VESSEL HISTORY – THE TRADE WIND STORY
“Trade Wind” as she is now named, was built by the Robert Jacob yard in City Island, NY in 1937-1938. She was commissioned by a prominent Great Lakes yachtsman who wanted “a comfortable floating home for two that could go anywhere.” He also wanted the yacht to be a suitable “tender” to the 8 Meter sailing vessel he campaigned on the East Coast as well as accompany the racing fleet to Bermuda. Little is known about her involvement during the war, but later she operated in both private and commercial enterprises. “Trade Wind” is also known for being the “first pleasure boat design” to ever be tank-tested! Clearly, this helps explain her remarkable fuel efficiency, ability to slice through a swell or cut through a chop and leave little wake.
One such commercial enterprise was Reed Research Inc in Washington, DC. Under the name “Marigold” she was used as an ocean-going research lab. Later she operated under Iotron Inc and served as a test vessel for “state of the art” electronic equipment.
Once back under private ownership, she was re-named “Tsunami,” honoring her new owner’s favorite art form; Japanese prints of big waves. Under this name she continued to sail the waters between New England and Florida for many more years.
In 2007, her current owner brought the vessel to Rockport Marine for what turned out to be a near complete reconstruction; a superb restoration. Her cabin-house, entire deck (except for a few original knees under the new composite deck), many hull planks, engines, tanks, wiring etc were all removed and she was then reconstructed from scratch using her original naval architectural plans from John Alden. The owner worked closely with navel architects, Rockport Marine’s boatbuilding artisans, and many other talented wooden boat experts to give “Trade Wind” a new lease on life. Without a doubt, Trade Wind and all her modern improvements will be easily sailing for another 80+ years! The current owners have enjoyed extensive cruising along the entire Eastern Seaboard and Bahamas since her re-launching & christening in 2011. “Trade Wind” is clearly one of the most nostalgic vessels in operation today and never fails to put a big smile on all those who watch her pass by –