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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 First Yacht Now in La Conner – Norwester Museum Tour

The 76-foot yacht has been renovated and restored as a museum, showcasing items owned by “the Duke” as well an assortment of antiques and actual props used in his movies. Visit the Norwester and experience a “live” time capsule of Washington’s shared history with the legendary actor and producer John Wayne. “Tomorrow hopes we have learned something from yesterday.”

Grand Opening July 9th at 1:00 – Gilkey Square (Just off Morris and First on the Boardwalk)

CEREMONY HIGHLIGHTS

Kim Darby | True Grit

Appearance and autograph signing with actor Kim Darby of the original “True Grit” film starring John Wayne.

MUSIC PERFORMANCES

HONOR GUARD AND 21 GUN SALUTE

LA CONNER’S MAYOR RAMON HAYES

BOB WILLIAM, LOCAL ARTIST KNOWN FOR THE FAMOUS JOHN WAYNE MUGS AROUND THE WORLD.

BOAT TOASTING –

In lieu of a champagne bottle christening, there will be a toast to John Wayne and The Norwester with a bottle of John Wayne bourbon using the decanter and shot glasses from John Wayne’s last movie “The Shootist”

The Norwester Museum Tour | John Wayne’s First Yacht

https://www.khou.com/article/tech/science/environment/john-waynes-former-yacht-the-norwester-is-slowly-sinking-near-san-juan-islands/281-363c5afe-37a1-41cf-b949-74fc1418d478

I know it went on the rocks lastSunday coming into Prevost Harbor- was it saved? I started a novena for us as a deckhand when I was 11 years old and many times we went aboard the Northwestern and watch movies with John Wayne so I have a great affinity for the boat would sure appreciate a reply

I would check with the La Conner Waterfront Cafe’! They used to own John Wayne’s yacht… Contact phone number is – 360.466.1579

We were just in La Conner a couple months ago and saw some John Wayne Koozies. We couldn’t find where to buy them, then had leave suddenly for a family member. We really wanted to get some. Are they available to purchase online?

Here is a link to their listing on our http://www.lovelaconner.com website: https://lovelaconner.com/business-directory/norwester-museum-tour/ Make a day of it with a boat tour, lunch and a stroll through our wonderful town!

just saw this on seattle news. have company coming from the East next month, and wondered about tours available in October

Please contact Norwester Museum Tour directly – https://lovelaconner.com/business-directory/norwester-museum-tour/

what are the dates and times that the boat is available for tour?

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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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www.hornblower.com

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This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Ahoy, pilgrim: come aboard the wild goose, tiffany takes a tour of the most famous boat in newport harbor., tiffany carter , neighbor.

The Wild Goose, one of the most recognizable boats in Newport Harbor, was owned by one of  Newport Beach's most famous residents: John Wayne. I've seen the exterior of the majestic WWII Minesweeper plenty of times, but recently I had he privilege of going aboard and getting an inside look at the vessel, now managed by Hornblower Cruises , that served as a place for recreation and refuge for the beloved movie cowboy who made his home by the sea.

I've always been curious about the Wild Goose while growing up in Newport. My grandfather was such a huge John Wayne fan and was always praising the actor as if he were more god than man. Finding out about the Wild Goose and hearing stories about Wayne from Shawn Ware, Associate Director of Marine Operations at Hornblower, was the perfect companion to my grandfather's accolades. 

The Wild Goose was built in Seattle during the first years of the United State's involvement in WWII (actually completely on May 26, 1943, Wayne's birthday). Coincidentally, its sister ship (sister ships are two similar ships built alongside each other) was The Calypso owned by Jacques Cousteau. Together, they were two most famous minesweepers of the 565 that were built.

Find out what's happening in Newport Beach-Corona Del Mar with free, real-time updates from Patch.

"They really weren't meant to last. They would build them as fast as they could," said Ware. 

But the Wild Goose has lasted, in large part because of the care, time and money Wayne put into the vessel. Hornblower estimates that Wayne spent $500,000 to $1 million refurbishing the minesweeper. Included in the remodel: raising the ceilings to fit the Duke's 6'4" frame, adding staterooms, kids rooms and a wood-burning fireplace. 

Wayne didn't change much of the ship's interior.

"He kept a lot to the old war days," said Ware. 

Wayne bought the boat in 1962 for $112,000 from his friend, Seattle lumber tycoon Max Wyman, after vacationing on it several times.

Wayne entertained many celebrities on the Wild Goose, including members of The Rat Pack who each had their own stateroom aboard the ship. Severa; U.S. presidents were guests on The Wild Goose, including Ronald Reagan and Lyndon B. Johnson. 

There was a full-time crew of six, as well as a ship's nurse and stewardess. Bert Minshall, Wayne's captain for more than 17 years, still often stops by the Wild Goose to take a look at her. 

