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Rare American Classic in Top Shape Snatched for a Ridiculously Low Price

The fully-refitted 1963 Wishing Star was sold for less than $800,000 27 photos
Photo: Worth Avenue Yachts
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We can't deny the unique excitement of discovering newly unveiled superyachts and all the cool features they have to offer, but owning a classic yacht is like becoming part of history, and nothing can compare to that. As lucky as we are to witness the amazing technological innovations on board the newest luxury yachts, we are also immensely lucky to have rare masterpieces like this fine example of American heritage still in operation.
A discrete in-house sale led one of the most beautiful classic yachts built in the US to its new owner. That owner is still mysterious, but one thing's for sure – he knows the value of a timeless masterpiece, and he took action at the right time. The classic vessel that is now his private pleasure craft didn't even meet the $1 million mark; its last known asking price was under $800,000.

What makes this low price even more surprising is that the Wishing Star was fully refitted just a year ago, meaning it's perfectly ready to begin new adventures without further investments from the new owner. Add that to the yacht's venerable age of more than half a century and its American pedigree, and you get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a collectible yachting masterpiece. The new owner of Wishing Star saw a bargain and snatched it at the right moment.

Wishing Star is not just a classic but also a rare model. It's the only Trumpy 84' sporting the popular cruiser configuration. The only thing keeping it from claiming superyacht status is its size of just 84 feet (25.6 meters). We've grown accustomed to the gigantic proportions of contemporary superyachts. Back then, in the '60s, the most luxurious private vessels didn't need to flaunt oversized hulls, and the superyacht era as we know it would only begin around two decades later.

Other than its modest frame by today's standards, Wishing Star is glamorous and sophisticated in every way. It bears the instantly recognizable signature of all Trumpy Yachts – the elegant silhouette with a white hull and dark, polished wood details. Launched in 1963, this Trumpy boasts a three-bedroom layout that can accommodate up to six guests, a full-beam galley, and a raised pilot house.

The teak aft cockpit was fully rebuilt during the 2023 refit, along with the yacht's sub-structure. It was turned into a fantastic spot to enjoy cruising at its fullest: it was fitted with a custom-made teak table and seating for up to eight people, a refrigerator, and an ice maker. No, there's no jacuzzi on board, but this classic gem reveals a cozy sun-lounging area on its bow and a spacious swim platform for swimming and fishing.

Twin Detroit 12V engines and Northern Lights generators ensure smooth cruising at 13 knots (24 kph). The interior is, as you would expect, elegantly classic, in line with this heritage yacht's timeless silhouette. The master suite is classically fitted with marble-topped side tables and a desk.

Above all, the 1963 Wishing Star is a piece of American boatbuilding history. The last Trumpy yacht was built in 1972, and the first ones go back to the 1920s. USS Sequoia, a National Historic Landmark and perhaps the most famous boat ever built in the US, is also a Trumpy. To own and enjoy a yacht built by the same shipyard that delivered the USS Sequoia, which was the US Presidential yacht from the 1930s to 1977, is more than lucky; it's an honor.
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About the author: Otilia Drăgan
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Otilia believes that if it’s eco, green, or groundbreaking, people should know about it (especially if it's got wheels or wings). Working in online media for over five years, she's gained a deeper perspective on how people everywhere can inspire each other.
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