Earlier this year, artist Rick Youmans had the honour of presenting his America’s Cup painting to Emirates Team New Zealand. The official unveiling and hanging ceremony took place at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, where the painting is now proudly displayed.
The event was attended by Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand, David Blakey, Commodore of the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and a number of distinguished guests. The occasion marked a significant moment for Rick, whose passion for sailing has long inspired much of his artistic work.
While this is not the only America’s Cup painting Rick has created, it is undoubtedly one of the works he is most proud of and represents a major milestone in his career. As a passionate sailor and fan of both the America’s Cup and SailGP, having his work recognised in such an iconic setting is especially meaningful.
The Artwork
Artist Rick Youmans is always looking for the next challenge. This time, he set out to create a unique piece that captures the evolution of Emirates Team New Zealand by blending three generations of America’s Cup yachts into a single dynamic composition. The artwork brings together different eras in one action-filled scene, creating a striking and unusual perspective.
Rick Youmans says: “My goal was to capture the three design evolutions sailing in their respective race environments: Barcelona 2024, Auckland 2021, and Bermuda 2017. For me, this piece represents the journey of Emirates Team New Zealand—a story of teamwork, innovation, and success.”
The 150 cm × 100 cm oil painting commemorates Emirates Team New Zealand’s three recent America’s Cup victories in a row. It depicts the three winning yachts sailing together against the iconic skylines of Bermuda, Auckland, and Barcelona, celebrating the team’s remarkable evolution over time.
The Creative Process
After countless hours of research, the artist chose to create the illusion of the three yachts racing together in the same body of water. Combining artistic vision with an in-depth understanding of sailing, Rick carefully balanced composition, movement, and perspective to capture the excitement, speed, technical precision, and energy of the race.
The result is a painting that not only celebrates three historic victories but also tells the story of innovation, determination, and excellence that has defined Emirates Team New Zealand over the years.
For Rick, this painting is far more than an artwork. It is a celebration of New Zealand’s sailing legacy and a personal tribute to a team that has inspired him for many years. Seeing it displayed at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron is an honour and a milestone he will always treasure.