London - The life of Jonathan Janson, whose remarkable collection of Marine Paintings is to be offered at Bonhams Marine sale in London on Tuesday 25 October, revolved around the sea and sailing. He raced from childhood on Hayling Island, during national service in the Navy and most notably perhaps as a member of the three-man crew that won a sailing bronze medal at the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games in Bluebottle, the Dragon given to Prince Philip as a wedding present from the Queen. Many years later he served as member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Yacht Racing Union (IYRU).

Jonathan became a member of the Royal Yacht Squadron in his twenties and his affection for the place is reflected in many of the paintings he acquired, and which filled the house he shared with his wife Mary on the Isle of Wight. The collection is also particularly strong in works by 18th and 19th century marine painters often depicting significant naval engagements.

Jonathan Janson never lost his love of competitive sailing and on retiring he took up racing in 5.5 metres, which led to many adventures as he took his yacht Salamander to sail in championships around the world. He also devoted much time to caring for the Royal Yacht Squadron's picture collection.

Highlights of the Jonathan Janson collection, which consists of 59 lots, include:

• Cowes Castle, Isle of Wight by John Nixon (British 1760-1818). Cowes Castle in Cowes on the Isle of Wight was initially built in 1539 by Henry VII to protect England against the threat of invasion from France. Decommissioned in 1854, it was leased the following year by the Royal Yacht Squadron who later bought it to form their new clubhouse. Today the location of the castle is a distinctive landmark in yacht races taking place along the coast of the Isle of Wight. Estimate: £700-1,000.

• HMS Victory, newly restored, with visitors alongside her dry dock at Portsmouth preparing to go aboard by William Lionel Wyllie, RA (British, 1851-1931). Wylie was a leading light in the campaign to save Nelson's flag ship which at the end of the First World War in 1918 was still afloat in Portsmouth harbour but in a poor state of repair. This 1928 watercolour commemorates the end of the successful rescue mission. Estimate: £20,000-30,000.

• A naval squadron manoeuvring in a swell off Dover by Charles Brooking (London 1723-1759). Estimate: £20,000-30,000.

Studies of the cutter yacht Cygnet, one showing her beating Vision at the Southampton Regatta in 1848 (left); the other with Cygnet winning the Queen's Cup at Cowes in 1849 (right). A pair by Thomas Sewell Robins. Estimate: £15,000-20,000.

• Studies of the cutter yacht Cygnet, one showing her beating Vision at the Southampton Regatta in 1848; the other with Cygnet winning the Queen's Cup at Cowes in 1849, a pair both signed and dated by Thomas Sewell Robins (British, 1814-1880). Estimate: £15,000-20,000