Debate Over Yacht Ownership in Senate Race

The ongoing Senate race has sparked intense debate over the personal finances and assets of Republican candidate Mike Rogers, particularly allegations regarding yacht ownership. Democrat Abdul El-Sayed has repeatedly claimed in TV ads, campaign appearances, and debates that Rogers bought two yachts after leaving Congress, using these statements to question Rogers’ financial standing and relatability to most voters.

Allegations Raised by Abdul El-Sayed

During their October 8 debate, El-Sayed highlighted Rogers’ increased wealth following his departure from Congress in 2015 and subsequent move to Florida. At one point, El-Sayed directly asked Rogers, “Did you sell your yachts?” These claims have also been made via anti-Rogers advertisements, such as one featuring a union member questioning the need for "two yachts" and another from the Senate Majority PAC referencing Rogers’ alleged purchase of a Florida mansion "complete with two everyday yachts."

Response From the Rogers Campaign

Rogers’ response to the allegations was clear: "I never owned a yacht in Florida, brother." His spokesperson, Alyssa Brouillet, dismissed El-Sayed's claims as false and characterized such statements as typical of El-Sayed’s campaign strategy. Brouillet further deflected by referencing El-Sayed’s overseas rental properties in the United Arab Emirates and India.

Sources Supporting El-Sayed’s Claims

El-Sayed’s campaign provided documents showing 2015 and 2017 Maryland boat registrations for vessels associated with Rogers, with addresses redacted for privacy. These records have circulated online as further support for their campaign’s assertions. A statement from El-Sayed spokesperson Cole Wozniak claimed, “His deep record of corruption bought him a Florida mansion and two yachts.”

Investigating the Facts: Boat Registrations in Maryland

According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (maryland dnr), boat registrations verify that Rogers registered two substantial vessels:

• “Sawfish” – a 32-foot, twin-hull Larson boat, manufactured in 2008 and registered in 2015.
• “Si Como No” – a 39-foot vessel built in 2016 by Cruisers Yachts and registered in 2017.

Both boats could be classified as yachts, although the precise industry definition of a yacht can vary widely. Official statements confirm both boats were registered under the same owner; additional records from the US Coast Guard also list prior registrations for these vessels tied to an address for a Virginia condo previously owned by Rogers and his wife.

Current Status of the Boats and Florida Property

Gregg Bortz, spokesperson for the Maryland DNR, confirmed that “Sawfish” was marked as sold in 2016 and has not been registered in Maryland since then. “Si Como No,” however, remains registered in Maryland and has had the same owner since April 6, 2017, according to the Rogers registration record. There are no current boat registrations linked to a Florida address for Rogers, nor any such registration in the US Coast Guard database.

Regarding Rogers’ Florida property, records reflect that a pier and boat lift were added to the home before it was put up for sale, but satellite images show no boats present at the property. Rogers’ latest financial disclosure does not mention any watercraft, but Senate rules do not require disclosure of personal property that does not generate income.

Conclusion: What Do the Records Show?

Based on available records, Mike Rogers previously registered two large boats in Maryland—both potentially considered yachts. One, the "Sawfish," was sold and is no longer registered, while the other, "Si Como No," remains registered in Maryland. There is no evidence supporting the claim that Rogers owned yachts in Florida, as his campaign has stated. The claims, boat registrations, and the political debate continue as the Senate race proceeds.

Source: bridgemi.com.