Originally known as Shamrock IV, because she was the fourth Lipton yacht of that name, she became known as Shamrock - 23 metre following the launch of the America's Cup challenger, officially named Shamrock IV, in 1914.

Intended as a challenger for the America's Cup she had a very successful racing career in UK and German waters, the Americans having refused to build a yacht of similar proportions to race against her in Cup matches.

Shamrock was the first racing yacht to be lit by electricity.