power of these vessels which would have every line straining to breaking point and sails threatening to explode as the crews push their ships to the limit.