Midday Regatta - by Sally Caldwell Fisher 500 Extra Large Piece Puzzle - 680mm x 485mm Box Dimensions - 410mm x 290mm x 50mm Entitled Midday Regatta, this 500 extra large (XL) piece jigsaw puzzle by Sally Caldwell Fisher is a popular addition to the many Gibsons puzzles catering to the puzzle hobbyist who wants larger Pièces with shapes more individually identifiable. A regatta is a either a boat race, or a series of boat races. Although it typically describes racing events of unpowered water craft, some motorboat race series are also called regattas. Usually, a regatta is either a series of rowing, sailing or yacht racing. A regatta often includes additional attractions for the social set racing such as strawberries and champagne. Except in the case of boat type (or "class") championships, the regatta is usually named for the town or venue where the event takes place. Although regattas are typically amateur competitions, they are usually very highly organized events with complex rules describing the schedule and procedures of the event. Regattas are sprited gatherings and are often held just for the joy of competition, camaraderie, and general promotion of the sport. Regattas may be hosted by a yacht club, sailing association, town or school. One of the largest and most popular regattas is the Henley Royal Regatta held on the River Thames, England. The oldest running regatta in the world is Cowes Week, which is held annually by the Royal Yacht Squadron in Cowes, England and usually attracts over 900 sailboats. North America's oldest regatta is the Royal St. John's Regatta held on Quidi Vidi Lake in St. John's, Newfoundland every year since 1826. Sally Caldwell Fisher has gained international recognition for her portrayal of New England coastal life. Painting her surroundings, favorite places or fond recollections, she brings humour to her illustrations of everyday life in rural America. It is her passion for its landscape, affection for its characters and strong connections to the past that has endeared her to New England. Born and raised with several brothers and sisters in the Midwest, Sally Caldwell Fisher was given watercolours at an early age. Her mother, also an artist, provided her with good materials to create her art. After graduating from the Unversity of Michigan, Sally moved to coastal New England, where she fell in love with its natural beauty, a study in constrasts between the sea and the seasons. Sally's art has appeared in numerous magazines and she designed no fewer than three event posters for the America's Cup and the Tall Ship, Quebec, in 1984. Her art is included in the permanent collections of the White House, Smithsonian Institution, the Bruce Museum and many others. Sally constantly finds inspiration from the past and is an avid collector of antique photographs and reproductions.
