About

After decades on the East Coast travelling from Palm Beach FL to New York Harbor, AmericA's new home port is here on South Padre Island.  AmericA has had an illustrious career over it's 60 years, entertaining the who's who of society from industrialists, politicians and celebrities. AmericA is the sister ship of well known presidential yachts, Sequoia and Honey Fitz, serving presidents from Delano Roosevelt to John F Kennedy.

The Trumpy yacht America

  • The classic motor yacht America was built by the legendary naval architect John Trumpy and delivered in 1965.

  • It is a 75-foot vessel and was originally named JIMIANA. The yacht is admired for its timeless elegance and craftsmanship and has undergone significant restoration and upgrades over the years.

  • Despite its connection to the classic yachting heritage of John Trumpy, this specific yacht is privately owned and can be chartered. 

The legacy of Trumpy yacht designs

The name John Trumpy is synonymous with classic American wooden motor yachts, renowned for their beauty and elegance. 

  • Prestigious history: Trumpy's vessels, often called the "Rolls-Royce of American motor yachts," were favored by U.S. presidents and prominent families like the Guggenheims and Duponts. The most famous example is the Presidential Yacht USS Sequoia, designed by Trumpy in 1925.

  • Timeless craftsmanship: The designs are known for their polished white hulls, varnished teak, and smooth, house-boat style cruising performance.

  • Restoration market: Since the company ceased production in the 1970s, many original Trumpy yachts have been restored and modernized, maintaining their legacy for classic yachting enthusiasts. 

History

A dining table set with white plates, wine glasses, and silverware, decorated with a yellow floral centerpiece, on a boat with water and buildings in the background.

Our Story

Our founders, started Southern Wave Sailing Charters in 2006 and have since become a staple on South Padre. From our famous dinner cruises on the catamaran Southern Wave to our new addition AmericA, we know your experience with us will be memorable. AmericA is the only vessel of it's type on the Gulf Coast, offering our first class services and commitment to create lasting memories for you, your family and your guests.

AMERICA has had a wonderful ownership history. She is beautifully maintained and arguably is the finest Trumpy afloat. She is distinctly handsome with a proud bow, attractive lines and a fantastic aft deck.

AMERICA, Trumpy contract number 420, was commissioned by famed Newspaper Publisher Mr. James L. Knight and was originally named JIMIANA.In 2005, an exhaustive and significant restoration was done by the experts at Moore’s Marine, which updated and renewed almost all of the yacht’s systems and much of her structure.

Woman with hat on a yacht

AmericA is part of our four locally owned family business which includes, motor yacht AmericA, The Meatball Café, Longboard Bar and Grill, and our newest waterfront restaurant Henrietta’s Bayfront which opened August 2025. We are family owned, local and we love our little Island.

Specifications

  • Length - 75 Feet

  • Year Launched - 1965

  • Gross Ton - 84

  • Draft - 4’ 5”

    Beam - 18’

  • Range - 650 Nautical Miles

  • Location- South Padre Island, Texas

The yacht M/V AmericA in the water