After the Duke's death in 1979 the boat was purchased by Lynn Hutchins, an attorney in Santa Monica. 

"In 1990 the boat was in huge disrepair. The owner couldn't afford it and it sat for three years in the L.A. Harbor," Ware said. 

Deil Gustafson, who owned the Tropicana in Las Vegas, also owned the Wild Goose.  Gustafson was in prison for having connections to the mob and money laundering. After his release, he insisted on finding The Wild Goose. He purchased the boat and put nearly $3 million into its refurbishment.  

"He was convinced John Wayne was still on the boat," Ware said, which is why Gustafson did not sleep in Wayne's stateroom. 

Hornblower has been managing The Wild Goose since 1993. They added a third deck where weddings and corporate events can take place. There are also paintings of Wayne throughout the boat by artist Frank Taurillo and Wayne's widow, Pilar Wayne. 

The Hornblower is currently dockside.

 "Once every two years we take her out for a few months for service," said Ware.

The ship will be out soon for public cruises so check Hornblower's Facebook page for schedules. In addition, the boat has brunch and dinner cruises open to the public.  Dockside tours of the ship are $25 per person. 

Wayne gave his final interview with Barbara Walters aboard The Wild Goose, filmed in 1978, but aired in January of 1979. Walters asked Wayne if he believed in the afterlife.

"My heart's gonna go where The Wild Goose goes," he replied.

Wild Goose Tales

Marlin Spiking : Ware told me how Wayne showed his appreciation to members of the armed services. He owned the boat during the Vietnam War and hired disabled veterans to work on it. There is a technique called marlin spiking (named for a tool used in ropework), you can see it on the hand-railing leading down to the engine room.

"It was real labor intensive. It would take a day just to do the railing." said Ware.

Wayne would pay a veteran to do the marlin spiking, then tell the crew to take it all off and hire another vet to do it again. 

Oscars and Eye Patches : In 1969, during his Oscar reign for True Grit (in which he one the award for Best Actor) Wayne attached Oscars on each side of The Wild Goose with eye patches on them. (He wore an eye patch in True Grit). 

Canadian Customs : John Wayne and his crew were stopped by customs in British Columbia. The crew was accused of smuggling liquor. Wayne had a rather large walk-in liquor cabinet on the Wild Goose. Customs poured out all the liquor including bottles of wine worth $300 to $400. After finding out who owned the boat, they nervously let the boat go. Nevertheless Wayne never returned to Canada until he was given an apology.

Adequate Wine : Although John Wayne's choice of liquor was tequila, he did like Chateau Margaux wine. Being a man's man, Wayne didn't want people knowing he favored this expensive wine so he had the labels peeled off and instead had labels with the ship's logo placed on them. When guests of the boat complimented the tasty wine on board, Wayne brushed it off saying it was Adequate wine, a very cheap merlot. 

Shaved Ice : On his first trip to Alaska in 1963, Wayne had the crew chip off ice from a glacier so he could have shaved ice for his cocktails. During a meeting with a top restaurateur in Alaska, he purchased a large walk in freezer with which he packed it full of glacier ice.

"Wayne use to say, the only reason he goes to Alaska is to get shaved ice for his cocktails," said Ware. 

Dressing Room : John Wayne loved his boat so much he used it as a floating dressing room. He would accept film roles based on their locations and if he could sail there. He accepted the role in Circus World just so he and his crew could sail to Spain and through the Mediterranean. 

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch? Register for a user account.

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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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August Marine Committee – Tour the Wild Goose – John Wayne’s Yacht

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Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Marine Committee

The Newport Beach Chamber of Commerce Marine Committee meets once a month to provide information and education on all  topics that are “marine oriented”. The meetings are open to the public and will be held at 5:30 pm the 1st Tuesday of the month at the Marina Park located on Newport Harbor in Newport Beach.

The August 7, 2018 Meeting will feature…

• Chandler Bell from Hornblower Cruises and Events discussing operations on the harbor
• Enjoy a private tour of the Wild Goose.  Once the private playground for legendary actor John Wayne, the Wild Goose is the ultimate venue for unforgettable events. Three decks of gorgeous woodwork, priceless paintings, intricate carvings and unique amenities make a cruise aboard the Wild Goose a one-of-a-kind experience.

Chandler Bell Hornblower Cruises and Events

Enjoy a private tour of the wild goose.

This is a FREE event. Reservations are not needed. Plenty of Free Parking at Marina Park. (Parking Code 180841. )

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John Wayne Cruises

Take a cruise fit for a cowboy aboard John Wayne’s former yacht, the Wild Goose — food, drinks, and spectacular views included! Plus, a portion of proceeds go to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.

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