Tom Morris
In Loving Memory of Thomas D.C. Morris
November 20, 1940 - December 7, 2008
Morris Yachts is saddened by the loss of their founder Thomas D.C Morris on Sunday, December 7th. Tom was diagnosed with cancer in the summer of 2007 and fought it valiantly. To those who knew him it will not be surprising to know that he outlived all the doctors’ prognoses. He died at home in Southwest Harbor, Maine surrounded by his loving family.
The understated Morris was not a native of Maine, but his connection to the Pine Tree State goes back more than a century. Beginning in the mid-1880s, his family began what was to become a long tradition of summer vacations in Maine. Tom was born in Philadelphia in 1940 and developed an early passion for sailing on the family’s A Class sloop, which his grandfather acquired in 1913. Five generations sailed the A Class number seven before the family donated her to the Mystic Seaport museum in 1975 where she is on display.
After an early career in business, Morris gave in to his love of sailing and moved to Southwest Harbor, Maine where he set up shop finishing fiberglass Friendship sloops built by Jarvis Newman. In 1972, he opened the doors of Morris Yachts in a boat shop he built behind the family house on High Road in Southwest Harbor. Production of the Frances 26 designed by Paine began in 1974 and set the course for the company’s future.
One of the company’s slogans – “Each one an Owner’s Original” was backed up by Tom’s close involvement in the build process. As a result, Tom became close friends with his owners and was wined and dined at their homes wherever he went. He enjoyed this immensely.
As a boatbuiler, one need only step aboard a Morris to witness his prowess. Go through any Morris and you will see his many influences – no detail was too small a true mark of a consummate sailor - hand-holds where they should be, wide, clutter-free decks, a well thought out galley. The only compliant one might have with him as a sailor is that he was light on the provisioning. He would show up for a delivery with a sleeve of saltines and a can of herring and maybe a can of corn beef hash. All Morris crew knew to bring along extra eats when doing a delivery with Tom.
When his son Cuyler became President of the company in 2001, Tom was able to spend more time sailing. In his new role as Ambassador-at-Large, he sailed the first Morris yacht S/V Escapade a Morris 46, to Scotland which also happened to be his first transatlantic. As the company’s official delivery skipper he has sailed both the Morris 38 and the new M42 up and down the Atlantic seaboard taking them to the various boat shows Morris attends. Last year, he took delivery of his very own Morris M42 and cruised it down to Charleston, SC last spring.
Tom enjoyed nothing more than strolling through the Morris shop and talking with the guys, meeting and visiting with owners and sailing anywhere, any time under any conditions. His legacy will live on through Morris Yachts and all those that knew and loved him.
Photos
For photos of Tom: photos.
Boats Built
For photos of boats built: photos.
History
For a history of Morris Yachts: history.
xoxox
my cousin Tommy ...I did not know where his life took him....obviously he made a great contribution...and since I love sailing and I have ended up in Nova Scotia ......sailing out of Chester Yacht Club....... I wish I had kept in touch with my kin....xoxoxo....hopefully I can rekindle my connections with like-spirited relations..............must be in the genes ......: )
M36
Tom, enjoyed the Morris web site. I think the M29 and M36 are sharp and seaworthy. (based on the videos) They remind me of the Alerion 28 - another user friendly sailboat. I'm glad to sea a cabin with sink, stove, stand up head, and standing 6 ft hight. I firmly believe that a "day sailer" should be also used as a live aboard too!
I am sailing a Halman 20 (1981) and enjoy the boat especially the toughness and ease of handling.
Although you have to go forward to rig, it still is a very safe boat! Draw back is cabin only has 5 ft. head room. I still manage to spend a couple of days on board.
Maby next spring I might visit your plant and then go on the "Heritage" for a cruise.
Take Care,
Chuck T.
Tom Morris....crafter of boats and dreams.
No, I didn't know Tom Morris...but when I look upon the lines of an M36 or M42 Daysailor, I feel I do. For in those lines I see the soul of a person who believed that boats should not be manufactured..."manufacturing" is for can-openers and sewing machines and such. Not manufactured, but "crafted"....for when you craft a boat, you enter a covenent with the sea, that the boat you build shall be worthy. She shall have lines that reflect the pure beauty of the sea; she shall sail with simple elegance and undeniable grace; and because the sea is oft-times temptous, she shall be strong of body and brave of soul, such that she brings her family home again from the storm. I think Tom understood this covenent...I can see it in the lines of the boats he crafted. Fair winds, Tom, fair winds.
