Born in 1920, JP Trochesset was a native Biloxian born to a family of boat builders, including his father, Jules Pierre Trochesset, Sr. During the 1900’s, the Trochesset brothers built the AMERICAN LADY, which was the fastest three masted schooner on the coast that once claimed the “Loving Cup”.
As a young man, he learned how to build sailboats from his father and uncles with whom he would race. So enamored with the water, JP even earned a trophy in a swimming race to Ship Island. Dedicated to his country, JP turned down a boxing scholarship to Louisiana State University to serve in WWII enlisting in the US Navy. However, due to colorblindness, he was not accepted and served in the US Army. Since he was already very skilled as a boatsman, he was assigned to pilot LCVP landing craft (or the Higgins Boat) in the Pacific for the duration of the war. In this capacity, he would join Gen. McArthur’s 6th Army made up of 240 special amphibious soldiers.
After the war, in 1958, JP was one of the pioneers of the charter boat industry, building two of his own. The GAY JAY I was a Chris Craft he customized by extending the stern. The GAY JAY II was a purchased fiberglass hull that he and his son, Jay, modified adding a cabin, deck, and flying bridge. These vessels would moor at Biloxi Small Craft Harbor until Hurricane Camille wrought destruction in 1969, then the boats would set out from the Broadwater Marina.
JP was an ambassador for the maritime and seafood industries his whole life, even serving as King of the Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo. When his health no longer allowed him to participate in the profession he loved, he retired in 1992. JP passed away in 1994.
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