They were created by passion decades ago and went on to become bywords for beauty and power.

Now the mighty J Class yachts have been captured in a series of new paintings by a Hampshire artist.

Just the names, Velsheda, Shamrock V and Endeavour, conjure up an earlier era when the super-rich indulged their infatuation with sailing by building some of the biggest and fastest yachts ever seen in international competition.

J Class yachts, the playthings of millionaires, embody the pinnacle of yachting and there are many that believe they will never be surpassed for grace, excitement and sheer energy.

Now Lymington-based artist, Rodney Charman, has produced a sequence of work which manages to catch the essence of the J Class yachts as they cut through the waves of the Solent with their mighty sails straining in the wind.

The J Class has its roots in the oldest sporting race in the world, the America's Cup which memorably celebrated its 150th anniversary last year.

This international event, now in its preliminary rounds in New Zealand came from an annual race around the Isle of Wight held by the exclusive Royal Yacht Squadron, but in 1851 an overseas boat was allowed to participate.

The yacht America was built that year to an innovative new design and had sailed to the Solent in search of racing. Initially excluded from racing against British yachts, she was finally allowed to enter the round the island race for the 100 Guinea Cup.

America took the lead and held it to win the race, although the nearest British boat closed to just a few minutes at the finish.

The trophy became known as the America's Cup. Yachts were able to challenge to win back the trophy and a series of larger and larger craft were designed to compete.

Enter the J Class, which signified the most opulent stage of maritime racing history, where towering rigs dwarfed all other yachts.

Although they became recognised as the most beautiful yacht design ever, only ten J Class boats were ever built, six in the USA and four in the UK.

More information about prints of the J Class yachts paintings on 01590 645082 or log on to www.jclassyachts.com