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The Story of Mayan: A Legendary Schooner
The Mayan is a stunning wooden schooner designed by the legendary John G. Alden in 1947. Built by P.R. Allen, this classic vessel carries Alden’s Design No. Measuring 23 meters (74 ft) in length overall (LOA) with a waterline length (LWL) of 13.9 meters (45.5 ft), the Mayan offers a spacious and stable sailing experience.
Its journey is intertwined with the life of legendary musician David Crosby, who owned it for 45 years.
Early Years and David Crosby's Era
Crosby purchased the Mayan in 1969, during the height of his fame with the Byrds and Crosby, Stills & Nash. The boat became an emotional anchor in his tumultuous life, serving as a sanctuary during periods of addiction and legal troubles. Crosby cruised the Mayan extensively, from Florida through the Caribbean and up the Pacific coast to San Francisco Bay.
Restoration and Transition
In the early 2000s, Wayne Ettel restored the Mayan, replacing 90% of its frames with purpleheart and double-planking the hull with sapele and cedar. In 2014, Beau and Stacey Vrolyk purchased the Mayan from Crosby after a prolonged negotiation. Crosby struggled to let go, but the Vrolyks promised to invite him on future voyages.
Modern Era
Under the Vrolyks, the Mayan was restored to its original transitional schooner configuration, featuring a gaff foresail and a Marconi main. This setup allows for efficient double-handed sailing. The Mayan now participates in classic sailing races and is home-ported at the St. Francis Yacht Club in San Francisco Bay.
Picture Source: classicsailboats.org
