Started building in 1928 and finished in 1930. Garland Rotch (designer) was largely inspired by the famous Bluenose schooners. Originally commissioned by Templeton Crooker, a Yale educated San Francisco banker. Zaca went around the world twice on scientific expeditions due to the owners interest in Marine Biology. Crooker then joined the war effort and sold Zaca to the U.S. Navy for $40,000. Zaca was then painted requisition gray-blue, fitted with 20mm guns and a crew of 35 sailors.
In 1945 Errol Flynn discovered her, and bought her in 1946. He invested $80,000 towards her restoration: new masts, repainting etc. In 1952 Flynn died while trying to sell Zaca to pay off his debts … In 1988 Zaca ended up sinking in the port of Beaulieu.
1991 Roberto Memmo bought the wreck, refloated her and she was restored in IMS shipyard in Saint-Mandrier-sur-Mer, near Toulon. Officially rechristened by Memmo on 22nd September 1994.
