Thomas J Lipton Collection

The sailing yachts White Heather and Shamrock, race downwind. Shamrock was designed by William Fife and was Sir Thomas Liptons first challenger for the Americas Cup

Americas Cup challenger Shamrock IV sailing without topsail, 1914. Creator
Americas Cup challenger Shamrock IV sailing without topsail, 1914. Shamrock IV was a yacht owned by Sir Thomas Lipton and designed by Charles Ernest Nicholson. She was launched in June 1914

The cutter Shamrock beating upwind. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The cutter Shamrock beating upwind. Shamrock, designed by William Fife, was Sir Thomas Liptons first (1899) challenger to the Americas Cup

The J-Class yachts Shamrock V and Britannia, 1934. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The J-Class yachts Shamrock V and Britannia, 1934

The majestic cutters White Heather and Shamrock race downwind, 1912. Creator
The majestic cutters White Heather and Shamrock race downwind, 1912

Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, 1st Baronet, British grocer and yachtsman, 1926. Artist: Alick P F Ritchie
Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, 1st Baronet, British grocer and yachtsman, 1926. Portrait of Lipton (1848-1931) who created the famous Lipton tea brand and took part in the Americas Cup

The cutter Shamrock beating to windward. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The cutter Shamrock beating to windward. Shamrock, designed by William Fife, was Sir Thomas Liptons first (1899) challenger to the Americas Cup

The cutter Shamrock sailing close-hauled, 1912. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The cutter Shamrock sailing close-hauled, 1912. Shamrock, designed by William Fife, was Sir Thomas Liptons first (1899) challenger to the Americas Cup

The launch of Shamrock IV with H. M. S. Victory in the background, May 1914. Creator
The launch of Shamrock IV at Gosport with H.M.S. Victory in the background, May 1914. Shamrock IV was a yacht owned by Sir Thomas Lipton and designed by Charles Ernest Nicholson

Magnificent group of 1st Class Races: Shamrock V, White Heather and Candida, 1930

The towering 10, 450 sq ft sail area of Shamrock IV, 1914. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The towering 10, 450 sq ft sail area of Shamrock IV, 1914. Shamrock IV was a yacht owned by Sir Thomas Lipton and designed by Charles Ernest Nicholson. She was launched in June 1914

The cutter Shamrock sailing close-hauled. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The cutter Shamrock sailing close-hauled. Shamrock, designed by William Fife, was Sir Thomas Liptons first (1899) challenger to the Americas Cup

Americas Cup challenger Shamrock III. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Americas Cup challenger Shamrock III. The yacht was designed by William Fife, and was built by William Denny and Brothers of Dumbarton, Scotland. The yacht was launched on 1903

The cutter Shamrock beating upwind, 1912. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The cutter Shamrock beating upwind, 1912. Shamrock, designed by William Fife, was Sir Thomas Liptons first (1899) challenger to the Americas Cup

After launch of Shamrock IV at Gosport with H. M. S. Victory in the background, May 1914
After launch of Shamrock IV at Gosport with H.M.S. Victory in the background, May 1914. Shamrock IV was a yacht owned by Sir Thomas Lipton and designed by Charles Ernest Nicholson

The launch of Shamrock IV at Gosport, May 1914. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
The launch of Shamrock IV at Gosport, May 1914. Shamrock IV was a yacht owned by Sir Thomas Lipton and designed by Charles Ernest Nicholson

Close up of Shamrocks Deck. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Close up of Shamrocks Deck. Shamrock, designed by William Fife, was Sir Thomas Liptons first (1899) challenger to the Americas Cup. She was 128 ft overall length and carried 13, 492 sq ft of canvas

Shamrock and White Heather powering to windward, 1912. Creator: Kirk & Sons of Cowes
Shamrock and White Heather powering to windward, 1912

Shamrock, Westward, Britannia, Astria and Velsheda, 1933. Creator
Racing yachts Shamrock, Westward, Britannia, Astria and Velsheda, 1933

The Shamrock and the Columbia racing for the Americas Cup, 1899 (1906). The New York Yacht Clubs Columbia, backed by J P Morgan, defeated the Royal Ulster Yacht Clubs challenger Shamrock

Coffee picking on Sir Thomas Liptons estate, Dambutenne, Sri Lanka, 1903. Artist: Underwood & Underwood
Coffee picking on Sir Thomas Liptons estate, Dambutenne, Sri Lanka, 1903. Stereoscopic slide, detail

Tamil women picking tea on Sir Thomas Liptons estate, Polgahawela, Sri Lanka, 1903. Artist: Underwood & Underwood
Tamil women picking tea on Sir Thomas Liptons estate, Polgahawela, Sri Lanka, 1903. Stereoscopic card. Detail

Thomas Lipton, Scottish yachtsman C017 / 7820
Thomas Johnstone Lipton (1848-1931), Scottish yachtsman. Lipton, famous for founding the Lipton tea brand, was a keen yachtsman. He competed five times in the Americas Cup between 1899 and 1930

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Sir Thomas Johnstone Lipton, 1st Baronet, was not only a renowned British grocer but also an accomplished yachtsman. His passion for sailing led him to commission several iconic vessels that left their mark on the history of the America's Cup. One such vessel was the sailing yacht White Heather, which raced downwind alongside its rival Shamrock in a thrilling display of speed and skill. The sight of these majestic yachts gracefully gliding through the water was truly awe-inspiring. In 1914, Sir Thomas unveiled his masterpiece, Shamrock IV. This impressive challenger sailed without its topsail, showcasing its sleek design and formidable presence on the open seas. Created by Kirk & Sons of Cowes, this vessel embodied Sir Thomas' unwavering determination to bring home victory in the America's Cup. Not one to rest on his laurels, Sir Thomas continued to push boundaries with his next creation: Shamrock V. Alongside Britannia, another magnificent J-Class yacht crafted by Kirk & Sons of Cowes in 1934; they formed an unforgettable duo that captured both hearts and imaginations. Alick P F Ritchie immortalized Sir Thomas himself in a stunning portrait from 1926. The painting depicted him as both a distinguished gentleman and an avid sailor—a testament to his multifaceted persona. The cutter Shamrock showcased its prowess time and again as it beat upwind against fierce competition. Designed by Kirk & Sons of Cowes in 1912, this vessel exemplified Sir Thomas' commitment to excellence and relentless pursuit of victory. In May 1914, amidst grandeur befitting such an occasion, Shamrock IV was launched with H. M. S Victory standing proudly in the background—an event that marked yet another milestone in Sir Thomas' illustrious career as a yachtsman. The year 1930 witnessed a magnificent gathering where first-class races brought together three remarkable yachts: Shamrock V, White Heather, and Candida.