JK3 Shamrock V   /   J Class Sloop

Shamrock V is a J-Class yacht, the first of her class, launched in the early Thirties. Shamrock V is the most original J-Class of the three surviving yachts, despite the fact that she was the first one built. Velsheda and Endeavour are the other two surviving J's, both built shortly after Shamrock V. As the first yacht designed to the J-Class Rules Shamrock V is smaller than the subsequent designs. This is apparent in LOA and most noticeably in beam, hence righting moment is less and the vessel looks more delicate, classic and refined than either Endeavour or Velsheda. However, level rating can be replaced by a handicap rating to make for an equal playing ground against the other J's

The refit led by Dykstra Naval Architects performed is such that Shamrock V would be a classic, performance sailing yacht which can be sailed around the world and can take part, successfully, in classic yacht regatta's. Shamrock V is refitted to the highest modern standards, capable of traversing oceans in comfort and safety all within the boundaries set by the originality - and styling requirements.

Dykstra Naval Architects have gained over 30 years of J-Class experience and where responsible for the rebuilds of the J-Class yachts: JK3 Shamrock V, JK7 Velsheda, JK4 Endeavour, performance refit of J5 Ranger, the new builds JK6 Hanuman and JH2 Rainbow and J Yankee on the drawing board. To keep the J-Class fleet and races alive and to encourage new build yachts to enter the field, new JCA maximum performance rules have been developed, including allowing aluminum as building material. The new rule is a VPP (Velocity Prediction Program) based rating system which puts limits to the performance. This new rule has been developed by the Dykstra Naval Architects office and the Wolfson Unit in Southampton. The aim of the JCA, the Dykstra team and the rule is to bring fair & close racing to the fleet and to give all designs a chance of winning (on a handicap based system). Over the years the Dykstra team gained an enormous amount of hands-on information by racing on all the Dykstra J's in the current fleet.

J-Class Association