Lot 141: John Lynn (British, fl. 1828-1838) Lord Belfast's yacht Emily off the Mediterranean coast with a xebec off her port bow

Lord Belfast's yacht Emily off the Mediterranean coast with a xebec off her port bow
oil on canvas
68.6 x 99.7cm (27 x 39 1/4in).

PROVENANCE :
probably commissioned by the Earl of Belfast, later 3rd Marquis of Donegall.

Lord Belfast was appointed the first Vice-Commodore of the Royal Yacht Squadron in 1827, a position he held until 1846, becaming Commodore in 1847. King William IV bestowed the 'Royal' status to the club in 1833, a gesture that was largely due to Lord Belfast's position as Vice-Commodore and his close connections to the Royal family.
In the Squadron's own history, its author, Ian Dear writes :

'......the energy with which that gentleman pursued the club's interests soon helped it into its unassailable position as the country's premier yacht club. From having a new club button designed, to being involved in negotiating with the Admiralty for a warrant to fly the White Ensign, Lord Belfast had a finger in every pie, for members were as particular about how they were dressed as they were about the code of signals with which they had wrestled for so many years.'

The first three of Lord Belfast's five yachts, were named after female members of his family, prior to him acquiring Emily in 1830 and lastly, Waterwitch, which he built and launched in 1832. Emily was classified as a brigantine in the records of the Royal Yacht Squadron and was sold by Lord Belfast to Captain Pechell, M.P. who raced her until at least 1837.