The Yankee and Enterprise, both J-Class yachts created to win the America’s Cup, were both considered one of the four yachts that could defend the title from Britain. Both were considered technologically great achievements, and with good reason.

The Yankee was designed by Frank Paine, and was one of the best well-rounded yachts of all the J-Class. It featured tobin bronze and was considered to be extremely well balanced. The boat was later fine tuned to be more competitive, but still remained rather unfit for competitive competition. It unsuccessfully defended the Cup in 1930 and 1934- earning it very little renown.

The Enterprise was also the defender of the Cup. It gained recognition from defeating the famous Shamrock V in the 1930 America’s Cup. The Enterprise beat the fierce competitor solely because of employed mechanical aspects- as the Shamrock was wooden. This event effectively destroyed Lipton’s dream of winning the race in the 14th America’s Cup. It defeated the Shamrock V with 4 wins over 0- quite a display of power. It was dry docked right after the race, and never set sail again. In 1935, it was broken for scrap.

Both boats are an important part in J-Class history, as they were both defenders of the United States grip on the America’s Cup. Although the Yankee might not have pulled through, the Enterprise defeated the Britain threat, the Shamrock V, with ease. It is rather sad to hear that the owner of the Shamrock V, Lipton, died soon after- and never got the chance to get the gold cup he so desperately desired. He still made an impact, however, with his business. Lipton Tea is still a tea company that has grown rather large over the years since his death.

Neither of the yachts escaped being scrapped, and many yachts were during the war era. Only three of the remaining J-Class yachts remain today- a rather saddening prospect.