"If we can fly today in the San Francisco Bay, this is because there have been "adventurers" like Walter Greene and Mike Birch.
To understand the future, we must know and respect the past."
Loïck PEYRON (Voiles et Voiliers July 2014)
Copyright © The New York Times - Published: October 8, 1893 - The yachts left Bay Ridge in tow under bare poles before 8 o'clock. The white star tug L. Pulver had the Valkyrie, while the Commander, with Mr. Iselin’s colors flying from the bow flagstaff and on both sides of the pilot house, towed the Vigilant.
As soon as the challenge of Sir Thomas Lipton has been accepted, an order was promptly given to Herreshoff by J. Pierpont Morgan and Edwin Dennison Morgan of New York Yacht Club, for a cup-defence vessel, to be known as Columbia. C. Oliver Iselin had a share in her, and was to be her "managing owner."
As the first race for the Cup was scheduled for August 20th, it was planned to bring Shamrock III. over early in the year so as to give her plenty of time to get into proper shape on this side of the water. Instead of fitting out Shamrock II,, which was already in this country it will be remembered, to race against her here, it was decided to bring over the first Shamrock, as she was already in commission and was sailing in consistent form.
Who is this genius?
And what his training that so peculiarly fitted him for his high estate? A Scotchman by birth, a sailor by nature, a grocer by early training, and navigator and helmsman of imperishable fame by dint of indomitable will, unequaled skill, infallible judgment, and an irrepressible love of boats and all that pertains to them.
For many years, Mr. Wright has been a professional painter with a particular interest in marine and landscape subjects. He works outdoors in all seasons, and paints in both watercolors and oils. Most of his paintings are completed on site.
Mr Boden was born in Bermuda. After completing his secondary education in England and university in the United States, he returned to Bermuda, and his first love, the sea. Mark and his family winter in their Ontario, Canada, home allowing their children to attend school, but still live on a 20 ton Venus gaff ketch in Bermuda for part of the year.