When and If
In 1939 then Colonel General George S. Patton had a 63’5″ John Alden designed schooner built for himself and his wife. Another world war was looming on the horizon and Patton said that he planned to sail the schooner, “When the war is over, and if I survive.” He named the schooner “When and If.“ Ironically, Patton survived the fighting but died in a traffic accident just as the war ended.
I have always had a hard time imagining “Blood and Guts” Patton sailing an Alden schooner. That may only reflect the limitations of my own imagination. ”When and If” stayed in the Patton family until 1970 when it was donated to the Landmark School north of Boston, where for over 20 years, she was used in sail training programs for dyslexic children. (Patton himself was dyslexic.) The schooner was almost lost in 1990 when she broke free of her moorings during a November gale. After being hauled off the rocks she was rebuilt by the Gannon & Benjamin Boatyard of Martha’s Vineyard. See our previous post. “When and If” has been sailing ever since.
Sadly, we have read that she is now on the market due to an impending divorce. We can only wish her current and future owners well and hope that the lovely schooner continues sailing for years to come.
Storied Schooner Once Owner by General Patton to be Sold
Note: Every time we make a post about a ship or boat for sale, we receive inquiries from interested buyers. We are, however, a blog and not a brokerage. We are not involved with the sale of this or any other vessels.
When I last visited Vineyard Haven, “When and If” was moored in the harbor and I found out she was available for charter. It was a crewed charter, of course. Having spent a week on an Alden schooner in my teens I had a momentary impulse to just take her out for a day sail. I asked how much that would cost and the answer scotched that idea at once.
General Patton was quite well off — he did not have to fund the schooner out of his Army paychecks. The schooner’s new owners will also have to be well heeled, but recalling that never to be forgotten week in 1969 I am convinced she is a very desirable cruising yacht, even aside from her unique history. Let’s hope she finds the right owner.
I read somewhere that “you can’t really own a classic yacht — you just get to take care of her for a while.” I’m sure it’s true. If anyone recognizes the source of this quote, please add a comment to remind me of it.
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Gives new meaning to “splitting the sheets…”
LOL. It does indeed.