WOW
Good day, I just got done watching the 35th anniversary video and am speachless... Just the workmanship that is so visable in all of your yachts... breath taking... I have an older Pearson 30... just to look thru your web site and dream........... Thank God for people with skills and the knowledge to do wonderful work with those skills...........
God bless and be safe
Paul G
Congratulations Tom
You create a beautiful man made object that compliments God's beautiful and unequaled creation! Rance McCarty - St. Michael, Mn.
Contact friends of S/V "Tina"
Sorry to hear of your loss.
Attempting to send a "shout out" to friends of the S/V "Tina":
Walter was a single hand circumvatior on the Tina, circa 1960's-Hell of a sailor. Sparkman/Steveston '42 out of Hiannsinsport MA. Presumed lost at sea: outbound NYC-Bermuda ;199somthing-somthing. Wintered over @ Worlds Fair Marina ,Flushing, NYC.
I am 1st mate for several years, NYC to down island & trans-Atlantin on Tina.Wonderful sailing experiences with this crazy skipper. Hello. anybody out ther remember ??
Best regards/ Wind to You Back.
Kate
Maine-ah-to-Maine-ah
As a Mainer living in the Philadelphia area, I attended the Annapolis boat show several years ago and met Tom Morris. Explaining to Tom that I am a graduate of U of Me in engineering, he explained that he had the same background. He told me the story of working for GE Aircraft Engines in Ohio. I was working for GE Aerospace at the time in Syracuse, NY. I loved sailing and admired Morris yachts. We connected.
Tom told me the story of "why" he decided on building sailboats. He explained that one morning, while at GE, he was walking from this car to the GE facility when a seagull flew overhead (remember, this was land-locked Ohio) and screeched that familiar down east call. A mental switch flipped. He walked directly into the office that morning and resigned on the spot. His passion was to move back to Maine to build the best cruising yacht that money could buy.
I was deeply saddened to read Tom's obit this evening. Thanks Tom, and the Morris pedigree for developing such magnificent vessels!! - Jeff Morris of Bingham, Maine (4/22/09)
Tom's Legacy
Will live on, with the best boats ever made.
our Morris 34
This is for Cuyler and all Tom's dear family, friends and coworkers at the Yard. We are the devoted owners of our lovely 34' sloop IONA, which we have owned these last 21-going on 22 -years. She has ben a total joy to live aboard and to sail-the FASTEST sloop of her size in Penobscot Bay. She is still "Good as New." My family has known the Morris family in earlier Philadelphia days(My home town) and Tom has always been a most wonderful man to know, and to do business with. Honorable, fun,and knowlegeable in the practical aspects of sailing, as well as the pure joy. His spirit will never be absent. Sincerely, John and Frances(Cheston)Train
It's still hard to believe!
My wife and I were the proud owners of a Francis that Tom and his great company built way back in 1984. We have personally met him back east as well out here on the west coast. We've always enjoyed the time he made for us and his friendliness. He will be missed!
Dave & Karen Barnes
Acadia
Thomas D. C. Morris
My condolences to the Morris family, relatives and fellow boatbuilders, for your loss. Tom Morris epitomized integrity. His life is a lesson to us all. I feel honored to have known him. I never sail or even see ELF without marvelling at the magnifent work he did.
Jamie Baldwin, s/v ELF, Leigh #10
Rain & Beer
I think nothing ever brought home to us Tom's love for boats as the afternoon we were fortunate to spend with him sitting below in the rain, sharing a few beers and talking about life and boats. Always a gentleman and a man of passion for his love. Thank you for the best experience of our lives. Following seas.
Bob & Carol Gwin
Tom Morris
I purchased Tom's 28' Linda in 1998. I will never forget his kindness, his understanding, and his smile as he took me out for a sail on the boat that he and his wife spent many wonderful days. Although I only had WINDHOVER for 3 years, she was and will always be a special boat for me. Bill Bader
My prayers go out to you
I met Tom at the Strictly Sail show in Chicago, some years ago. We talked about the enjoyment of sailing small boats, and the Frances he was working on for himself at the time. The show was quite busy and I wasn't really a prospective customer. Tom never made me feel like I was wasting his time, and he never attempted to cut off our conversation to move onto to real customers.
