john wayne's wild goose yacht

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A Closer Look At John Wayne’s Custom Yacht, “Wild Goose”

Public Domain / Abhishake4, CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

For the last 17 years of his life John Wayne enjoyed a good deal of that time with his friends and family aboard his custom yacht, Wild Goose.

The ship itself was a 136-ft. US Navy Minesweeper that the Duke purchased for $110,000 in 1962 and converted into a three-decker floating luxury.

The ship has extravagant wood detailing, murals, and the bridge table where Wayne would spend all day playing games near the end of his life.

Shortly after he took possession of the ship, the $3 million renovation began. Five staterooms were added, interior bulkheads were removed to give the yacht a more spacious feel, and overheads were raised to accommodate Wayne’s height. A wood-burning fireplace, poker table, and built-in wet bar were added to the saloon which seats up to 127 people.

Even with these lavish upgrades, Wayne was intent on maintaining the boat’s naval heritage and left many of her original military elements intact, like the old-fashioned swivel wall fans, the bell, and the brass wheel in the wheelhouse.

The yacht is now owned by Hornblower Cruises located in Newport Beach, California. The company puts on different events and cruises in which fans of The Duke can actually step foot on his beloved yacht.

Wayne’s last trip aboard Wild Goose was on Easter weekend 1979. Before his passing the Hollywood legend used his yacht to entertain people like Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. It was also in several films, including “Skidoo” and “The President’s Analyst.”

Get a full video tour of Wild Goose below.

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Journeys of Discovery: Aboard John Wayne's yacht

Correspondent Tom Wilmer visits with Captain Bert Minshall aboard the "Wild Goose," a yacht formerly owned by John Wayne, berthed at Hornblower Cruises in Newport Beach Harbor in California.

Minshall signed aboard Wayne’s yacht in 1963 as a deck hand and first mate, before taking the helm as skipper in 1976 until Wayne’s death in 1979. Join Minshall as he recounts some of his favorite memories of his sixteen years serving aboard the "Wild Goose."

John Wayne was a 20 th Century Hollywood icon performing in more than 150 movies, with the 1969 film "True Grit" earning him an Oscar for best actor. Wayne’s first love was the United States Navy, but when he did not receive an appointment to the Naval Academy, he carried on with his film career.

His love of the maritime world spurred Wayne to purchase a converted World War II minesweeper (YMS-328), the "Wild Goose" in 1962. The 136-foot-long yacht served as a favorite getaway vessel for Wayne to spend time with his kids and friends. Mexico and Canada were two favored nautical destinations, but he also transited the Atlantic aboard the "Wild Goose" not long after purchasing the vessel. Hollywood celebrities who spent time aboard the yacht include Bob Hope, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Lee Marvin, and Tom Jones.

Hornblower Cruises, in partnership with the John Wayne Cancer Foundation , is hosting a series of Friday night dinner cruises aboard the "Wild Goose" in May and early June, 2019.

John Wayne’s yacht: A national treasure?

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The Wild Goose, the yacht once owned by actor John Wayne, is nominated for a spot on the National Historic Register. The yacht is now owned by Hornblower Cruises in Newport Beach.

From the grand stairway leading from the main deck of the Wild Goose to the upper decks visitors are greeted by a painted portrait of actor John Wayne, who bought the ship in 1965.

The master state room in the Wild Goose was added in a retrofit done by John Wayne just after he bought the ship in 1965. Interior bulkheads were removed to give the yacht a more spacious feel, and overheads were raised to accommodate Wayne's height.

A painting of John Wayne hangs in the fireplace room of the Wild Goose, the yacht that was owned by John Wayne.

A view from the outside of the bridge of the Wild Goose, a 136-foot former U.S. Navy minesweeper that was owned by actor John Wayne. Shortly after Wayne bought the ship in 1965, the actor began a retrofit to make the ship a more comfortable, family-friendly yacht.

The engine room of the Wild Goose holds two 500 hp engines, the original engines installed when the ship was built for the Navy at the beginning of World War II.

The brass wheel in the bridge of the Wild Goose is the orginal from the ships days as a U.S. Navy minesweeper during World War II. The yacht was owned by John Wayne, who left many of the original military elements intact .

The bar on the main deck of the yacht Wild Goose, which was owned by John Wayne. The ship, currently owned by Hornblower Cruises, is nominated for a spot on the National Historic Register.

