Ron Fletcher (Australian, B. 1925) "Lightweight Sharpie/Yachting in Australia" Signed lower right. Original Oil painting on Canvas Board. Provenance: Collection of James A. Helzer (1946-2008), Founder of Unicover Corporation. This painting is the original painting which was published on the Fleetwood First Day Cover for the Australia 35c Lightweight Sharpie/Yachting stamp issued October 14, 1981. The Lightweight Sharpie derives from the International Twelve Square Meter Sharpie last sailed in Olympic competition in 1956. With experimentation by Australian designers a lighter weight hull together with acceptance of aluminum spars and synthetic sails gave birth to the Lightweight Sharpie. In 1961, this yacht gained national status, and it became Australia's firt class yacht to be registered in all Australian States. Approximate length of the Lightweight Sharpie is 6 meters with a beam of 1.47 meters and weighing 86.4 kg. This class yacht is manned by a crew of three and as it is unballasted, it must be kept upright by crew weight alone. Co-ordination technique between the helmsman, main hand and forward hand on trapeze plays an important part in controlling the yacht. The Lightweight Sharpie requires strong handling and the ideal age for learning is between 16 and 18 years of age. This class of yacht competes in the State and National Championships held in a different Australian State each year. The first National Championship was in Hobart in 1961. Competing teams are chosen from Australian State selection trials. Image Size: 12 x 14 in. Overall Size: 14 x 16 in. Unframed. (B07273)