Thief’s cunning trick to hide heist of 30-foot yacht from LA marina
A bold theft at a marina in Los Angeles has left a youth sailing program without one of its training vessels after someone made off with a 30-foot yacht and attempted to hide the crime with a decoy boat.
The sailboat, called the Island Hopper, belonged to the Sea Scouts program and had been docked in Marina del Rey. Authorities say it disappeared sometime between March 17 and March 21. The vessel was used by the co-ed youth group connected to Scouting America, the organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America.
The situation came to light on Saturday when a troop leader went to check the dock and realized the 1979 Islander sailboat was gone. In its place sat a different sailboat that was reportedly in poor condition.
According to Scout Ship 16 skipper Paul Renner, whoever carried out the theft appeared to plan it carefully. The individual not only swapped boats but also transferred the yacht’s DMV identification number onto the rundown replacement vessel, making it look like the original boat still belonged in that slip.
Renner said the group is hoping the stolen boat will eventually be found and returned.
Although many Sea Scouts in the troop focus on operating powerboats, the Island Hopper was intended to help expand their sailing instruction. Renner also said the loss is frustrating because the program exists to help young people learn maritime skills, raising the question of why someone would target it.
Program leaders say this is not the first time their equipment has been stolen. An outboard motor disappeared last year, and about six weeks ago thieves also took a radar display and a marine radio.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the latest incident, but the missing yacht has not yet been located.
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