Presented by Shane Couch and Alasdair Purves
Built to Win brings together maritime artist Shane Couch and sailor and historian Alasdair Purves to explore the extraordinary partnership between legendary yacht designer Nathanael Greene Herreshoff and Captain Charlie Barr.
At the turn of the twentieth century, Herreshoff and Bar defined one of the greatest eras in the history of competitive sailing. This collaboration produced some of the fastest and most technologically advanced racing yachts and catapulted the skipper who sailed them to victory.
This lecture series features new paintings from Shane Couch’s latest body of work, depicting the extraordinary Herreshoff yachts that Barr commanded. Couch's meticulous historical research in combination with his detail, captures not only the appearance of these vessels, but showcases the way they moved on the water.
Alasdair Purves, Captain Charlie Barr’s great-great-grandson, unveils new historical perspectives. As a lifelong sailor of classic yachts including Eleonora, Mariette, and Atlantic, Purves has spent years tracing Barr’s remarkable journey from the son of a Scottish fisherman to one of the most celebrated racing captains in American yachting history.
Together, Couch and Purves bring this pivotal chapter of maritime history to life through art, research, and personal storytelling. This lecture offers something new for collectors, historians, sailors, and even the most seasoned yachting enthusiasts.
The Collection
Exhibition Information
Built to Win: The Story of Herreshoff & Barr
New Paintings by Shane Couch
Presented with Alasdair Purves
Opening: July 23, 2026 at 6:00PM
Location: Herreshoff Marine Museum, Hall of Boats
Bristol, Rhode Island
Additional presentations will take place at the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead, the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, and the Royal Gourock Yacht Club in Scotland.
For exhibition details, artwork availability, or private acquisition inquiries, please contact Thomsen Fine Art.