Yachts of Yesteryear

The schooner yacht Martha was ported at Newport Harbor from 1934 to 1943.

Owned by James Cagney, the famous movie actor, she was moored in the

South Bay off Crystal Avenue, Little Balboa Island. Cagney was an active

member of the Balboa Yacht Club when the clubhouse was located on the end

of Little Balboa Island. About 1938, Cagney purchased Collins Island,

located off the north end of Balboa Island. The name was changed to

Cagney Island. A new dock was built, and Martha was then docked off

Cagney’s private island.

Cagney enjoyed taking his schooner to the Isthmus at Catalina. On more

than one occasion, he had to cancel his trip at the last minute because

of an extended movie shooting schedule. Rather than disappoint his

guests, he would send Martha over with the professional crew and invited

guests aboard.

As of 1999, Martha is based in the Seattle area. She is owned by the

Schooner Martha Foundation, which offers charters and sail training

programs.

It is interesting to note that the original main mast is still in place.

Martha has had many owners during her 92 years of sailing. However, her

name was never changed. This could be because her name was carved into

the yacht’s planking on each side of the bow, and the original planking

is still in place.