Wild Goose (Newport Beach, California)

 yacht, historic landmark

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Yacht of the late John Wayne.

*Note: Although image set updates may show empty slip, the ship was present at time of this writing. It is inadvisable to mark this location for deletion in the event that future image sets reveal that the ship is out to sea.

Beginning her life as a minesweeper in 1942, this vessel saw action with the Canadian Navy in World War II. Measuring 136 feet long with 25-foot beam, the vessel still sports the solid brass plates installed by the Navy to protect her prow while hunting for mines.

Legendary actor John Wayne purchased his beloved yacht in 1965 for $116,000 and renamed her the Wild Goose. Converted into a luxuriously-appointed yacht the Wild Goose served as a backdrop for celebrity events, family vacations, and infamous poker sessions with such luminaries as Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., and Bob Hope. Often, he would set out for Catalina Island and Mexico with his family and friends.

Wayne sold the boat for $750,000 in 1979, shortly before his death. Today, the boat still docks in Newport Harbor and is owned by a company that books it for charter cruises and events. The upper deck, originally a helicopter landing pad, is now completely enclosed as a dining salon with seating for 150. Wayne's original stateroom has remained the same.

www.powerandmotoryacht.com/megayachts/john-wayne-megaya...