Published: Wednesday, 28th July, 2010 11:30am

"The Finest of William Fife's creations"

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Big news ... William Fife's latest vessel launch in 1908 drew admirers from all over and attracted big crowds when it berthed at Greenock.

In 1908, an article highlighting one of the biggest ever launches at the Fairlie Fife boatyard also featured - The Shamrock.

It was Sir Thomas Lipton's new 23 yard cutter and was considered to be very illustrious for the period as he was to sail in the America's Cup.

The 'News' reported: "The general view is that the new boat is among the very finest of Fairlie's creations, graceful in design and pleasing to the eye. The yacht was placed in the launching pontoon at 8pm on Saturday, taken to the water's edge, and later in the day floated into the deep water. The occasion was regarded as one of considerable interest by the residents of the area.

"Naturally she follows the lines of last year's White Heather II, designed and built by Mr Fife; but she also shows some modifications on that yacht. Shamrock is a little longer over all, with greater overhangs, somewhat heavier ballast, and deeper in the draught.

"It is hoped that she proves quite as clever as the White Heather in working in the windward and will excel. The cutter has all the comforts of those yachts specially built for cruising, but with the difference that everything has been arranged with such remarkable skill by the designer that much of the weight of the fittings and furnishings has been turned to very good use.

"She is electronically lit throughout - the first racing yacht built on the Clyde to be so installed, we believe - and in this connection it is interesting to note that storage batteries have been placed along with the sail locker, under the cabin floor, where the weight will be an advantage.

"In the oak panelling too, a saving in weight has been effected by the hollowing out of the wood, while the main saloon is draped with silken tapestry."

While the yacht was the height of grandeur, it also was adaptable in places with bicycle tubing to provide extra comfort for the crew!

The 'News' reported: "In the forecastle, the framing of the seamen's hammocks is of bicycle tubing, which is a decided improvement on the solid iron of not so long ago. The Shamrock carries a crew of 22, and will be under the command of the well known skipper Captain Edward Sycamore."