John Steven Dews

STRUCTURE Original canvas PAINT SURFACE The paint surface is clean and ready to hang. ULTRAVIOLET UV light reveals no sign of retouching FRAME Held in a fine gilt painted frame in fair condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Hispania was a 15-metre yacht built  by William Fife at the Fairlie Yard on the Firth of Clyde in 1909 for King Alfonso XIII of Spain.   In the present work she leads around the gybe mark off Newtown Creek, Isle of Wight. The fifteen metre class proved to be a very successful class and a total of nineteen were built.  Although these yachts needed to reduce sail early in strong winds they were very capable off shore yachts and often sailed considerable distances around Europe from the Mediterranean, to Germany and of course to Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

Hispania has just undergone a major refit and is now once again gracing the classic yacht racing circuits of Europe.