Every time I see or hear of a Morris sailboat I think of Tom. May he rest in peace.
My prayers are with you and your family.
Ken Bogan
A Remarkable Man
Cuyler
My deepest sympathies for you and your family
I am so sorry for your loss
He was a remarkable man
He touched both Barbara and I with his passion for life, love for people, and never ending desire to build great boats and sail
We will miss him
Sincerely
Dave and Barbara
_____________________________
Dave Gershon, MD, JD, MPH
Pictet & Cie, Advisory Board
Harvard University Health Science and Technology Program/MIT Sloan School of Management, Visiting Lecturer Healthcare Economics and Finance
215 East 68th Street
New York, NY
10021 USA
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Email: Dave.Gershon@post.Harvard.edu
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William and Mary Reed of
William and Mary Reed of Chicago send best wishes to the Morris Family.
Tom Morris
We have enjoyed meeting Tom in Maine at his cabin and in Miami a few years back at the boat show. He is a wonderful man who made a great impact on our world, he will be missed by many.
Jay & Jane Amoruso
Wethersfield, CT 06109
Fifty years or so ago, I
Fifty years or so ago, I remember Tom single-handing No. 7, his A Boat, ghosting quietly down the east side of Northeast Harbor. Thirty-five or so years ago, I somehow got involved in a crazy dash to help him finish building one of his first Fiendship sloops -- midnight curses and the random very early morning cold beer served by Tina. We crossed paths reasonably regularly, enjoyed the occasional meal or sail together. Through it all, one always felt Tom's sense of purpose, and his drive to give it all his best. Occasional encounters on a professional level were often punctuated by differences of opinion, always marked by his unfailing open mindedness. A couple of years ago Tom invited me to sail down the Intracoastal Waterway, all the way to Florida. It was a lively trip, on a conversational level, contemplative as far as the sailing went. This was Tom, after all. We basically disagreed about just about everything (coversationally speaking), our politics and basic approach to life being at somewhat opposite poles. But, I repeat, this was Tom, and we could agree to disagree, enjoy our rum, and by virtue of the constant conflict of opinions we ended up basically agreeing on everything! I was going to invite myself for a repeat performance on his new M42 this year, but he single-handed himself away from us all, another move I strongly disagree with ...
Sandro Vitelli
Tom Morris, one of the "good guys" for sailing
I had the occasion to talk with Tom at length two times; once at the Annapolis Boat Show and once by telephone. In Annapolis, I went below on one of Tom 's gorgeous boat's and to my surprise I found Tom, alone, dusting and polishing the interior. Somewhat in shock and awe, I began a conversation with Tom about the yacht we were on and his boat building philosophy. I can remember his warmth as he conversed with me as a fellow sailor and his sincereity and modesty in speaking of his suucess as one of the nation's premier boat builder's (my expression, not his). When asked what the President of Morris Yachts was doing, preparing the boat for the show, Tom simply responded, we're a small company and I was the only person avilable to get the job done. I was so impressed.
The second occasion occurred when I telephoned Morris Yachts to ask a question about a used Morris on the market. Expecting to speak to a broker or a clerk, once again I was shocked when Tom came to the phone and said hello, and how can I help you. Tom not only answered all of my questions, but provided me with a detailed history of the boat and it's former owners, and went into much detail about the sailing characteristics of the design. Once again, I was so impressed by this gentle giant of the yacht building/sailing community.
I am so sorry and saddened by Tom's passing, knowing that I will never have a third opportunity to interact with Tom, one of the best at his craft.
Frank Pasenello, Broker
Crusader Yacht Sales, Annapolis, MD
A shining star Tom was...
Tom is definitely a shining star in the dark sky of life, a solid guiding light for boat lovers everywhere. Tom had quality, honesty, class and style plus an incredible eye for beautiful boats. A wonderful man he was and an example for us all. Tom will be missed but was enjoyed. All our best.
Kate & Bernie at RogueWave Yacht Sales
Tom
I was saddened to hear the news about Tom. I last saw him last in 9/2006 when he graciously took me out on an M42 at the Newport boat show for a test sail. I remember how he handled the boat on his own with such ease and confidence. He was a wonderful man and has left an extraordinary legacy. I love my Morris 38 and am happy and grateful to have become an owner.
