SIR THOMAS LIPTON’S “SHAMROCK” ON HER WAY TO TAKE PART IN THE TRIAL RACES FOR THE AMERICA’S CUP

On Thursday, April 8, Sir Thomas Lipton’s 1908 “Shamrock” shook out her canvas and left Southampton on her long voyage westward to America. In some quarters she has been named “Shamrock II,” and in others “Shamrock III.” But as a matter of fact, this boat was never numbered, and this is her first visit to America. She has been considerably altered by Messrs. Camper and Nicholson, the well-known tacht builders, and is now making the long voyage via the Azores to set as “trial horse” to the present challenger, and is under the command of Captain Alfred Draper, and it is anticipated that the voyage will take approximately a month. Her lines are entirely different from those of her younger sister, “Shamrock IV.” And she is of much sturdier construction. In some quarters it has been suggested that, should the old boat beat the present challenger in her trials in America, she will be substituted for “Shamrock IV.” And will meet the American yacht for the Cup. But it has been now clearly stated that the yacht now in America will meet the “Vanitie” or “Resolute” (whichever yacht is selected by the New York Yacht Club) in any case.