Unsuccessful Irish challenger for the 11th America's Cup in 1901

Shamrock II was launched from the yard of Messrs. William Denny & Brother at Dumbarton, on the river Leven, April 20th, and was towed to Cowes, where she received her sails from Ratsey's lofts, and thence to Southampton for her spars. The boat was given her first trial under sail May 4th, and for a week was jogged about The Solent and neighborhood, generally in company with the first Shamrock.

Nobody in America's Cup history has sailed in the afterguard of more successful Cup boats than Hank Haff, skipper or tactician of four winners between 1881 and 1895. As of 2004, only Nathanael G. Herreshoff, C. Oliver Iselin, and Dennis Conner have matched his remarkable record.
Before the advent of Captain Charley Barr, his supremacy in America was unquestioned.

Naval architect, philosopher and marine painter Archibald Cary Smith acquired his taste for the water at an early age. He grew up in New York, with the eastern shore of the Hudson river for a playground. Close by his home was the shipyard of the great William Webb and across the river in Hoboken was moored the fleet of the fledgling New York Yacht Club.

Born in Connecticut, the artist moved to New York City where he was employed in the manufacture and sales of silk thread. In 1880, he ventured into business for himself, taking commissions from owners to portray their well-known New York area yachts. As his reputation grew, he received many commissions from the elite New York Yacht Club.