A 1:24 SCALE HALF-BLOCK MODEL FOR THE PLANK-ON-EDGE YACHT CUTTER DORIS, DESIGNED BY G.L. WATSON,1885

modelled by David Spy after the original Watson prize model, with laminated and carved hull finished in cream with ebonised topsides, cutaway bowsprit and mast; mounted on display board, overall -- 12½ x 42½in. (32 x 108cm.)

In 1882, the Yacht Racing Association introduced a new rule to arrest 'unhealthy development'. Known as the "Tonnage Rule", the decision backfired somewhat as in the smaller 5 and 2½ Tonner classes it encouraged extremely narrow, deep keeled vessels carrying huge sail areas. G.L. Watson, then at the height of his prowess, designed several '5 tonners' to the new rule, commencing with Iris in 1883. In 1885 he was commissioned by R.G. and Bryce Allan, cousins of the Chairman of the Allan Line, to design a new flyer, Doris, which was built at the Govan Shipbuilding Company on the Clyde. With only a 5ft 6in. beam on a waterline of just over 38ft, and a draft of 6ft 8in., she proved to be extremely successful, winning the 5 Ton Cup and both Dublin and Royal Northern Regattas in her maiden year. Their rival George Black Thomson bought the 5 Tonner Olga to challenge in 1885 and then commissioned Luath from the up-and-coming designer W.E. Paton the following year, but neither could seriously worry Doris. Finally, he commissioned Watson to produce a boat to beat his own. The result was Jess, of similar form although slightly more beam than her rival. They raced together from 1887 and were evenly matched. In the 5 Ton class, only Paton's Oona of 1886 exceeded Doris's narrow beam and deep draft, and her loss off Malahide with her designer in the same year prompted a further revision of the Rating Rules which ended the days of "Plank on Edge" racing forever.

The model offered here is copied from the original Watson prize model sold in these rooms, 7 November 2017, lot 293.