LONDON.- Three 20th century paintings of the first America's Cup sailing regatta of 1851, the oldest continuous sporting trophy in history, are highlights at The Marine Sale at Bonhams on 24th March 2010.

The paintings, by Timothy Franklin Ross Thompson (British, born 1951), record three incidents in the race around the Isle of Wight: America and her rivals on the start line (estimate £25,000 - 35,000), America romping home to victory (estimate £25,000 - 35,000), and Arrow and Alarm (estimate £15,000 - 20,000).

Widely regarded as the most famous yacht race ever, it was convincingly won by the New York Yacht Club's schooner America, so convincingly in fact that Queen Victoria's question "Who came second?" was famously answered by "Ah, your Majesty, there is no second."

Alistair Laird, Head of Marine Pictures, says "These three pictures by Tim Thompson are the most impressive depictions of the inaugural America's Cup race I have ever handled."