One of the most enduringly popular articles we’ve published is about Wild Goose joining the National Register of Historic Places. She became eligible because of her association with the late actor John Wayne. Wayne owned and cruised aboard the 136-footer (41.45-meter) for many years. Hosted by Ethan Wayne, his son, this video takes you onboard and retraces some of the very waters that the yacht Wild Goose navigated when he was just a child.
A former minesweeper converted into a cruiser, the yacht Wild Goose allowed Wayne to enjoy many memorable trips up and down the U.S. West Coast. He acquired her in 1962 and had her modified for his family’s needs. For example, he added staterooms for his children. Ultimately, after many enjoyable trips, Wayne sold her just prior to his death in 1979. Currently, she hosts dinner cruises and other events with guests in Newport Beach, California.
Among the many stories Ethan Wayne shares, his father realized the yacht would block his neighbors’ view if he docked her behind the family’s house. He therefore acquired a big slip nearby.
He further shares a little-known fact. The wooden hull saw construction simultaneously with the vessel that became Calypso, belonging to the late Jacques Cousteau. She, too, was originally a minesweeper from Seattle-based Ballard Marine Railway Company. A blink-and-you-miss-it humorous moment occurs as soon as Ethan Wayne steps aboard the yacht Wild Goose. Remembering the engineer’s cabin contained a liquor locker, he says, “I was never allowed in there.”
One of the most remarkable moments, though, occurs in the engine room. The original stairway down below as well as the original engines are still onboard. “We had some good scrape sessions trying to get this thing docked,” he laughs. (You’ll understand the comment when you see and hear him describe how operations needed to take place.)
Interspersed among the modern-day footage of the yacht Wild Goose, you’ll see photos and videos of the Wayne family and its patriarch from decades past. Although some aspects of the yacht are dramatically different, the preservation of memories that Ethan Wayne does will withstand the test of time.
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Jerry LaFrance
A very dear friend of mine, Mr Shane Mcdonough recently passed. Shane was invited by Mr Wayne to photograph both the interior and exterior of the Wild Goose. At the time Shane was an active duty airman in the US AirForce. He spent a day photographing the boat for Mr. Wayne. He then developed the photos, made copies for two albums. One album was sent to Mr Wayne and Shane cherished the second album. It sat on his desk until he passed in Dec of 24. Shane received a hand written note from Mr. Wayne thanking him for the album and informed him it had adoecial place on the coffee table on the Wild Goose. Shane went into to serve as a State Trooper In Massachusetts. After his retirement he spent his final days with his beloved wife Noel traveling and enjoying life. Just thought the currrnt owners may be interested in this piece of trivia about the Wild Goose.