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The Ida May (previous Ruth-L and Nada III) is a historic

wooden sportfisher motoryacht built in 1926 by

the renowned yacht builder, Hugh Angelman for

Willard A. Van Brunt, a previous president and co-founder

of John Deere Van Brunt & Company.

The yacht was built for $120,000 in 1926 and was

purchased 9 years later by Stan Laurel of Laurel and

Hardy comedy fame. She was considered the fastest

and most expensive yacht in America at one time.

Laurel renamed the yacht the Ruth L., after his wife.

The Ruth L. was quite a favorite of the Hollywood crowd. Many celebrities, a U.S. President, a former champion heavy weight boxer, and even a Prince have honored the decks of the Ida May. The Ida May is listed in the National Park Service, Department of Interior as one of the Historic Ships to Visit and is listed as a Large Historic Preserved Vessel in the Maritime Heritage Program. Sea Magazine honored the Ida May as one of the top 25 Classic Yachts.