Name/Title
Raceboat, Gold CupEntry/Object ID
1991.022.002Description
Californian was built expressly for Richard Loynes to win the 1930 Gold Cup Regatta and bring the trophy to the West Coast and his homeport at the Long Beach Yacht Club. He was both the owner and the driver of this interesting race craft as well as the designer of the unusual engine that had 16 carburetors. In the first heat of the 1930 Gold Cup Race she put on a tremendous burst of speed, setting a new single lap record of 63.6 MPH. This was 10 miles per hour faster than the previous Gold Cup lap record. Unfortunately for Loynes, her propeller shaft and the strut gave out while she was well out in front during the first heat.
Californian was clearly the fastest boat in the 1930 President's Cup Race when structural failure of her cedar hull did not allow her to finish all three heats. During the off-season she was re-planked with mahogany to provide greater strength. In early summer during her test trials in California she caught fire and was badly burned and sunk. Working around the clock with three shifts Loynes was able to have her ready for the 1931 Gold Cup at Montauk some three thousand miles to the East. At the 1931 Gold Cup she showed flashes of great speed but encountered frequent problems. Nevertheless, she still managed to finish a respectable third overall. However, many followers of the Gold Cup we convinced that Californian would be the 1931 Gold Cup champion.
Californian had begun to earn the reputation as an erratic performer in spite of her potential speed. She finished second in the President's Cup as the 1931 racing season drew to a close.Collection
BoatsAcquisition
Accession
1991.022Source or Donor
Morgan, WilliamMade/Created
Manufacturer
Fellows & Stewart Inc.Date made
1930Place
Location
Terminal Island, California USANotes
Early Date: 1930
Propulsion: inboard gasoline
Engine: Loynes/Miller
MPH: 85
Cylinders: 16
HP: 900Location
Building
*William J. Morgan Building
