Adam Mortimer Collection

The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing close-hauled, 1932. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing close-hauled, 1932. Astra was designed by Charles E Nicholson for Adam Moritimer Singer and was launched in 1928. It was converted to J-Class in 1931

The 135 ft barque sailing ship Modwena, 1913. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 135 ft barque sailing ship Modwena, 1913. Modwena was built in 1908 by John Reid in Glasgow. In 1912 she was bought by the sewing machine magnate Mortimer Singer to use as a private yacht

Modwenas motor launch with Modwena in the background, 1911. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Modwenas motor launch with Modwena in the background, 1911. The 135 ft barque sailing ship Modwena was built in 1908 by John Reid in Glasgow

The 135 ft barque sailing ship Modwena, 1911. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 135 ft barque sailing ship Modwena, 1911. Modwena was built in 1908 by John Reid in Glasgow. In 1912 she was bought by the sewing machine magnate Mortimer Singer to use as a private yacht

The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing with spinnaker. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing with spinnaker. Astra was designed by Charles E Nicholson for Adam Moritimer Singer and was launched in 1928. It was converted to J-Class in 1931

Deck of the 23-metre cutter Astra sailing close-hauled, 1933. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Deck of the 23-metre cutter Astra sailing close-hauled, 1933. Astra was designed by Charles E Nicholson for Adam Moritimer Singer and was launched in 1928

The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing with spinnaker, 1932. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing with spinnaker, 1932. Astra was designed by Charles E Nicholson for Adam Moritimer Singer and was launched in 1928. It was converted to J-Class in 1931

The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing close-hauled, 1928. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing close-hauled, 1928. Astra was designed by Charles E Nicholson for Adam Moritimer Singer and was launched in 1928

The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing close-hauled, 1934. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing close-hauled, 1934. Astra was designed by Charles E Nicholson for Adam Moritimer Singer and was launched in 1928. It was converted to J-Class in 1931

Sailing yachts Yankee, Astra and Velsheda, 1935. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Sailing yachts Yankee, Astra and Velsheda, 1935

In the foreground the 23-metre cutter Astra sailing on a reach. Astra was designed by Charles E Nicholson for Adam Moritimer Singer and was launched in 1928

The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing close-hauled. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing close-hauled. Astra was designed by Charles E Nicholson for Adam Moritimer Singer and was launched in 1928. It was converted to J-Class in 1931

The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing close-hauled, 1933. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The 23-metre cutter Astra sailing close-hauled, 1933. Astra was designed by Charles E Nicholson for Adam Moritimer Singer and was launched in 1928. It was converted to J-Class in 1931

For sale as Licensed Images

Choose your image, Select your licence and Download the media

Adam Mortimer was a renowned sailor and ship enthusiast, known for his love of the sea and his collection of impressive vessels. One of his prized possessions was the Modwenas motor launch, which could often be seen cruising gracefully with Modwena, a majestic 135 ft barque sailing ship, in the background. Both were masterpieces created by Kirk & Sons of Cowes in 1911 and 1913 respectively. However, it was the 23-metre cutter Astra that truly captured Adam's heart. This magnificent vessel, also crafted by Kirk & Sons of Cowes, became synonymous with his name. Whether sailing close-hauled or with its spinnaker billowing proudly in the wind, Astra exuded elegance and power on every voyage. Decked out in all her splendor, Astra sailed close-hauled through the waters in various years like 1932, 1928, and even as late as 1934. Her sleek lines cutting through the waves showcased both Adam's impeccable taste and his skillful navigation. In one memorable scene from 1935, three iconic yachts - Yankee, Velsheda, and Astra - graced the seas together under Adam's watchful eye. It was a sight to behold; their sails billowed majestically against an azure sky as they raced towards victory. But perhaps one image that encapsulates Adam Mortimer's passion is that of Astra sailing on a reach while commanding attention at the forefront. The sheer beauty and grace exhibited by this vessel perfectly mirrored Adam's own spirit as he embraced life on open waters. Adam Mortimer will forever be remembered for his unwavering dedication to sailing excellence and preserving maritime history through these exceptional vessels created by Kirk & Sons of Cowes. His legacy lives on through these captivating images that continue to inspire sailors around the world today.