United States

French & Webb Inc.

The 32-metre former American presidential yacht <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="USS Sequoia32.0m (104'12&quot;)Mathis Yacht Building Co1925">USS Sequoia</a> was spotted in Cambridge, Maryland for possible renovations. Delivered in 1925 and built by <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/3718" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="Mathis Yacht Building Co (Company)">Mathis Yacht Building Co</a>, the motor yacht was originally set to be renovated in 2019, in Belfast, Maine but has returned to Cambridge, after first visiting in 1935.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/292401/image/large-708ff5f81d43acc523350482ac69eafe.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/292401">While <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="USS Sequoia32.0m (104'12&quot;)Mathis Yacht Building Co1925">Sequoia</a> appears to be in the same condition as she was when transported to Belfast four years ago, the Richardson Maritime Center is reportedly set to participate in the revitalisation of this yacht. The Richardson site houses the Ruark Boatworks history museum and the museum has been planning on a new building to house its exhibits, such as the restoration of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="USS Sequoia32.0m (104'12&quot;)Mathis Yacht Building Co1925">Sequoia</a>.&nbsp;While the yacht’s owner reportedly hopes <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="USS Sequoia32.0m (104'12&quot;)Mathis Yacht Building Co1925">Sequoia</a> will be restored for use on the water, for cruises and charters and even exhibits, Cambridge may be the yacht’s home whilst undergoing refits and repairs.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/292402/image/large-63a037824d37e103d467adafc72ddfaf.jpeg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/292402">The classic motor yacht was originally used as a private yacht owned by Philadelphia banker Richard Cadwalader before being purchased by the United States government in 1931. The following years saw some of America’s most famous presidents stay onboard <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="USS Sequoia32.0m (104'12&quot;)Mathis Yacht Building Co1925">Sequoia</a> including president Hoover, Roosevelt, Kennedy and Nixon and was often referred to as the “Floating White House”. The yacht was then sold by the American government in 1977 and declared a National Historic Landmark in 1987.<img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/102903/image/large-dca5cb56a877c78229997a7608c55d2a.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/102903"><img src="https://photo-assets.superyachttimes.com/photo/102901/image/large-d801ee3f95a9301a34d4f05aa72c51fa.jpg" data-gid="gid://syiq/Photo/102901">In 2019 the <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Company/5573" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="French & Webb Inc. (Company)">French &amp; Webb</a> shipyard was set to be responsible for the rebuild of the vessel, however COVID-19 delayed the construction process and the yacht was never restored. The restoration of <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="USS Sequoia32.0m (104'12&quot;)Mathis Yacht Building Co1925">Sequoia</a> is estimated to take over five years. The motor yacht is currently at the Richardson site which is next to the Yacht Maintenance facility and <a data-gid="gid://syiq/Yacht/9087" href="#managed-by-system" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" title="USS Sequoia32.0m (104'12&quot;)Mathis Yacht Building Co1925">Sequoia</a>'s alleged renovations are set to enhance the area’s maritime history.

presidential Sequoia yacht moves to Maryland

The 32-metre former American presidential yacht Sequoia has moved to Cambridge, Maryland after four years in Belfast.