Garland Rotch ZACA

Historical:

118 foot Schooner “Zaca”, which means “peace” in Samoan, was designed by Garland Rotch and built by Nunes Brothers Boat and Ways Co., Sausalito, California, for Templeton Crocker (grandson of Charles Crocker, one of the “big four” who built the Central Pacific Railroad.) Zaca was Launched in 1929 and christened by Academy Award winner 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. Zaca was never renamed, except in World War II where she was “IX-73”

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. 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! But as Errol was a survivor, so was the Zaca she held out til one day her rescuer Roberto Memmo found and restored her to more than her former glory!

World War II Service

Due to the need for local patrol and rescue craft in the busy waters in the San Francisco area during World War II, the schooner was acquired by the Navy from Templeton Crocker on 12 June 1942. Placed in service on 19 June 1942 and assigned to the Western Sea Frontier, Zaca, classified a miscellaneous auxiliary and designated IX-73 operated as a plane-guard ship, standing ready to rescue the crews of any planes downed nearby.

Eventually relieved by the frigates (PF’s) of Escort Squadron 41, Zaca was placed out of service at Treasure Island, California on 6 October 1944; and her name was struck from the Navy list on 13 November 1944.

Provenance (The Wall of Remembrance – The Owners, Crew & Notable Guest):

Owner/Guardian: 1990 – Roberto Memmo, Monaco
Owner/Guardian: 1990 – 1990 – Phillip Coussins
Owner/Guardian: 1965 – 1990 – Bernard Voisin, Villefranche
Owner/Guardian: 1959 – 1965 – Freddie Tinsley
Owner/Guardian: 1946 – 1959 – Errol Flynn, San Francisco
Owner/Guardian: 1945 – 1946 – Joseph Rosenberg, San Francisco for $14,350
Owner/Guardian: 1945 – 1945 – War Shipping Administration
Owner/Guardian: 1942 – 1945 – Navy – Name IX-73
Owner/Guardian: 1929 – 1942 – Templeton Crocker

In the Wake of the Zaca from SailFlix on Vimeo.