J Class: The “Queen” is back

The 1930s America’s Cup challenger Shamrock V – also known as “The Queen of the J Class” – was relaunched on May 20 at Saxon Wharf in Southampton, UK. This follows the most comprehensive restoration and rebuild in her 94-year history.

The 36.4-metre sailing yacht sustained significant structural damage and was laid up ashore while racing at the America’s Cup in 2017. Following a change of owner and a strip down “literally to the last bolt”, the sailing yacht has been restored to concurs condition after seven years.

The yacht hit the water at Camper & Nicholsons’ Gosport shipyard in 1930 as the first ever J Class, commissioned by Sir Thomas Lipton as his fifth and final challenge for the America’s Cup. She remains the only one built in wood and the only one to have never fallen into dereliction since her launch – the other two remaining members of the J Class fleet, the 38.5-metre Velsheda and the 39.6-metre Endeavour, had to be reconstructed entirely. – Full report