The original engine order telegraph in the bridge of the Wild Goose, a 136-foot former U.S. Navy minesweeper that was owned by actor John Wayne. It was used by the pilot on the bridge to order engineers in the engine room to power the vessel at a certain speed.

A wood-burning fireplace was added to the Wild Goose by John Wayne in a retrofit he did shortly after buying the yacht in 1965. Wayne entertained passengers such as Sammy Davis, Jr. and Dean Martin on this yacht.

Carved-wood appointments to the Wild Goose, the yacht formerly owned by actor John Wayne who bought it in 1965. Wayne sold the yacht just before his death in 1979 to a Los Angeles attorney. The yacht is currently owned by Hornblower Cruises in Newport Beach.

Elser Morales, fleet manager for Hornblower Cruises walks past the many gauges in the engine room of the Wild Goose, the yacht that was once owned by actor John Wayne.

A poker table that was used by John Wayne and his guests sits in a room that was added to the Wild Goose after it was sold by Wayne in 1979.

The Wild Goose, a yacht owned by John Wayne for many years, is currently owned by Hornblower Cruises in Newport Beach and is nominated for a spot on the National Historic Register.

Undated photo of John Wayne with daughters Marissa and Aissa aboard the Wild Goose.

A photo of legendary actor John Wayne, in the wheelhouse of the "Wild Goose," the 136-foot yacht once owned by Wayne.

NEWPORT BEACH – Amid the weddings, dinner cruises and tours that take place aboard the Wild Goose, there are unmistakable nods to its most famous owner.

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Hornblower Cruises, which currently owns the vessel, maintains the boat as a homage to actor John Wayne, who bought the World War II minesweeper in 1962 and refurbished it as a yacht, using it to travel and entertain until his death in 1979.

Now the vessel is nominated for a spot on the National Register of Historic Places, an honorary designation meant to recognize places with a certain significance, such as ties to an entertainment figure like Wayne, and encourage their preservation, said Paul Lusignian, a historian for the National Register.

The boat is already pretty far from its original state. The owners who came after Wayne put the Goose through more than $3 million in renovations, the most noticeable of which are an upper deck and a room on the main deck.

Hornblower bought the boat in 1997, and has since tried to maintain its historic integrity, said Chandler Bell, director of marine operations.

“We wanted to preserve the history of the vessel,” he said. “We felt the boat deserved it.”

Remnants of Wayne’s presence exist both through efforts to preserve the boat as he had it, and modern touches that remind visitors whose yacht they are on.

The balance is apparent in the Fireplace Room. A naval battle mural Wayne commissioned faces the wood-burning fireplace, while framed movie posters of his films line the worn, white walls on either side.

The painting and fireplace are original, but the posters most certainly are not from the Duke, said Bert Minshall, who started on board as a deckhand in 1963 and rose to become the ship’s captain in the 70’s, until the actor’s death.

“Mr. Wayne would never have had that stuff on board,” Minshall said of the posters.

Instead, the walls sported at least two dozen plaques from army units he visited in Vietnam, he said.

Minshall, who wrote a book about his experiences with Wayne aboard the Wild Goose, returns to the ship from time to time for events, mingling with visitors and sharing stories of his years on the boat.

He took part in some of Wayne’s transformations to the former minesweeper, and often notices further changes that have been made since he worked on the boat.

Minshall was a member of the team that built the actor’s state room on the main deck, with a doorway that was 6’8″ to accommodate the man who stood at 6’4.”

They’ve kept the state room mostly as it was, he said, but changed the color of the bed from a speckled brown and yellow to a darker varnish.

He recalls being like a nanny for Wayne’s three youngest children, especially Marissa. He watched them jet ski behind the boat around Catalina Island, and jump off the roof of their father’s state room, a 20-foot plunge.

“Those three children were my responsibility,” he said.

Now there is an upper deck atop the main one, covered by canvas and windows, and an additional room that covers a porthole looking out from the kids’ room.

Hornblower nominated the vessel for a place on the National Register last year. It’s passed through the state level, and will now be reviewed by a historian at the national level. The decision as to whether or not the Wild Goose makes the list will come out some time next month, Lusignan said.

Ninety percent of submissions that pass through the state level also pass through the national review, he added.

Hornblower has been trying to highlight the boat’s historical presence since before its nomination to the National Register, Bell said.

They preserved one bunk room, which used to house guests including Sammy Davis Jr., and are planning to convert another bunk room back to its original state, Bell said. The company was using it as a liquor room.

Minshall said any steps to make it resemble its former glory would be good ones. To him, the boat is almost unrecognizable as John Wayne’s yacht.

