Collection: John Mecray

John Mecray's paintings and limited-edition prints have earned him an international reputation for excellence. Mecray grew up in Cape May, New Jersey, one block from the ocean. He graduated from Philadelphia College of Art, majoring in illustration and painting. He worked as a freelance illustrator before graduating and then taught at the school after graduating.

He moved to Newport, Rhode Island in 1976 to devote all of his time to marine painting. Nine offshore yacht deliveries between New England, Bermuda and the Caribbean have given the artist a personal knowledge of the effects of wind, sea, and light on a variety of sailing vessels.

A deep interest in yachts and yachting history led Mecray to establish The Museum of Yachting and the museum's annual Classic Yacht Regatta in Newport. He is also the founder and trustee of the International Yacht Restoration School, where his major focus is the restoration of the nation's most historic yacht: the schooner Coronet. He is also a member of the Yachting Committee at Mystic Seaport, the New York Yacht Club, the Fort Worth Boat Club, the National Maritime Historical Society, the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and the Herreshoff Marine Museum.

Only 10 yachts were ever built or converted to conform to J-class specifications:.

Enterprise 1930 - 120 ft 9in - United States
Whirlwind 1930 - 139 ft - United States
Yankee 1930 - 126 ft - United States
Weetamoe 1930 - 125 ft 9 in - United States
Shamrock V 1930 - 119 ft 1 in - United Kingdom
Velsheda 1933 - 127 ft 6 in - United Kingdom
Endeavour 1934 - 129 ft 6 in - United Kingdom
Rainbow 1934 - 127 ft 6 in - United States
Ranger 1937 - 135 ft - United States
Endeavour II 1937 - 135 ft 6 in - United Kingdom