The Kennedys love affair with Victura By Maralyn D. Hill

uthor James W. Graham did a superb job teamwork that is required—tempers fly, lan- Jack named Victura. As Graham quoted, “In when writing Victura, The Kennedys, A guage flares, and winning is the goal. A love of 1960…Jack told a writer for Sports Illustrated ASailboat, and the Sea. The exemplary water, wind and elements radiate from those that Victura was Latin for ‘about to conquer.’” insight it provides into Kennedy family involved in this ultimate teamwork activity. dynamics in total is thorough, with massive Joe Jr. and Jack were among the top collegiate quotes and footnotes in abundance. Its focus Joseph Kennedy, Sr. did not sail, but immediate- sailors in New England and Eunice was later provides an understanding of several ly encouraged Joe Jr. and John to do so. Bobby considered equal. All the children were part of generations of the family. and the rest of the children, as they came the sailing team, but they sailed to win. along, were encouraged, but Joe Jr., John and It was a challenge numerous quotes or ex- also Eunice excelled. During the school year, As the children grew up and married, they end- cerpts. The author’s research was incredibly Joe Jr. and John would exchange correspond- ed up buying adjacent or nearby property, and extensive. ence with their father about what type of boat their Hyannis Port homes became known as the they should acquire and their research was re- Kennedy compound. Most got their own sail To those of us who lived through much of the warded. boats, but the Victura kept active until Ted’s spotlight time, the Kennedy name brings a re- Victura, a 25-foot sloop, was purchased in later years. Now, it is in the JFK library & Mu- action ranging from love to hate. Victura pro- 1932, and was the family favorite that was seum. vides a greater understanding to all. sailed the longest and raced the most. Winning Victura did not hide the facts Joe Sr. was not at all costs was what mattered to Joe Sr. known for his morals or that teaching religion Joseph and Rose Kennedy and their family jour- was left to Rose. This division of responsibili- ney started in Boston, but due to being Irish To quote Graham, “By all accounts Joe Sr. was a ties showed the strengths and weakness of the Catholic, social acceptance would never be demanding but demonstrably affectionate fa- entire family. Joe Sr. and Rose had instilled in achieved, no matter how astute of a business- ther. Moreover, he was deeply interested in his them from birth the importance of public ser- man Joe was. He consequently moved his family children. They deeply loved him in return, vice, since they had all the financial resources to New York. They started vacationing on Cape though a JFK biographer said their love had an they needed. It also showed how the Victura, Cod in 1925 and purchased a residence in 1927. ‘element of fear’ to it, ‘not so much dread of sea, and bonding as a family mattered. Sailing his tongue lashings, although these were color- was glue that helped hold them all together. My own sailing experience is limited, but I’ve ful and memorable, but rather fear of failing to Victura was indeed a family love affair. been exposed to many who have expressed the measure up to his expectations.’”

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