SHIPWRECK REPORT: Gypsy

IDENTIFICATION & SITE INFORMATION

• Name: Gypsy

• Type: Yacht

• Location: Clayton, New York, near Washington Island

• Date of Incident: Undocumented (from historical accounts of National Yacht Club storm damage)

• Fleet: Part of the National Yacht Club’s fleet

HISTORY & INCIDENT DETAILS

The Gypsy was among several yachts belonging to the National Yacht Club fleet that suffered severe damage during a storm. The incident, caused by powerful waves, resulted in sunken hulls, broken spars, and splintered sides across the fleet. The destruction was described as catastrophic, highlighting vulnerabilities in the mooring protection measures at the time.

The Gypsy, along with other yachts such as the Spray, Monsoon, and Perky, was heavily affected. Specific details about the extent of Gypsy‘s damage remain undocumented, but it is presumed to have either sunk or been rendered unseaworthy. Other yachts, like the Jimmie, completely disappeared, emphasizing the storm’s ferocity.

This incident became a stark reminder of the destructive power of storms and the need for better protective infrastructure for moored vessels.

FINAL DISPOSITION

The fate of the Gypsy remains unclear. Whether the yacht was salvaged or Abandoned is not recorded. However, the storm’s impact suggests that recovery may have been difficult or impossible, potentially leaving the Gypsy to rest on the lakebed near Clayton, NY.

CURRENT CONDITION & ACCESSIBILITY

• Condition: If the Gypsy was not salvaged, its remains may lie near the area downstream of Washington Island in Clayton, NY. The condition of the wreck, if present, is unknown and may have deteriorated significantly over time.

• Accessibility: The site is potentially accessible to divers but requires further exploration to locate and confirm any remains of the Gypsy. The surrounding area is known for recreational diving and underwater exploration.

NOTES ON INCIDENT IMPACT

The storm that damaged the Gypsy and other yachts underscored the need for improved storm protection and mooring safety at the National Yacht Club. It serves as a historical case study for the vulnerabilities of yacht fleets to extreme weather conditions.

RESOURCES & LINKS

• National Yacht Club Historical Records: May contain additional details about the incident and the Gypsy.

• Local Dive Clubs: Could assist with underwater surveys in the Clayton, NY area.

• Historical Archives: Local newspapers and marina records may provide more specific accounts of the storm and its aftermath.

The loss of the Gypsy highlights the fragile nature of small recreational vessels when faced with unprotected mooring conditions and the power of natural forces on the Great Lakes and surrounding waters.