Sailing down from the New York Yacht Club's Elysian Fields anchorage, the Schooner Yacht HENRIETTA was a source of pride for her owner, James Gordon Bennett Jr. and the sailing organization. The busy East Docks of the North River are in view, with the height of the spire of Trinity Church towering above, while onboard Bennett hosts a rather large party of ladies and gentlemen for the Upper Bay cruise. The public's fascination with yacht racing, thanks in part to the dynamic Mr. Bennett, had begun to increase proportionately to the more frequent events and larger wagers being made. Bennett himself sailed over in the "Great Transatlantic Yacht Race of 1866" against FLEETWING and VESTA, which Bennett was both the primary instigator and victor.
The Centerboard versus the Keel; a theme which yacht racing would revisit more than twice was part of the initial argument that led to the challenge. It would only take a year more for Bennett to buy a large schooner still and rename her DAUNTLESS. This is HENRIETTA's heyday, with her champion race still to come and the leisure of the open water and a magnanimous owner. Couch has used his expertise of color, light an detail to make a charming setting and slick racing yacht jump to life before our eyes. Full of soft drama and artistic strength, it is our favorite work by this artist who has reached the top row of contemporary marine artists.
