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Oil on canvas, 50 x 102cm
A boat race between the cadets of the training ships HMS Conway, moored on the Mersey, and HMS Worcester, moored on the Thames was an annual event from 1890. This painting shows the race on the Mersey in June 1891 when the home team from Conway won by twelve lengths.
This painting shows the end of the race with the crew of the Conway boat celebrating their victory by standing and waving their arms in the air. Some way behind, the Worcester cadets are still struggling to complete the course.
To the left is a group of small boats and steamers with officials and spectators. The largest of these is a tender of the Mersey Docks and Harbour Board.
Immediately to the right is the Conway herself. She was first moored in the Mersey in 1859 as a training ship for boys of good character who were destined for careers as officers in the merchant service.