The Kennedys
love affair
with Victura
By Maralyn D. Hill
A
uthor James W. Graham did a superb job
when writing Victura, The Kennedys, A
Sailboat, and the Sea. The exemplary
insight it provides into Kennedy family
dynamics in total is thorough, with massive
quotes and footnotes in abundance. Its focus
provides an understanding of several
generations of the family.
It was a challenge numerous quotes or excerpts. The author’s research was incredibly
extensive.
To those of us who lived through much of the
spotlight time, the Kennedy name brings a reaction ranging from love to hate. Victura provides a greater understanding to all.
Joseph and Rose Kennedy and their family journey started in Boston, but due to being Irish
Catholic, social acceptance would never be
achieved, no matter how astute of a businessman Joe was. He consequently moved his family
to New York. They started vacationing on Cape
Cod in 1925 and purchased a residence in 1927.
My own sailing experience is limited, but I’ve
been exposed to many who have expressed the
teamwork that is required—tempers fly, language flares, and winning is the goal. A love of
water, wind and elements radiate from those
involved in this ultimate teamwork activity.
Joseph Kennedy, Sr. did not sail, but immediately encouraged Joe Jr. and John to do so. Bobby
and the rest of the children, as they came
along, were encouraged, but Joe Jr., John and
also Eunice excelled. During the school year,
Joe Jr. and John would exchange correspondence with their father about what type of boat
they should acquire and their research was rewarded.
Victura, a 25-foot sloop, was purchased in
1932, and was the family favorite that was
sailed the longest and raced the most. Winning
at all costs was what mattered to Joe Sr.
To quote Graham, “By all accounts Joe