The 1962 Notre Dame was campaigned by Shirley Mendelson McDonald. McDonald shared her father’s passion for hydroplanes, and entered the sport with a new, personally financed the Notre Dame hydroplane. Designed and built by Les Staudacher, the U-7 Notre Dame (1962-07) finished second place at the 1962 Spirit of Detroit Trophy Regatta. Following a testing fire, the boat was retired in favor of a new hull for the 1964 season and was converted into a pleasure boat.