1972 Trumpy

An Invitation to own a legend! A rare classic and extraordinary vessel awaiting her next steward.

Maintained to the highest standard and in Bristol condition, DOVETAIL is a prime example of the legendary Trumpy motor yachts.

If you’re considering a true classic, this is an incredible opportunity to own a one-of-a-kind yacht in turnkey condition.

Now relisted for sale through Block Island Maritime Funding (BIMF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. She is offered via a flexible, interest-free three-year lease-to-purchase program, with payment options available monthly, quarterly, annually, or upfront.

John Trumpy & Sons Inc.

Five generations ago, Casper Trumpy of Bergen Norway, was the proud owner of a shipyard situated at the foot of The Seven Mountains. Trumpy’s son, John, grew up working in that shipyard before earning a Naval Architecture degree in Berlin. Upon Casper’s passing, John sold the business and found himself moving to America.

Bringing his shipbuilding knowledge from overseas, John Trumpy embarked on his professional career working at the New York Shipyard in Philadelphia. This opened the opportunity to lease a space in the John H. Mathis Shipyard in Camden, New Jersey, where John Trumpy became a partner setting out to design and build private yachts. The two companies, John H Mathis Company and the Mathis Yacht Building company, operated in tandem at the Camden Yard.

The increasingly wealthy class of Americans in the early 1900s brought demands in design which John Trumpy answered. Favoring fast commuter yachts, John saw the writing on the wall by Americans; they were not interested in the European long-voyage vessels with elaborate interiors. Americans wanted to get from their Long Island Sound estate to Manhattan, quickly and comfortably. Trumpys were sporting narrow beams, shallow drafts for speed and maneuverability and luxurious interiors; all the while not having to sacrifice performance. By the 1920s, Trumpy’s signature style became iconic. Some of John’s famous work made it to families such as the Guggenheims, Whitneys, and Chryslers.

Trumpys didn’t stay in the leisure lane. Notable builds such as the 104’ SEQUOIA II (1925) became the U.S. Presidential Yacht from Hoover to the Carter Administration. She is now a National Historic Landmark. John kept going. In 1931, ALAMO, a 148’ steel-hulled vessel was later acquired by the U.S. Navy, renamed ALABASTER, PYc21. She was used as a coastal patrol yacht of the United States Navy during World War II, serving from 1942 to 1945.

John H Mathis passed in 1939, leaving John Trumpy the sole owner of the Mathis Yacht Building Company.

Due to increased wartime demand in 1942, the Mathis Yacht Building Co. relocated to Gloucester City, New Jersey, where it was renamed John Trumpy & Sons in 1943. During the prohibitions, The Coast Guard continued to have Trumpy build several models because of the sheer speed they produced.

Settling in Annapolis, Maryland in 1947, and acquiring Annapolis Yacht Yard, John Trumpy & Sons set out on their most celebrated and productive eras. Unfortunately, the yard was destroyed following a fire in 1962; and just one year later, John Trumpy Jr. would take the reins following his father’s death. Rising costs, labor strikes, and the cheaper fiberglass hull’s introduction in 1974, John Trumpy & Sons was dissolved. In the 60-year history, 400 Trumpy yachts were designed, and only 90 still exist today.

DOVETAIL (Contract #446) stands as the third-to-last Trumpy ever built and the final one in the highly sought-after classic flush deck “houseboat” motor yacht series.

Prospective buyers will discover her in outstanding mechanical and cosmetic shape—featuring fresh hull paint, fully modernized systems, and essentially turnkey condition, ready for nothing more than your own personal flair.

She underwent an extensive, expertly executed refit in 2019 at McMillen Yachts in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and today presents in impeccable, beautifully maintained form.

Commissioned by Mr. Earl Cantor and originally launched in 1972 as GERIFAY, she proudly served as the official committee boat during the prestigious 1974 America’s Cup races off Newport, Rhode Island. Over the years, she has carried these distinguished names in sequence: LADY Q, HILLARY JANE, CARONIA, ZARYA, STATELY LADY, DISCOVERY, and now DOVETAIL.

Under her previous owner's dedicated stewardship, this fortunate classic constantly received exemplary care and attention. Any prospective buyer will find her in superb mechanical and cosmetic condition.

Call today for a showing.