A seascape of yachts sailing in a stiff breeze. The sail of the yacht at the left is marked with the number “559.” Yacht racing was a primary hobby for Wyllie, and it is a subject to which he often returned in his work.

W. L. Wyllie (1851-1931) was a British Marine artist. Born in London, Wyllie painted, drew, and etched Thames scenes throughout his life. He moved to Portsmouth in 1907, where he continued working, supported the restoration of the Victory and painted the Trafalgar Panorama. Early in his career Wyllie was an illustrator for The Graphic, and he became a member of the Royal Academy in 1907.