To everyone at the Morris yard and in the Morris family, please accept my condolences. I am so sorry about your loss.
Tom Morris
To Morris Yachts & Family,
The night before I heard of Tom's death I had spent the night onboard with my 7 year old daughter, who said that she loved our boat and that we should never sell it. It was a great night.
I only became involved with Morris Yachts recently and had a few occasions to meet Tom. He graciously spoke at the Los Angeles Yacht Club on a trip to the West Coast. To attend the 35th anniversary was very special to see first hand the legacy he created and to hear all the great testimonials at the dinner.
To me Tom represents the definition of leaving the world a better place than when he entered it, inspiring those around him and leaving lasting inspiration through his yachts. Our best to the family and the company.
Eric Gray, Manhattan Beach, Ca
A LEGION IN HIS OWN TIME
Tom's love for sailing and boat building lead to great success in our marine industry,he will be sorely missed. Bob Hinckley
Tom
I have just received your news letter dated 18 December 2008 and am saddened to learn of the passing of Tom. It seems so sudden, and my sadness remains.
My only claim to knowing something of Tom and his family is as a result of a number of enquiries I have made regarding your beautiful 42 through Eric Roos and Kristen. The documentation, and in particular, the DVDs referencing the company history and boats/sails amply demonstrated to me what kind of man he must have been - proud but humble, thorough, honest, a visionary and much more. I discovered this through my own independent enquiries when researching Morris Yachts also, and it is therefore with deep regret that I will not be able to work with him when circumstances change and economic confidence returns, hopefully not too far distant from now.
Please conver my deep and sincere condolences to his wife and family.
Sincerely
Colin Grenfell
Cuyler and Tina
Even though we first met Tom under the worst of circumstances, as he was trying to organize his strategy to cope with his new diagnosis, the depth of his strength, courage, and intelligence was immediately apparent. His was a great life, a life well lived, as he realized and even surpassed his dreams. He would deal with the cancer, but, with you at his side, he would never let it define who he was.
The world has lost a great sailor, a great boat builder, a great father, grandfather and husband, a great man. Please accept our heartfelt sympathies.
Dan Coit
Blue Hill, ME
A Life Well Lived
Suzanne and I were deeply saddened by news of the passing of Tom Morris. We feel privileged to have known Tom for nearly 20 years, he having guided us on the purchase of our first real cruising boat, an Annie, back in 1990. I still remember the docking lesson he gave us at Beal's the day we took delivery. Talk about pressure! Later, when we bought our current boat, Tom spent most of a cold, wet March weekend going over every detail and system for our benefit. It wasn't just because he was generous with his time, which he was, but because he just loved being around boats. His enthusiasm was infectious as was his kind and thoughtful nature. He was one of a kind. We will miss him.
Randy and Suzanne Havens
Venice, FL
Morris Justine "Gryphon"
A True Gentlemen
Just to extend our deepest sympathy to Tom's family.
We didn't know him well, but in the past 16 years we have enjoyed the
summers in Southwest Harbor we would often meet Tom in town, and of
course doing business with Morris Yachts.He was a fine gentlemen and
a true entrepreneur. His legacy will continue to ply the waters of Maine
and around the globe.
Tom - may the wind always be at your back!
Kim Hunter & Peter Bardsley
"Survivor III"
Great Harbor Marina
My wife and I are so sorry
My wife and I are so sorry to hear Tom passed away,our deepest condolences to Tom family and to the staff working at the yard.We are so sorry.
Mark Schade.
Canada.
Tom was always a good
Tom was always a good neighbor things wont be the same without you Tom we will miss you
Our prayers and thoughts are
Our prayers and thoughts are with the Morris family during this sad time. I did not know Tom but have two warm memories of him that often come to mind when I see a Morris Yachts ad, visit your web site or read an article about your company or boats. The first is standing in line across from Tom at the Cottage Grove dinning hall. Tom introduced himself and I replied “I know who you are.” He looked at me a bit puzzled and I said “I admire your boats.” He replied “thank you” and in that simple response he conveyed humility and pride which told me a great deal about him. Ever since that exchange I hoped for an opportunity to get to know him a bit.
My other memory is of Tom sitting down (almost lounging – if that is possible) in the cockpit of a Sunfish on Higgins Lake sailing that little boat with casual elegance and somehow conveying a sense of great contentment.
