New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-08-24
THE SHAMROCK STRIPPED.
JURY RIG OF THE CHALLENGER RE-
MOVED IN THE DRYDOCK.
SAILORS BEorN PAINTING HER HULL AN EMER-
AID GREBN-READY TO SET Up HER RAG
ING sPARs AND RIGGING.


AID GREBN-READY TO SET Up HER RAG
ING sPARs AND RIGGING.
The yacht Shamrock, which has been sent
across the ocean by Sir Thomas Upton to try
10 TAX. back to England the Americas Cup as
she lies at Pier No 3 in the Erie Basin, Brook
lyn. looks like derelict or dsmantled wreck
There Is absolutely nothing showing above her
decks There is not sign of n mast. spar
or a piece Of rigging Only the body Of the
yacht remains above water. Her great boom is
dashed on the pier alongside the boat.
The crew was busy yesterday afternoon in
taking out the jury mast Of the Shamrock. The
work was Of a delicate nature. and unusual
care was exercised, there Is always great
danger Of the mast topping over into the water
when It Is raised ont or the step. and Of split
ting the deck.
The tug Champion was locked beside the
Shamrock at . O'Clock in the afternoon. to lift
the mast out OF the challenger. The crane Of
the Champion was swung the deck Of the
Shamrock and the steel blocks shifted to the
starboard of the mast The shackle hook was
fastened in the flashing. which secured
around the mast. Lines were set aloft at the
masthead. and their ends were fastened on the
Norawantuc The spar was then steadied and
lifted clear. The crane was swung inland from
the English yacht and the mast hoisted
over and lowered on the deck OF the Nonawan-
tue. Her sailors placed It In sings, and took
1t away to the German American warehouse,
where It will be slowed until required.
After the removal of the mast the crew Of the
Shamrock dropped over her side and began to
paint her topsdes IN the emerald green Of Ire
land. The sailors worked from noon yesterday
to last evening painting. The lower strake was
left implanted 1t shows white metal near the
bow. and some amateur yachting experts fam
cicd that that account the body of the
Shamrock was built of aluminium. Men who
thoroughly acquainted with yachts and have
seen all the English challengers that have
crossed the ocean since the America won the
cup are Of the opinion that the hull Of the
Shamrock is Of bronze.
The crew of the Shamrock was up at daylight
Captain Hogarth, Mr. Barrie. representative Of
Sir Thomas Upton, and Dr. Mackay superin-
tended the receiving Of the racing mast. which
is as long as the Shamrock itself. The shrouds,
backstays and standing rigging were overhaued
and placed on board the Erin. which took them
down to the German-AmerIc Warehouse.
Mr.. Barrie told a Tribune reporter yesterday
afternoon that the Shamrock would be rugged as
soon as possible. and tuned up for her trial
superintendent of Flies yard, in Fairlie, would
superintend the work OF rigging up the Sham
rock.
THE Shamrock" said Mr.. Barrie will have
eeveral trials off Sandy Hook before Sir Thomas
Upton. her owner arrives here. Re cabled me
this evening that he would sail from Liverpool
next Saturday. August 26. He will probably he
here September .. The Shamrock's bottom
is not In foul enough condition at present to
interfere with her trial spins. but when Sir
Thomas arrives here he will likely ask TO
dock the boat and place her in the best Of con-
dtion Personally know that he is anxious
TO see how she works in American waters be-
fore her docking. es he may want to alter her
trim and adjust her ballast"
The Erin. which the convoy OF the Sham
rock on her voyage across the ocean was hoated
out Of the Boston drydock in the Erie Basin at
o'clock yesterday morning. David Barrie was
on board. He said that the crew of the Sham
rock consisted of sXty-sx men. forty Of
whom were on board. twelve expert sailmaker3
from Ratsey's, and eleven extra sailors Mr..
Barrie added that the Shamrocks sails were al
ready on their way from Southampton. and that
when they arrived here they would be bent as
soon the Shamrock rugged He has i'm
pcit faith in the judgment Of Sir Thomas Lip
ton. and when seen board the Shamrock by
a Tribune reporter yesterday he said:
"Sir Thomas s not leaving anything TO
chance. The tug James A. Lawrence. which is
lying alongside the NOnawantuc. will be kept
there until after the international races over
Sir Thomas is not looking for any handicap. and
his idea is to get everything in the way of tugs
boats and facilities. without vexatious delays
so that he may fit the Shamrock TO do the best
she possibly can in the races"
In reply to the question If the Shamrock had
a centreboard Mr.. Barrie said You may dive
down under her and see for yourself that she
hasn't got one So far / know the best
yacht will win the race. ! am not interested In
betting and want to tell my friends that men
who know anything about yachts know that
they unknown quantity until they have |
been tried"