SHAMROCK’S FAILURE

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1081, 19 September 1930, Page 8

SHAMROCK’S FAILURE

IN challenging for the America’s Cup five times during the past thirty years, Sir Thomas Lipton has been left by other British yachtsmen to play a lone hand. The Royal Yacht Squadron, of which Sir Thomas Lipton is not a member, has stood aloof from the contests. Its wealthy members have not shown the co-operative spirit which has enabled the members of the New York Yacht Club to form syndicates, backed by immense sums of money, which made the construction of defending yachts, of most modern and progressive design, a comparatively easy matter. In the circumstances, it is not in the least surprising that, after his fifth defeat, Sir Thomas feels that others should now take up the burden. He has made liis last lone-handed challenge. In future it must be syndicate against syndicate, or no challenge at all. The great-hearted owner of the successive Shamrocks will have the sympathy of sportsmen on both sides of the Atlantic." He is as great in defeat as lie could possibly have been in victory. Shamrock’s performances, unfortunately, have not done justice to his indomitable spirit. The America’s Cup races since 1870, or rather since the America first lifted the Cup in 1851, have conveyed a lesson which British designers and builders have been strangely slow to absorb. In progressive design, the Americans have led the way throughout. Such innovations as the duralumin mast of the Enterprise testify to their boldness and originality. Conservative yachtsmen may deride a thing of metal as not in keeping with the traditions of their sport. But the innovation of today may be the regular practice of tomorrow, and racing yachts the world over may soon be similarly fitted. In the meantime British prestige has suffered again, as it has suffered in tennis, golf and polo at the hands of the conquering Americans. What can be done to restore it? As far as the America’s Cup is concerned, that is a question New Zealand yachtsmen may well ponder. It may he that here in New Zealand are the skilful designers and the competent craftsmen to build a winning craft. The cost would be a tremendous barrier, but it could be overcome by years of effort, and by a persistent campaign to raise funds. The type of craft required is bigger than the usual class of keel-yachts sailed in these waters, but it is not beyond the powers either of designers or of our yachtsmen. Even a challenge, quite apart from a victory, would be a wonderful advertisement for this country. The Shamrock has failed. Why not try the Silver Fern?