David & Lisa Brown
St. Charles, IL
CCG/Higgins Lake, MI
Mr.Morris
I sincerely wish to let you all know how sorry I am for your loss. Although I didn't know him well, his brief visits in the Post Office gave me an idea of the kind of man he was....humble. I hope if there is anything I can do for the family, that they let me know. Your friend, Joel McAndrew-Postmaster-Southwest Harbor
Tom Morris
Dear Cuyler,
I was just doing my monthly check on the web of Morris yachts and read of the sad passing of your father. I really did not know your father much at all but I did admire him and what he has accomplished up there in Maine. He certainly had the fortitude to stick through some very difficult times and deserved all of the success that you have achieved. You are lucky to have had a father guide you through life and leave you with such an outstanding legacy, one that I know you are capable to carry on for the entire family.
I have learned much from your fathers work, he has inspired me as a designer and builder, his soft demeaner and passion for his craft are character traits that we all should emulate.
Wishing you and your family all of the best at this difficult time,
Ted Fontaine
Condolences
Had the opportunity to meet Tom at the boat show in Annapolis in either '06 or '07. Have always been an admirer of the Morris build and aspire to own oneof your yachts sometime in the near future.
Fair winds and following seas.
New comment
Sailing has lost one of its best friends and a truly great sailor and builder. He will be greatly missed, but his boats and now Cuyler will remind us of his presence for years to come. Mike and Helen Clay Chace
Sea Otter (L 28-10)
Tom taught me to sail.
Will Be Missed
Congradulations Tom on a wonderful life that helped others pursue their sailing dreams.
Sincerely,
Steve
Philadelphia
Passing of Mr. Morris
As a sailor, I admired Morris boats particularly when the Morris 51 won sailboat of the year in the late 1990s. Since then, I've always taken notice when a new model is announced. I was busy last week so only returned to the website now to see this terrible news. Condolences to the family. A terrible loss!
Sincerely,
Marvin Abugov (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
Tom
Tom was a friend from the time we were teenagers in the 1950's. We both loved sailing, did a fair amount of racing, and he certainly followed that love all his life.
I also remember him always hanging around with Paul Lippincott and Fred Clark, two sailing friends, and he was one of those really nice guys who danced with their friends who were girls, as opposed to girlfriends, at parties. Just a great guy!
While our lives took us in different directions, I was lucky to have Gerd and Billy to keep me somewhat current with Tom and Tina's life, and was proud of the old friend who had made a wonderful career and life for himself and his family.
The last time Barney, my husband, and I saw Tom was shortly before he got sick, when we decided to keep our boat at Morris Yachts. He looked on top of the world! Great fun catching up! His boats make our hearts race too! They may not be in our future, but they are gorgeous!
Our thoughts are with all of Tom's family and friends.
Weezie Johnston
Tom Morris
Tom's love of life, his pride in his boats and his family as well as his contributions to the sailing fraternity will be missed. He was a genuine good guy and truly special.
Alan Massey
Thanks Tom
To know Tom was a gift of life. We will be forever grateful to him for helping make our sailing dreams come true and believe his legacy of family, friends and boats are his gifts and dreams come true.
Dick and Sally Mason
Tom Morris - Boatbuilder
We were very much saddened here in England to hear of the untimely passing of Tom Morris, who represented the highest and best standards of American boatbuilding and whose skills were a fine example to us all. We were privileged to work alongside the beautiful Morris M36 on display at the Southampton Boat Show in September 2008, which proved to be one of the the most popular highlights of the Show. Indeed, it is the future success of the company he created and the fine boats it sells that will be the most fitting memorial to Tom and we therefore wish you every good fortune and prosperity as you carry his legacy forward.
With sincere condolences and best wishes,
Phil Coatesworth, Bill King
Professional Yacht Deliveries Ltd
Tom's Taff Rail Log
Growing up on the other side of the harbor, in the other boat yard, Cuyler and I met in the middle and spent our childhood and young adulthood working on our father's boats, and of course delivering them to owners up and down the eastern seaboard. I remember well my father taking in trade a very spartan, or shall I say stripped out J/35...he quickly sold it to a fellow in Boston and Cuyler and I were tapped to deliver it. The boat was bare, very bare, in fact it only had a binacle compass. It was rainy and foggy and these were the days before handheld anything, so Tom, in his old school salty manner showed up with a 19th century original Taff Rail Log as our complimentary navigation aid. After a quick instruction he bid us farewell. In that instrument he had the confidence that two teenage boys would make it from MDI to Boston Harbor in the fog. The darn thing spun knots for 188 miles and we hit Boston Harbor dead on.
