Here's an updated article:
The prior owner of “Jerry Land” was RADM Mark “Buz” Buzby, USN (ret) a resident of the East Beach neighborhood in Norfolk, VA. Now that she is back in familiar waters, we’d like to tell you her very interesting story.
The Motor Vessel Jerry Land was "born" in Hong Kong in 1970. She is made of teak and yackel (an Asian oak) - from bow to stern 100 percent wood. She was designed by noted naval architect, Arthur DeFever, and her construction was overseen by Tony Fleming, who is still building beautiful yachts today. "Jerry" is 46 feet long and has a keel draft of 5 feet. But, all of these facts don't describe her enough. Only her incredible story, thus far, can do that.
She was built especially for Mr. C. Thomas Clagett a prominent Washington, DC attorney, and was christened Anore after his lovely wife. Both were avid sailors who were slowing down a bit, wanted a little less stressful way to enjoy the water, and appreciated the comforts of a spacious motor yacht.
In late 1973, as the workups for the 1974 America’s Cup yacht races began, Mr. Clagett decided to donate his yacht to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy's Kings Point Fund which was sponsoring a campaign for the 12 Meter yachts, Mariner and Valiant to defend the Cup. "Jerry" would serve these yachts as tender (a boat used to service a larger one - generally by transporting people and/or supplies to and from shore or another ship). His desire was that the "Jerry" be turned over to the academy after her 12 meter tender duties were over. The academy could then use the boat for training midshipmen in learning the ways of the sea.
So, after the races that summer of '74, Mr. Clagett did just that. He donated the boat and asked that she be re-christened in memory of his best friend, Admiral Emory S. “Jerry” Land, USN (ret) who as Chairman of the US Maritime Commission led the massive Merchant Marine build up during World War II.
(Note:Vice Admiral Emory Scott Land (January 8, 1879 – November 27, 1971: Land retired in 1937, but on February 18, 1938 he became Chairman of the U.S. Maritime Commission, overseeing the design and construction of the more than 4,000 Liberty ships and Victory ships that flew the U.S. flag during World War II. Land concurrently served as Administrator of the War Shipping Administration (WSA), established by Executive Order 9054 on February 7, 1942. Thus Admiral Land exercised authority over both construction and allocation of non-combatant maritime assets to Army, Navy and commerce.
Admiral Land was also instrumental in overseeing the establishment of the United States Merchant Marine Academy, located in Kings Point, New York as a commissioning source for officers entering the Merchant Marine and Naval Reserve in World War II.)
Also, that summer, Midshipman Mark "Buz" Buzby came to attend the academy from Atlantic City, NJ. He was one of the very first to come aboard. He loved her lines and spent a great deal of his time learning to handle her as well as keeping her wood freshly varnished, painted and repaired.
One of "Buz" and "Jerry's" finest moments together was when the boat served as a tender, again, during the 1976 tall ships festival in Newport, RI. "Jerry's" assignment was to embark the Auchincloss family at the Hammersmith Farms dock and take them out into the Narragansett Bay to observe the Parade of Sail. The stand-out, celebrity in the group was Mrs. Jackie Kennedy Onassis. She met with Midshipman Buzby and the rest of the crew and enjoyed her cruise onboard "Jerry".
After four years of tending to her during his academy life, he had to say goodbye at graduation and upon entering the US Navy. His parting words to staff friends at Kings Point were, "If you ever decide to sell her, call me first." Fast forward to 1984 where Lieutenant Buzby was serving aboard one of the Navy's Hydrofoil ships in Key West, Florida. A naval message from the Academy was received: "“Jerry Land" is for sale, are you interested?” He flew to NY, was reunited, made the arrangements, and bought her for his own.
Over the years, "Jerry" participated in Buz's wedding to Gina Warren Buzby, hosted Admirals, Chiefs, dignitaries, VIP's, celebrities, military spouse groups, friends and family. She lived in five different states, cruised the Intra-Coastal Waterway four times, and served as Buz’s home for 12 of the 31 years he owned her, including the first year that Buz and Gina were married (in Annapolis, MD). She celebrates her 45th birthday this year. She has left a proud memory with Mark and Gina Buzby.
Now for the next part of her journey with her new master and as always in graceful style moved north back to familiar waters. Living the lifelong dream and moving her from Norfolk to the Hudson River was the next step in her life and a very proud moment for Jim and Linda.
We have a huge responsibility caring for this fine vessel and promised to keep her sailing proud across calm waters for many years to come.
Jim & Linda Jorgenson