Victory and Squadron in Light Airs

A tribute to the Royal Navy’s most historic ship, still in commission, and preserved for all time at Portsmouth. Masterly in detail as it is grand in concept, the painting marks Geoff Hunt as one of the most outstanding marine painters of his generation. Victory is shown during the great blockade which preceded Trafalgar carrying an enormous spread of sail in response to the “light airs.”

The British fleet stayed at sea for two years blockading the French ships in various ports around the French and Spanish coasts. They prevented the French from gathering together a fleet sufficient to fight for control of the English Channel and allow Napoleon to invade Britain. ‘Victory’ is shown with her stunsails set to take advantage of the very lightest breeze while patrolling on blockade. During this period Nelson did not go ashore for two years.

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