Yachts of Yesteryear

This large, clipper-bowed diesel yacht considered Newport Harbor her

home port from 1939 to 1942. Vida was 234 feet long with a beam of 34

feet and a draft of 12 feet. She could cruise at 16 knots.

Vida was usually moored at the Old County Dock near the Arches.

However, many times she anchored in the Lido Turning Basin. The yacht’s

boats were lowered, and a shore boat was established to Newport Harbor

Yacht Club.

Vida was a very active yacht. She made cruises to Alaska, Mexico and

Honduras, as well as weekend trips to Catalina. She was fitted with a

Gyro Stabilizer System, which provided a smooth ride for the guests.

In early 1942, Vida was requisitioned by the Navy. However, before the

yacht was turned over, her saluting cannon was removed. This was donated

to the Newport Harbor Yacht Club, where it stands today next to the flag

pole and is used on ceremonial occasions.