The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-08-13
SHAMROCK III LOOKS PRETTY.
LiptOn's Americas Cup Challenged
Described by n Nautical Expert.

NEW YORK, Aug. 12.-Shamrock II, as
she lay at her anchor off Stapleton. S. L.,
to-day had man. visitors. She was ex-
6mined by the critics and nautical experts
and the general verdict was that she ooked
handsome. But the easy graceful lines of
a racing yacht above the water line are not
the factors that produce the speed that
wins prizes, say the experts. 1t is the
form of the craft below the water line. The
shape of the under body i'm fact-that does
successful work in the way of lifting
cups. That ok III is by far the hand
soonest and most graceful yacht that has
ever challenged for the Americas cup
must be conceded by all. She easily out
classes the first Shamrock. Shamrock the
First had an ugly, coarse bow that used
TO pound and batter the water
whenever the slightest semblance of
q head sea was raised. The bow
OF Shamrock tho Second reminds one of
that of the Columbia. 1t has vast pene-
trating powers. Ii will divide the water
with ease: 1t cannot be denied that Mr..
Watson, the designer of that wonderful
boat, learned much from the intelligent
study or the bow of the Gloriana. that
marvellous Herreshon production that rev.
olutlonlZed racing yachts. 1he whole fore
body of the challenger, in fact, shows a
clever adaptation and skillful modification
OF the forward sections of all the good
parts of the Watson and Fife and Here's
hoff creations. The stern. too. tapers beau
tifully. Mr.. Watson is nothing if not
artistic. The curves OF his boats are adj
Mr.. Watson has disposed of the great beam
of the challenger. the factor which. i'm
combination with her ninety tons of lead,
gives her immense sail-carrying power,
i~tecture. TIL beauty of the lines
and the facility of the curves
some surprises in store. From the water
line to the rail-or. rather. the covering
board. for rail she has not-Shamrock the
Second has all the attributes of a racing
yacht. She will cut the water clearly and
she Will leave little fuss behind. That is all
that can be predicted of "A boat whose mys-
from the vulgar gaze. When she was
launched a pont0On disguised her. Ever
since special efforts have been made TO hide
her from profane vision. There are a few
things. however, that cannot be hidden. She
has the same powerful bowsprit fittings
that characterized the two Valkyries. the
same deck purchases for fiatteningi in sheets.
the same turn buckles for setting up the
standing rigging that have been features
OF the Watson boats from the day OF
Thistle down 10 date. She steers with y
tiller. and from all that can be gathered
from the conservative men aboard she is
an exceiiently balanced boat. always I'M
der her heimsmen's control and never
showing a tendency to take charge Of her
self In a brisk souall.
Captain Sycamore says she has been inn
proving all along. The skipper is d modest
man. and when the tug Lawrence towed
shamrock II into the Erie basin at a little
after 4 O'Clock this afternoon a big crowd
welcomed the Irish yacht.
Mr.. Barrie. who looks after Sir Thomas
Lipton's interests in the United States. was
in charge OF the challenger. Arrange
ments were made for taking out the jury
mast OF the Shamrock tomorrow. Then
the racing mast will be stepped-that 81
gantic spar; lower mast and topmast com
bined, the like of which never before have
been seen In a single-masted craft. After
this the yacht will be put into dry dock
and the accumulation of sea weed and bar
nacies removed.
Judging from superficial observation
there Il little marine growth on her hull.
On her starhoard bow there is a big patch
where the bright green paint of her top
side has slipped of as clear as though a
sharp scraper had been a work. Otherwise
the craft seems To be clear.