In order for us to start our sailboat charters that we have been planning for over a year, we have to get our vessel Coast Guard approved. For us to do that, a proof of origin is required to make sure the vessel was built in America. We own a 1981 Endeavour 32 that was built in Largo, Florida, however the manufacturer was defunct in 1986 so we are unable to achieve that proof of origin.

We have contacted everyone that we possibly could through several emails and phone calls but it all leads back to the Jones Act which states “All waterborne shipping between points in the United States be carried by vessels built in the United States and owned and operated by Americans.”

We’re asking Florida’s 19th congressional district, Bryon Donalds, to grant us an exemption from the law as we have put a lot of time and effort into making this dream a reality. We are two college students with a passion for sailing and we would love to share that experience with anyone who comes aboard.

Please help us recognize our boat as American made so we can charter in US waters!