The History of JADA

Built in Stockton, California

JADA was designed by Judson Kelly and built at Stephens Brothers Shipyard in Stockton, California. She was launched June 5th, 1938, commissioned as a graduation gift for Jack Axelson from his parents Alta and Delbert. The name JADA is an acronym drawn from the first letters of the family's names: Jack, Alta, Delbert, Axelson.

JADA was homeported for her first 23 years at Newport Beach Harbor. Originally rigged as a staysail schooner, her dimensions — 65 feet overall, an 11-foot beam, and a 9-foot draft — made her a swift and serious ocean racer. Her cast iron keel was poured and machined by the Axelson Manufacturing Company in Huntington Park and shipped by railroad flatcar to Stockton.

JADA and a sister vessel, Odyssey, were built concurrently on nearly identical hulls — JADA rigged as a staysail schooner, Odyssey as a yawl. Both were owned by Huntington Park industrialists.

Racing Years & The Storm

JADA was actively raced along the California coast from Santa Barbara to Ensenada. On September 25, 1939, while moored at Newport Harbor, El Cordonazo — the only tropical storm to make landfall in California in the 20th century — made its arrival. Jack and his crew spent the night arranging fenders and shoring up pilings. JADA came through with no major damage.

In 1950, Jack Axelson sold JADA to Isabelle Belyea, reportedly so that her daughter's boyfriend could sail to Honolulu in the 1951 TransPac race. JADA placed 10th in Class B and 18th in the overall fleet — a strong showing for a vessel that had been racing for over a decade.

In 1953, George Sturgis of the Newport Harbor Yacht Club acquired JADA. Finding that her schooner rig did not favor downwind racing, he converted her to a yawl in 1955. Under Sturgis' ownership, JADA competed in five TransPac races, twice taking 2nd place overall.

JADA was sold to Howard Wright of Los Angeles Yacht Club in 1961. In 1969, she finished 1st overall in the Tahiti Race.

Celebrity Guests

During her Newport Beach years, JADA was frequently involved in social events with the Newport Harbor Yacht Club. Celebrity visitors included Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Errol Flynn, John Wayne, and Broadway star John Raitt (father of singer Bonnie Raitt). More recently in San Diego, Tom Cruise, Nicole Kidman, and Louis C.K. enjoyed private time aboard away from the public eye.

If the bulkheads could talk.

From Racing Yacht to Charter Vessel

JADA was purchased and operated by Classic Yacht Charters in 1992, relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii for charter service — the beginning of her commercial career. She returned to San Diego in 1996, where she served as a star nautical attraction at the Republican National Convention, hosting events for delegates and guests.

JADA continued to sail in and around San Diego Bay for the next two decades, building a reputation as one of the most distinctive private charter vessels on the West Coast.

Still Sailing at 88

After extensive renovations, JADA is currently berthed at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina on Harbor Island. She is available for private charters, sunset sails, corporate entertaining, milestone celebrations, ash scattering and memorial services, and concert evenings on the bay.

At 88 years old, she remains fast, seaworthy, and unlike anything else afloat in San Diego.