“Personally, I would have liked to keep the boat original, the way the Duke had it,” Minshall said. “It just doesn’t look like John Wayne’s boat.”

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Champagne Brunch Cruise Aboard John Wayne's Yacht

Travel with us to Newport Harbor and step aboard the Wild Goose for an opulent Champagne Brunch Cruise, a privilege once relished by the illustrious American film legend, John Wayne.

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Travel with us to Newport Harbor and board the Wild Goose yacht, the pride and joy once owned and cherished by film legend John Wayne, for a bottomless Mimosa Brunch Cruise. With a career spanning over five decades, John Wayne remains a Hollywood's icon. The Wild Goose has been seen in movies like The President’s Analyst , and Skidoo . Acquired by 'The Duke' in 1962, this vessel became his private sanctuary, hosting luminaries such as Richard Nixon, Ronald Reagan, and Dean Martin. Take a 2-hour cruise through Newport Harbor passing by multimillion-dollar yachts and lavish homes, and enjoy a delicious brunch complete with free-flowing champagne, mimosas, and sparkling cider. Then, take a self-guided tour of the Wild Goose, adorned with John Wayne memorabilia and offering access to the staterooms and wheelhouse. On the trip home, we’ll stop at the popular Roger’s Gardens nursery, renowned for its expansive and beautifully landscaped outdoor space and curated collection of living items, home accessories, and seasonal decorations.

All-day Excursion

All times and routing are approximate and subject to change without notice.

Arrive at Hornblower Cruises in Newport Beach

Begin boarding the Wild Goose Yacht

11:00am - 1:00pm

Two-hour cruise around Newport Harbor. Champagne brunch begins and time to explore the ship and its staterooms at your leisure.

Depart for Corona Del Mar

Arrive at Roger's Gardens

Depart for local dropoffs

B=Breakfast

Tour Manager:  Christina Koohmarey*

Activity Level: Moderate to high

This tour involves stairs and inclines during boarding and disembarking the Wild Goose yacht, as well as narrow, steep staircases to access various decks aboard the yacht. No elevators are present. Persons of limited mobility should consult their physician and assess the suitability of this tour considering the tour's physical components. Due to the historic nature of the yacht, wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.

What's Included in the Tour Fare

Round-trip luxury motor coach transportation from pickup locations throughout San Diego County

Professional Tour Manager providing narration throughout the trip

Complimentary bottled water and snacks on the coach

2-hour cruise and self-guided tour of John Wayne's Wild Goose Yacht

Unlimited champaign and mimosas aboard the yacht

Brunch aboard the yacht

What's Not Included in the Tour Fare

Gratuities for the Tour Manager and driver

How to Make a Reservation

Making your reservation is easy. Simply click the Book Now button above to select your date and confirm your space online, 24/7. You can also call the DayTripper Tours reservations department at (619) 334-3394 during business hours of M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Know Before You Go:

There are 4-5 stairs to gain access to the yacht, and there are two stair cases with 10-12 steep and narrow stairs to access the deck where the dining is located.

Yacht is subject to change should a mechanical issue arise with the Wild Goose.

Dress For Comfort

We suggest you dress for comfort with loose clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

What to Bring

Sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc..)

Jacket, windbreaker, or sweater

Camera (or smartphone)

Smartphones

Although not necessary to fully enjoy your trip, a personal smartphone can greatly enhance your tour experience. Take high-quality photos, share your experience on social media in real time, search for nearby restaurants and topics of interest, set reminders, and more.

30-Day Cancellation Deadline

If you purchased the optional Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) prior to the deadline, you can cancel your booking at any time for any reason and you'll receive a full refund of the tour fare.

If you declined the CPP, you may cancel your reservation thirty (30) or more days prior to the departure date to receive a refund less a $20 per person cancellation fee. Alternatively, when you cancel your booking thirty (30) or more days prior to the departure date, you can avoid the cancellation fee by transferring the funds to another tour or a non-refundable voucher, which can be applied to any future excursion booked within one year of the original tour date. Bookings canceled within 30 days of the departure date are nonrefundable and nontransferable for any reason. Name changes on daytrips are always permitted at no additional cost.

* Tour Manager is subject to change without notice.

Below is a list of pick-up points available on this tour.

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Home    •    Journal    •    Anchors Away!

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Anchors Away!

Photo courtesy of Hornblower Cruises & Events

Step aboard John Wayne’s yacht to experience what made  Wild Goose such a special place for the Duke.

