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.
I was fortunate enough to sail on the When and If, and it was an outstanding experience! Fortunately, the adventure was free!
As a teen over sevral summers I was able to enjoy several weeks aboard this wonderfull ship. Time aboard can not be equaled.
“there is nothing so important as mucking about in boats” quote the shrew. Was the motto of the landmark sailing program.
It is 1:25 pm on August 24, 2012. I am looking out the the cottage doors at When & If moored to the pier about 50 yards away. It is a gorgeous sunny day in Booth Bay Harbor, ME and the classic Alden schooner is slowly rising on the incoming tide. Her glass like black hull, white boot strap, and a wisp of a red hull are sparkling in the bright summer heat. Her carefully tied sails appear to be an off white pleasing yellow in the sun. One can sense her power as she seems to to pull with some enthusiasm at her lines. I only hope the General had the opportunity to sail her at least once before leaving for Europe. Fair winds and following seas to her new owner.
Jack, an old sailor.
Saw the where an if. In beacon bay Cayuga ny, being pulled out store for the winter.
Yep. They are working on her over the winter. She should be sailing in the tall ships on the great lakes loop next season.
It goes without saying, but a beautiful, beautiful boat.
She was not my first schooner experience by any means. However she will never pale in my minds eye. I sailed aboard the ‘When and If’ during the (first/bicentennial) 76 tall ships regatta in Newport as well as many day sails out of Manchester when she was owned by Landmark and skippered by Cap’ Grimes.
@ Soren, upthread…
““there is nothing so important as mucking about in boats” quote the shrew.
I thought it was the Water rat that said that ?
I just happened upon this blog and having much experience with ‘When and If” I thought I would say hello. I have much I wish to share but these big old hands and this tiny virtual keyboard are not a good combination so I will wait ’til I am, comfortably, aboard my 1956 Matthews at the PC (and arm’s length from the Mount Gay!). I own and operate a small concern on Cape Ann, MA that charters sailboats/powerboats/airplanes and offers carpentry and mechanical services. I am researching the possiblity of adding “When and If” to the family (ergo my presence here). I do have beaucoup pictures of the vessel from the mid 60′s to her being “on the rock’s” in Manchester – (by-the-Sea… gag!) in 1990 (?). I will post more, soon. If you wish to get in touch, please do! By NO MEANS, is this a business advertisement or solicitation. I just have a love for this old Alden and some unique knowledge of her history from her inception & conception in the late ’20s to her, induced, labor & delivery in ’38/39. Long gestation period but, imho, so worth the wait!
Yours for a fair tide,
Vin Mitchell
email: powerforsail@gmail.com
P. S., I am winging it here but, by definition, a quote, demands accuracy. Isn’t the popular quip from Kenneth Grahame’s, “The Wind in the Willows”…. Ratty to Mole; “Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – ABSOLUTELY NOTHING – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” If accurate, thanks Miss Twomey (8th grade English teacher), if not.. Sorry, Mr. Grahame. NOW, how the HELL do I get 5200 off of gorilla glass!? LOL