The work seen here is set in the Normandy resort town of Deauville. As a native of the port town of Le Havre, also in Normandy, the sea was a common motif in Dufy’s work. The movement of the waves is beautifully expressed by a series of black and white lines, the sea is filled with boats and yachts, while the figures of the sailors and people in holiday attire recreate the atmosphere of the regatta beautifully.
Dufy was contracted to the Bianchini-Férier Company to produce textile designs for them and some fabric and a dress, bearing the same design as this painting, remains in existence.