The only J-Class yacht ever built from wood was restored for two years at Saxon Wharf in Southampton in the south of England. She had already been re-planked once in 1970. Teak was used for this at the time, which could now be removed, preserved and reused plank by plank - except for one plank, which had to be replaced. The stick deck, also made of teak, was replaced. Inside the yacht, the metal components of the composite construction had to be refurbished and the interior was rebuilt.
"Shamrock V" is a 94-year-old lady
These are the most extensive maintenance measures in the 94-year-old lady's life. The fact that they would be necessary became apparent in 2017 during the America's Cup J-Class Regatta in Bermuda. She was then laid up for six years with structural damage. It is thanks to a new owner that this sailing cultural asset was finally preserved through intensive restoration.
Project manager Paul Spooner commented on the success of the British boatbuilders, saying that the "Shamrock" was equipped for the next hundred years.
The first owner was Sir Thomas Lipton
First owner Sir Thomas Lipton had the yacht built by Camper & Nicholsons in Gosport. For the fifth and final time, he challenged the Americans with her in the 14th America's Cup, as always before without success. The yacht, named after the Irish national symbol, a shamrock, was Lipton's first J-Class. After him, it belonged to Sir Thomas Sopwith, who modified it and won plenty of regatta silver.
In October, the historic J-Class will start the J-Class America's Cup Regatta off Barcelona with an expected eight others.
Lasse Johannsen
Deputy Editor in Chief YACHT
