Cup History: 'Splendid failure' put wind up Americans

"Sir Thomas, I'm certain as can be they put something in the water over there which makes you lose."

"I completely agree with you madam. It is called a better boat." - conversation between anEnglish society woman and Sir Thomas Lipton.


Shramrock II, Sir Thomas Lipton's second attempt to wrest the America's Cup from the Americans, was a "splendid failure."

The boat cost $US500,000 - a huge sum at the turn of the century - yet in its first outings it was soundly beaten by the first Shamrock.

During one trial, with King Edward VII on board, the boat lost her mast and rigging over the side. The king was unhurt, but the accident snuffed out his cigar.

Before Shamrock II set off across the Atlantic, Lipton sacked 15 of his crew, who voiced their concern over the boat's seaworthiness.

Racing was put back a month while the British syndicate tried to strengthen the boat. It was delayed further while the Americans mourned the death of their president, William McKinley, by an assassin's bullet.

While the British were battling with their boat, the defenders were squabbling among themselves.

A self-made millionaire from Boston, Thomas Lawson, made his own bid to be the defender, without joining the New York Yacht Club. The club was furious, but they need not have wasted their energy arguing - the Independence fell apart during the trials. She was sold for scrap before the cup was over.

There was further consternation when the old Columbia, the 1899 defender, was chosen ahead of the new Constitution, whose sails were considered inferior.

Shamrock II did not fare as badly as the cynics had predicted. In the first race, Columbia passed her on the last leg to win by just 1m. Virtually the same thing happened in the next race.

Shamrock crossed the finish line first in the final clash, but lost the race by 40s on handicap, losing the series as well.