British artist John Steven Dews captures the thrill of a sailboat race in this action-packed oil on canvas. The maritime master's legendary eye for detail permeates the canvas, from the precise rendering of the sailboats' riggings to the efforts of the crews as they fight for position. The grace and speed of these extraordinary vessels are clear as they race around the bright yellow marker, adjusting their sails to the direction of the wind. Imbued with the incredible energy and vitality for which Dews' canvases are renowned, this remarkable oil encapsulates the action and excitement of the marine contest, pulling the viewer into a heart-racing adventure.

The artist has gained critical acclaim for his incredible maritime scenes, consistently and masterfully depicting the majesty of ships on the open seas. Born in Yorkshire in 1949, Dews's lifelong love affair with the sea began at a young age. He made his first sketch of a ship at the age of just five and would go on to hone his art at the Hull Regional College of Art. He turned to painting to express his love for the sea, eventually building a sizable enough portfolio to mount his first exhibition in 1976. It was an astounding success - nearly the entire collection was sold on opening night, and Dews received 17 new commissions. Ever since his blockbuster opening, Dews has enjoyed consistent success and acclaim. Today, he remains one of Britain’s most sought-after living artists.