History
The incredible history of this amazing sailboat tells tales which will stand the test of time.Her strong and meticulous construction allowed her to weather the harshest of environments during her missions in the Coast Guard Reserve.
Her designation of CGR3070 will be remembered for decades or centuries to come.
Learn more by seeing the epic movie The Spirit of Zaida intented for filming in 2026 and release into theaters in 2027.
Her story will continue past her 100th birthday.
To be a part of her storied history, or to support her ongoing restoration, visit the
100th Birthday page.
Actual U.S. Coast Guard Corsair Fleet emblem, designed by Disney
This is a Video placeholder for owner oral history interviews (youtube) or any archival footage.
Zaida is best known for her role in the harrowing true story of a Coast Guard Reserve mission during World War II.
Zaida brought her crew home in spite of overwhelming odds against her.
After responding to orders to push further eastward out to sea, communication became impossible when her radio, along with everything else, was submerged. With broken masts and tattered sails, dwarfed by massive storm waves and violent weather, her crew was unable to navigate or determine their position for weeks. With supplies running low and plenty of crew injuries, Zaida was essentially on her own.
US naval and air resources undertook a huge search effort to find her, but when the weather finally subsided, Zaida and her crew had to find their own way home.
Her design and build, combined with the heroic efforts of her crew, were enough to keep her afloat in horrendous weather and wartime conditions in a violent Altantic ocean storm set.
Following her return to port, she was repaired within several weeks and returned to active service in the Coast Guard Reserve.
In post war years, Zaida sailed frequently. Her long time owner of over 40 years still works tirelessly to maintain her.
Zaida will continue to be restored and will continue to sail for years to come.
As a sailboat, she was designed to run fast and sail clean.
She participated favorably in many races and regattas.
She will continue to sail until at least her 100th birthday.
There is such confidence in her, that she will sail on her 100th birthday REGARDLESS OF THE WEATHER!
She has, after all, been in worse weather!
After her sailing days are over, she will rest in some lucky Museum.
Numerous interested parties have spearheaded and will definitively organize the endowment for entry into the museum.
A percentage of the movie proceeds, and the 100th birthday sailing and associated events,
are intended to assist in funding the endowment, such that
The Spirit of Zaida
may continue to be known and admired by many future generations in the fine museum of her resting.
Timeline
Key dates in Zaida’s life, from launch to today. Past owners, voyages, races, and notable events.
List significant press coverage (newspapers and/or youtube/TV videos), and media appearances.