Written by Constance Dunn

To know a man, really, is to know his hobbies and most avid pursuits—the activities that put him in his element and at his best. For John Wayne, this would be the many delightful hours he spent at sea with friends and family aboard his yacht Wild Goose .

A Navy minesweeper with a hull made of Douglas fir, the 136-foot boat was put into service during WWII, then retired and sold twice before Wayne purchased it in 1962. Renovated into a luxurious wooden yacht, Wild Goose was docked in Newport Harbor and used liberally by Wayne until his passing in 1979.

In the mid-90s, Hornblower Cruises & Events acquired the Wild Goose , adding it to their Los Angeles and Orange County fleet for private events. “We believed then, and believe now, that the Wild Goose provides a truly one-of-a-kind venue for all types of celebrations, special occasions and events,” says Kevin Lorton, Hornblower’s vice president and general manager, Southern California. Beginning in 2015, the boat was enlisted for a series of cruises, open to the public, honoring Duke. “We have always loved John Wayne and Wild Goose ,” says Elizabeth King, Hornblower’s associate director of marketing. So inspired, says King, John Wayne Celebration Cruises was started in honor of his birthday. “He is such an icon in the Orange County community,” she adds.

Starting May 1 and continuing through mid-June, Wayne fans can climb aboard Wild Goose for informal tours and to sip “The Duke’s Old Fashioned” cocktails with bourbon and bitters while cruising Newport Harbor at sunset. Watch the harbor lights twinkle while dining on short ribs and Panko-crusted salmon or select from a brunch buffet while drinking champagne and being regaled with stories of Duke at sea from his captain. A two-hour sunset cocktail cruise, a dinner cruise and a champagne brunch cruise are part of the series. New this year is the “Celebrate All Things Wild Goose” cruise, setting sail for only three evenings. “It has everything a John Wayne fan could dream of,” says King. Passengers will be treated to a viewing of  True Grit (the 1969 film turns 50 this year), along with a Duke’s Bourbon tasting and a guest appearance by Bert Minshall, former captain of the Wild Goose .

In a move that would have surely pleased Duke, a portion of the proceeds from all John Wayne Celebration Cruises goes to John Wayne Cancer Foundation in support of his final and most ardent wish.  For more information, visit hornblower.com .

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John wayne birthday cruises aboard the wild goose.

John Wayne’s Celebration Cruises aboard Wild Goose start May 1st.

May 1:  Boards 5:30 pm, Cruises 6:00-8:00 pm June 12 (last cruise date): Boards 5:30 pm

Cruises: 6:00-8:00 pm

Do you know a John Wayne fan? Make someone’s day who loves the old westerns, and invite them on a John Wayne Celebration Dining Cruise in Newport Beach. Come aboard and experience one of the most famous yachts in the area, John Wayne’s former yacht, Wild Goose. Celebrate his life and the legend by joining us for a Brunch, Dinner or a Cocktail cruise featuring all things John Wayne. You can learn the history of Wild Goose with informal tours of the family’s staterooms, the library, and the famous card room, and explore the art gallery of movie posters and the priceless paintings by Wayne’s wife while you cruise around the gorgeous Newport Beach harbor.

For a really special experience, get your tickets for our “Celebrate All Things Wild Goose” Signature Series Cocktail Cruise. This special “experiential” cruise has everything a John Wayne fan could dream of … a Duke’s Bourbon tasting, specialty bourbon cocktails at the bar, a guest appearance by Bert Minshall, John Wayne’s Former Captain, and watch the movie True Grit, honoring its 50th anniversary aboard Wild Goose! A portion of all proceeds from our celebration cruises will be donated to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation to help fulfill John Wayne’s last wish: to find a cure for cancer.

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John Waynes Wild Goose Yacht - Newport Beach City Cruises

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John Waynes Wild Goose Yacht

My wife has been trying to stage an event on this yacht for years and finally had a match. 164 folks arrived on 2 busses and about six cars to a three hour tour of the harbor on John Wayne's yacht, Wild Goose. All Teak and polished brass, festooned with images of the fabled actor, the ship was floating history. It and its crew operated like a precision watch. We were impressed. The departure and docking were too easy. The engine was never obtrusive. The food service was better than you might expect when trying to feed 160 people. Standing and lounging spaces were more than adequate. The harbor is a treat for out of towners. I give this event an A+

Hosted our 2nd annual company Christmas cruise w/ Hornblower. Yacht was great, Captain/Hostess/Bartender awesome, and the scenery was beautiful. Definitely would come back and do it again!

