Shamrock V

Built in 1930, the J-class yacht Shamrock V was Sir Thomas Lipton's fifth and final challenger for the America's Cup.

Like all the Irish tea merchant's previous Shamrocks, beginning with an 1899 challenger, she was to prove unsuccessful in her mission. In the year of her launch she was beaten in four straight races by the US yacht Enterprise.

Shamrock V was the first British J-class, and is one of only three vessels surviving from the class (the others are Velsheda and Endeavour).

Ten J-class yachts were built, although a few other boats were converted to the J-class rule in the 1930s.

The class rule specified a waterline length of 79-87ft, an overall length of 120ft and displacement of up to 160 tons.

Shamrock V is also the only remaining J class yacht to have been built in timber. Some of her contemporaries were of composite construction - or even bronze!

She received major refits in 1967, 1989 and 2000. With an updated rig and sails, she now sails better than ever.

Length overall: 36.3m (119ft 1in)

Length waterline: 24.7m (81ft 1in)

Beam: 6.1m (20ft)

Draft: 4.5m (14ft 9in)

Displacement: 134 tons

Designer: Charles Nicholson (Britain)

Hull: Teak on steel frames

Builder: Camper & Nicholson

Built: 1930

Owner: Newport (Rhode Island) Shamrock V Corporation