Jayme Wilson
Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project
The Port of Los Angeles celebrated its Centennial on December 9, 2007. As part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, these interviews feature various members of the Los Angeles Harbor Area community who were interviewed in 2007 to document different eras in Port history.
National Capital Contracting
Jayme Wilson was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Wilson was born in 1952 in Long Beach, California, and grew up near the water, learning to sail at a young age and later becoming involved in the boating industry with his brother. The interview covers Wilson’s journey from purchasing a 38-foot sailboat after graduating from law school to establishing a charter boat business in San Pedro in 1982. Wilson details how he and his brother transitioned from personal sailing to building a 90-foot sailboat and operating harbor cruises, eventually expanding into a larger fleet. The interview provides insight into the evolution of the Port of Los Angeles, including changes in the types of cargo, security measures, and the cleanliness of the harbor over the years. Wilson describes how the port transitioned from a working port to a tourist destination, highlighting the establishment and growth of Ports O' Call, a key attraction featuring restaurants, shops, and boat docks. He discusses the challenges and successes of operating his business, Spirit Cruises, including the company's expansion, adaptations to changes in the shipping industry, and competition from other tourist boat operations. Wilson also reflects on the larger development of the waterfront area, the cultural history of San Pedro, and his hopes for maintaining the unique character of the port while accommodating future growth and tourism. The interview concludes with his perspective on the integration of new development projects like the Bridge-to-Breakwater promenade, the role of ethnic diversity, and efforts to preserve the heritage and identity of the community.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.