We were invited for a small birthday party - lunch and cruise. The bar was set up serving drinks a good half hour before departure time. Then we took off on an approximate 2 hour cruise through the harbor while we dined. After our lunch was done, some people stayed on the main (enclosed) deck but many went up top as we continued cruising the bay/harbor. Our group was only about 15+ so it was a smaller boat but plenty of room in the dining area and for mingling. A clean restroom below. Then a lovely deck up top where we could watch the homes and scenery. Good service. Everything was pleasant.

As one of my cousin's many 50th birthday activities we had brunch on the horn blower. This was a very relaxing atmosphere. The food was spectacular although I never eat my moneys worth. I did get my share of mimosas. This was a class act and a very memorable way to conclude the weekend festivities.

Hornblower cruise out of Newport Beach is a great experience for couples wanting a night out or for a small party. The cruise takes place just before sunset (during daylight savings time) and is as romantic as it gets. FOOD - The food was AWESOME!!! Everything was cooked perfectly and tasted great! SERVICE - This one is iffy... Our waiter kind of forgot about us so it took a while to get drinks going. Food service though was rather quick as it was sort of a team effort to get everyone on the boat fed. BAR - Drinks from the bar are AWESOME!!! However, keep an eye on your drink at ALL TIMES! If you leave it on your table and it's not meant to be picked up, it still may disappear. DANCING - Yes..there is dancing. Two live DJ's provide a great mix of music. If you are not into dancing and just want to hang out, you can go to the top deck which is open air and relax and look at the scenery that is Newport Beach Harbor. DRESS CODE - So this one threw us off....according to the website there is a dress code. However, upon arrival, some followed the code, some really didn't but they weren't asked to leave. Did it hinder my experience? NO...I dressed accordingly. Will it hinder your experience? If you are staring at someone else and what they wear, then you won't enjoy the cruise. My advice is to just dress classy and accordingly. PARKING - So parking at the Hornblower landing is available BUT it costs $10 throughout the year with the exception of December where it's $15. It's not listed anywhere obvious on the website until you click on directions and then click on parking options. Overall, it was a great experience, highly recommend it for anyone looking for a night out.

Our daughter and son-in-law treated my husband and me to this super-lovely, 3-hour dinner/dance cruise. We were thrilled to learn this vessel was built as a mine sweeper during WWII and then purchased by a private citizen who traveled the world in it. After that, John Wayne owned it the last 17 years of his life and had it completely restored. We had such a fun time. By the way, many women wore little black dresses and heels, whereas the men were typically not as nicely dressed. And even though I spotted a rare man in jeans, no one wore jeans with holes. Our kids purchased the upgrade which included a bottle of champagne (in addition to the complimentary glass upon boarding), 4 champagne glasses, and truffles. It was quite elegant and I would LOVE to do it again!

John Wayne: How Much Did The Duke’s Yacht ‘The Wild Goose’ Cost?

When John Wayne wasn’t working, there was a pretty good chance you could find him cruising along the coast aboard his yacht, Wild Goose. And even though Wayne passed away in 1979, the ship is still around to this day. In a contemporary world where yachts measure in the hundreds of meters and sell for hundreds of millions of dollars, you may be wondering, how much did the Duke pay for his?

Well, for starters, Wild Goose isn’t just any yacht . In fact, it began its illustrious journey in a role that was the opposite of relaxing. The ship was built during WWII as a U.S. Navy minesweeping vessel. In 1962, John Wayne purchased the ship for the humble price of $116,000. Pretty good deal, right?

The only problem is John Wayne didn’t want to go for a cruise on a ship outfitted to wage war. So the initial price tag was only the beginning. Duke reportedly spent roughly $1 million overhauling the 136-foot vessel. The work included vaulting the ceilings so the big man could comfortably navigate, and of course, adding plenty of tables at which he could play cards.

The money spent was apparently well worth it. John Wayne spent much of the last 17 years of life on Wild Goose when he wasn’t working. It was a place that allowed him to relax, get away from the stresses of being an acting icon, and above all, spend quality time with his family and friends .

“His boat was really a sanctuary,” Michael Wayne , his eldest son, said . “It was a place he could go to relax; it was something he needed. It was really like a vacation home, but he could go anywhere he wanted. It gave him tremendous freedom.”

What Condition is John Wayne’s Yacht in These Days?

