Annapolis Yacht Yard

Annapolis Yacht Yard

Company type	Private
Industry	Shipbuilding, Boat construction and maintenance
Founded	1937
Founder	Nelson-Reid, Inc.
Fate	Destroyed by fire in 1962; ceased operations by 1974
Headquarters	Annapolis , United States
Area served	United States, Great Britain (during WWII)
Key people	Chris Nelson (president until 1947)
Products	Yachts, Submarine chasers, PT boats
Parent	John Trumpy & Sons (from 1947)

Annapolis Yacht Yard was established in 1937 by Nelson-Reid, Inc, a firm of naval architects and yacht brokers headquartered in New York City. Situated opposite the Severn River from the Annapolis Naval Academy, this facility focused on boat construction and maintenance services.

History

Throughout World War II, Annapolis Yacht Yard played a crucial role in constructing sub chasers and PT boats. On April 1, 1941, the yard, led by president Chris Nelson, secured its initial contract to build two 110-foot submarine chasers. Additionally, it manufactured Motor Torpedo Boats (BPT) for Great Britain, utilizing designs from Vosper & Company. After Chris Nelson passed away in 1947, ownership transferred to John Trumpy & Sons. The location is currently referred to as the Yacht Yard. Among the surviving vessels is Patrol Torpedo boat PT-728, which is exhibited at the Liberty Aviation Museum.

Nelson, who graduated from MIT in naval architecture in 1918, originally created yacht designs that Reid and Almen marketed to wealthy clients in New York during the 1920s and 1930s. The yard’s inaugural client was James Roosevelt, son of President Franklin Roosevelt, who had his yacht Sewauna refurbished there in July 1937. One of Nelson’s most successful designs was the American Cruiser, a 60-foot twin diesel motor yacht.

In 1962, a fire destroyed the Annapolis facility, leading to John Trumpy & Sons ceasing business operations by 1974.

Boats

During World War II, Annapolis Yacht Yard produced several important naval vessels such as:

• PT boats ranging from BPT-2 to BPT-68, PT-400 to PT-429, and PT-661 to PT-730
• Submarine chasers including SC-521 through SC-691 and SC-1309 through SC-1314

• • Prominent vessel constructed:**
• USS SC-521

Chance Boatyard

The Annapolis Yacht Yard was founded on the grounds of the historic Chance Boatyard, which was acquired by Chris Nelson. This site is recognized on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places due to its importance in maritime manufacturing heritage.

External links

• , featuring a 1997 photograph from Maryland Historical Trust