Dateline 5/25/09 Miami, Fl - Historic Yacht Sunk By Vandals Needs Immediate Help!

May 25, 2009 - PRLog -- The incident occured after two privious attempts to sink her which had luckily been averted by the crew.  These incidents were the latest following a four-year onslaught of threats, badgering, and verbal attacks by a "neighbor" who became obsessed with not wanting the vessel on the same river where his boat was docked.

The graceful yacht, orginally named "Analgra", was in the middle of a long term restoration when the yard in which the work was being perfomed had gone bankrupt, sending the property into a parcel sale.  The lifiting equipment, along with all else was sold, and the yacht was forced to shelter at a nearby dock.  Soon after, the owner became financially distressed, and sought financing to complete the project.   He believes he had a facility in place when the incident occured.

The yacht, which, for the longest time has been known as "Lovely Lady", was under the command of the retired General Douglas MacArthur while he was CEO of the Remington-Rand Corporation in the early 1950's at a time when they sponsored the birth of the computer age by backing and marketing the Univac Corporation.   Prior to WWII, she was owned by Adm. E. Townsend Irvin, close friend of General (later President) Dwight David (Ike) Eisenhower, who was the Commodore of the prestigious New York Yacht Club.  In 1937, the yacht served as the press boat to the final "America's Cup" before the outbreak of the war.

From the 1950's to the 80's, "Lovely Lady" appeared in several films, the final being "Tequila Sunrise", starring Mel Gibson, Michelle Pfieffer, Kurt Russel, and the late Raul Julia.  Marilyn Monroe is reported to have stayed aboard her during the filming of "Billy Wilder's "Some Like it Hot".

As the yacht was in restoration prior to the sinking, the interior below was removed and is not affected by the incident.   The entire superstructure and decks have been rebuilt as well as the engines and generators, and the professionals say they also will survive.  Unfortunately, all the new electrical equipment will need to be replaced.

But this yacht is a wonderful, important piece of our history, and it would be a shame for her to die now - it is just not necessary.  It does not have to happen.   The owner has made arrangements to donate her to a non-profit organization, and tax-deductable donations can now be taken to save this vessel.  Time is of the essence.   Vadals have started "picking" at her, and the Coast Guard has issued a request to have her broken up.  "Hero" donors can help this noble effort by sending  tax deductible donations to:

The Richter Foundation
1323 SE 17th St #555
Ft Lauderdale, FL 33316
EIN#31-1743705

for more infomation please email    savetheyacht@gmail.com