Wild Goose’s journey didn’t end with John Wayne. Before Duke died in 1979, he sold the yacht to an acquaintance for a reported sum of $750,000.

For years the ship languished in neglect. In 1990, an old friend of John Wayne’s discovered it wasting away in Long Beach, California. According to an article from the Los Angeles Times, an anonymous businessman invested in bringing Wild Goose back to its former glory.

These days, John Wayne’s former yacht is owned and maintained by Hornblower Cruises. Yes, it is available for private events. Yes, diehard John Wayne fans can theoretically go aboard. No, the yacht is not identical to the way it was when Wayne himself was using it.

The fact that Hornblower owns the yacht outright means that they can do anything they want with it. And apparently, they have added some touches that play up the legendary nature of John Wayne, making it more recognizable to visitors.

Celebrate Aboard the Wild Goose on April 25-June 16

Join Hornblower Cruises as they celebrate the legendary John Wayne in his hometown of Newport Beach, CA, aboard Wild Goose! April 25 – June 16, Celebration Cocktail, Brunch and Dinner Cruises.

Celebrate the life and legend of John Wayne aboard his former yacht, Wild Goose, for a dining cruise with Madame Tussauds Hollywood famous John Wayne wax figure in full Western attire. While you are on board, meet Bert Minshall, John Wayne’s former captain and author of “On Board with the Duke”, who will share stories from his time working with Wayne.​ Snap a shot and use #JohnWayneGrit to help raise awareness for the John Wayne Cancer Foundation . A portion of all proceeds will be donated to the foundation to help fulfill John Wayne’s last wish: to find a cure for cancer.

  Boarding:   2431 W. Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663

With limited and convenient paid parking, please call with any questions.

Please call reserve your space at www.hornblower.com or call 800-ON-THE-BAY  (Reservations required.)

SPREAD THE WORD: Can you share the news about these John Wayne Celebration Cruises with your friends, colleagues and social media followers, especially if you know a John Wayne Fan!

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October 5, 2021 by Kelly

John Wayne Yacht Wild Goose Facts

To learn the incredible tale of John Wayne’s private yacht the Wild Goose, simply continue reading. As you’ll learn about its background in the US Navy, her time serving during WWII, and her life as the private yacht of one of the most famous western actors in the world. the legendary John Wayne.

It was once part of the US Navy’s fleet:

While the iconic actor, John Wayne named his ship the Wild Goose, it originally was a US Navy YMS-1 class ship known as a Yard Mine Sweeper.

She was active during WWII:

As a naval ship, the Wild Goose was stationed primarily in the Aleutian Islands, during WWII. Her job was to sweep for enemy minefields at Attu and the US minefields at Kiska.

She was supposed to be involved in the scheduled invasion of Parmishiru Island:

She was scheduled to be refitted to participate in the scheduled invasion of Parmishiru Island, however before the invasion could take place, Japan who was fighting with Germany as part of the axis decided to surrender. At the time the Wild Goose was on her way to be refitted for the canceled invasion. She was ultimately removed from the Navy’s register of ships in 1946 after which point she lived on as a private yacht.

She several sister ships:

The most famous of the Wild Goose’s sister ships is the Calypso, which was famously owned by Jaques Cousteau. Cousteau was a famous French naval officer, scientist, filmmaker, and author. Who was passionate about the ocean.

She was owned by Harold Jones:

The first civilian owner of the Wild Goose was Harold Jones, who was the owner of Vancouver Tug & Barge. Jones used the Wild Goose which he named La Beverie to multiple parts of the world. Examples of which included Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Hawaii.

She was also owned by millionaire Max Wyman:

Harold Jones kept La Reverie until his death, at which point she was sold to millionaire Max Wyman. At which point Wyman renamed La Reverie Wild Goose II.

She was brought by the actor John Wayne in 1962:

In 1962 John Wayne took ownership of Wild Goose II and renamed her Wild Goose. Under his ownership, the Wild Goose hosted numerous star-studded parties. Examples of some of the party guests who would attend functions on Wild Goose include two former presidents Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan. The latter of whom was formerly an actor before he became the President of the United States. John Wayne retained ownership of Wild Goose for 17 years before she was decommissioned.

She featured in a film:

Wild Goose made an appearance in the 1968 film Skidoo, in which she played the part of a boat named Mother which was owned by a gangster who was played by the famous actor, Groucho Marx.

So whether you are interested in WWII, John Wayne, or historical ships, hopefully, you found the article above about the Wild Goose’s incredible life interesting.

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