Isn't she yar!



I thought maybe I should explain "Yar", being a sailor and not knowing how many sailors are amongst our members, I maybe should give an explanation. No intellectual offense intended!
The nautical term "Yar" is especially for a sailboat, which is quick, agile, easy to handle, quick to the helm and fast! Everything a sailboat should be!
In addition, let's not forget Errol's ZACA was actually not a YACHT, but a SCHOONER!  He would not like it if we are not nautical correct!

The Zaca Today!

Built by Nunes Bros. in 1929-30, Sausalito, CA.

Acquired by the US Navy, 12 June 1942

Placed in service as Zaca (IX-73), 19 June 1942

Placed out of service, 6 October 1944, at Naval Station Treasure Island, CA.

Struck from the Naval Register, 13 November 1944

Transferred to the War Shipping Administration, 21 May 1945, for disposal

Sold in July 1945 to Joseph Rosenber of San Francisco for $14,350

Resold to Errol Flynn, in 1946. Errol Flynn owned the Zaca until his passing in 1959.  She was found rotting and abandoned in the south of France by Robert Memmo.  Today, restored by Roberto Memmo, authentically to her former glory. During the summer, Zaca can often be found at important Regattas in the Mediterranean and in winter she is berthed in Port de Fontvieille, Monte Carlo!

     The Emblem

     The Dining Room

      The Living Room

      Another side of the Living Room

      Master Bedroom

      Master Bathroom adjoining to Master Bedroom

      The usual Guest Cabin

      Deck Dining Area

      Deck and Helm quite authentically restored


     The Helm

      The Rigging



I am sure Errol is back on board and extremely happy that his Zaca is afloat again!

I think he is around and flies like angel do and sings the song:

"STARS"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pJcB43Hl80

Every night before the dream
I float up through the silent stream of galaxies,
Sailing along through stars.
Far above the cares of day
I drift beyond the Milky Way on stellar seas,
Sailing along through stars.
Feel a comet shower shimmer
All around you in a glim'ring wonderland.
Close your eyes and, in the hush,
You can almost feel the brush of Heaven's hand.
Meet me when the night is nigh
And I will show you how to fly like angels do,
Sailing along through stars.

Templeton Crocker's Zaca!

Errol Flynn's 118 foot Schooner "Zaca",  which means "peace" in Samoan language and I think it is that peace and tranquility he longed for. 

The Zaca was never renamed, except in World War II where she was "IX-73", she became a service schooner out-fitted with anti-aircraft machine guns and was strategically placed to report positions of passing Japanese ships on the coast of California.

Originally the Zaca was commissioned by Templeton Crocker and cost $200,000.00.  Crocker employed Garland Rotch to design the schooner who borrowed the lines for the second Zaca from Canada’s famed Bluenose.  Zaca was at the Nunes Brothers yard at Hurriane Gulch Sausilito in 1929 and launched by Marie Dressler.  Crocker sponsored expeditions to Polynesia, traveled the world in his yacht and helped rejuvenate the California Historical Society.  Garland Rotch was Zaca's first captain and her maiden voyage in 1930 was the first time a private yacht circumnavigated the globe from the West Coast.  The crew included, scientists, about a dozen professional sailors as well as a photographers.
In 1941, every seaworthy private yacht over 75' was requisitioned by the U.S. Navy.  Templeton Crocker was paid just $35,000 for his beloved $350,000 schooner.
In 1946 Zaca was purchased by Errol Flynn who proceeded to do a full, much needed restoration and de-militarization.
The Zaca was Errol Flynn's pride and joy throughout the years of ownership until October 14th, 1959 the day he passed away.
What followed was a horrendous crime!  Errol Flynn's estate was for 14 years in probate totally inexcusable - a crime!  The Zaca suffered dreadfully - she was so badly abused and suffered outrageous indignities during this time.. She was sold, she was stolen, she was robbed of all her values, respect and distinctions.  She was left to decompose!  I am sure Errol Flynn turned in his grave!
But as Errol was a survivor, so was the Zaca she held out til one day her rescuer Roberto Mummy found and restored her to more than her former glory!  I am sure Errol is happy now!

    Errol Flynn's Zaca!

She sails again!  Errol's "SIROCCO" under her original name "Karenita" is for sale!

This beautiful sailing yacht is of impeccable pedigree, and with a fascinating history. A proven race winner, she is perhaps not the ideal cruising yacht, having superb but limited accommodation, but any future owner can rest assured that he has one of the worlds' top classic yachts. Formerly owned by the actor Errol Flynn as 'Sirocco', she hosted many famous names in the heyday of Hollywood, and more recently has been the flagship of the fashion clothing company 'Blanc Bleu'. A regular sight at St Tropez, and other top Mediterranean venues, she is now looking for a new owner that will continue to look after her in a similar manner.

Brokerage Price: 1,550,000 EUR

Any buyers? Here is the link if you wish to make an offer? Give a little giggle! Very nice interior pictures to be seen  http://www.classicyachtforsale.com/syKarenita.html

Here is a photo of the Sirocco taken in the late 1970s in the Grenadines.  

 

 

A little History:

 

After being built under the signature of John Alden, American specialist, the 75' classic wooden ketch was launched in 1929 as “Karenita”, sold and became “Aviner” in 1930, “Simoon” in 1933, “Watchette II” in 1934 and named again “Karenita” in 1936.

 

Errol bought her in 1938 and renamed her Sirocco, after the first Sirocco.  He should have named her Sirocco II, but he did not.  Mariners actually do not believe in renaming boats, they feel it brings bad luck!

She was restored by Bill Coffman and renamed to her former 1929 name "Karenita", she was and remains an emblematic sailing boat off the Gulf of Saint-Tropez and she frequently takes part in regattas of ships in her category.

The "Beam Ends" Sirocco or Errol's first "Sirocco" in 1929. 

There are several stories how Errol acquired the Sirocco, one says - his mother purchased her, one says - his father purchased her and Errol says, he won her in a card game!  I like to believe he won her in a card game - it is so much like Errol.

What ever the story of acquisition -  here is a picture of the Sirocco, which he sailed to New Guinea through the Great Barrier Reef in 1930.

 

Errol Flynn's first "Sirocco" in New Guinea

Classic Boat Rally, in Imperia... click to enlarge!

Hull of Zaca is hauled out of the water in the French seaside town of Villefranche for restoration by Alberto Memmo...