I remember his grin, happiness and confidence that we two young boys were striking out into the sea, alone, they way the old timers did it. He had faith in that old device and faith in us. I remember well how happy he was showing us how to use the Taff Rail Log. It was simple and very salty. Tom simple and very salty.
I have many, many memories of Tom over the years, but I always come back to the Taff Rail Log, it reminds me of him, beautiful in it's simplicity and remarkably timeless. He liked things like that.
Barry Hinckley
Tom
It is rare to know someone who is able to understand, choose, and skillfully achieve those accomplishments in life that truly define their being. Tom's personality, and by extension his history, have been an ongoing source of both motivation and affirmation. Within each of us who had the privilege to know Tom, his voyage continues.
With Sympathy,
Megan & Bob Kline
SERENITY MY30
Horizons
To us sailing is about horizons, learning a new skill, experiencing a new day, and appreciating the wonderful craftmanship of our Linda 28. We have sailed "Brilliant" in Galveston Bay for 12 years now and it is forever new! We have expanded our travel horizons with wonderful visits to the anniversary celebrations and were able to meet Tom and your family. We also will miss him and we will keep you in our hearts and prayers in these lonely times ahead.
Gretchen and Mike Thoman
Houston, TX
Tom
You were a wonderfully warm and resourceful man of total integrity. You loved boats and the business was totally incidental. All you were interested in was building the finest vessels you could and sailing them with us all. We will miss you dreadfully but your example as to how to sail and, indeed, to live will remain with us and will accompany us on our cruises to come.
Iain Saunders
'Escapade'
Thomas Morris
Although I did not have the privelege of meeting Tom Morris, I have become familiar, like many others with the quality and beauty of the boats he built. Such passion and attention to detail is rare in today's market of building boats. He must have been a good father, as he was able to instill these admirable qualities in his family whom have maintained the Morris tradition. To Tom I would say " Long may your big jib draw " Kingsley Brown Halifax, Nova Scotia
A gentle soul
Cuyler,
My condolences on the death or your father.
I remember way back taking a trip to Southwest Harbor with my wife. We wandered down to the old yard and started poking around, admiring the Frances hulls. Your father came out (I think it was a Saturday) and introduced himself. He answered every stupid question we had, and didn't do anything to dampen our enthusiasm though it was perfectly clear that this wasn't in the cards for this young couple with five kids.
I kept those Frances brochures in my files for years, and only threw them out when we decided to sell the house and go cruising. It wasn't on a Morris -- by that time a Morris was beyond our reach -- but I never forgot your Dad's completely non-judgmental attitude. Some day you'll do it, and if it's on one of my boats, so be it, but if it isn't, have a great time.
We had a great time, and we are grateful.
Sandy Marsters
Among The Best - Ever
Cuyler and the Morris Family,
We are so sorry and send our deepest sympathy on your loss.
I will always think of Tom when I step onto my beautiful Morris sailboat to go out for sail. He leaves a great legacy.
Ed and Celeste Morgan
"Ceci" M3618
Queenstown, Md
TO HIS BOAT OWNERS HE WAS A LIFELONG FRIEND
Besides revolutionizing the cruising sail boat industry Tom Morris was a lifelong friend to his boat owners. I test-sailed a J-36 for a week in 1988 and upon returning to the SW harbor dock, noted Tom on the dock, I asked him how much the deposit was for one, knelt and wrote a check using the dock planking to write against. It's been nothing but pure pleasure since. Tom appreciated how different sailors approach sailing and helped me design the perfect boat for my needs. We cruised it from Bermuda to Cartwright, with the always solid backup of Tom and the superb organization he created. Twice, on weekends, he personally rolled up his sleeves and repaired my boat to keep up going. Even when fame overtook him, Tom remained unchanged- approachable and helpful. He even lent me his truck and sometimes his car to provision the boat and dine out in Bar Harbor. True to his word, through all the years, Tom and Morris Yachts were always there when needed.
My favorite story is about the time I asked Tom for hull crutches to keep Tanqueray upright when the tide went out for a cruise to the upper Bay of Fundy, but fit without drilling holes thru the hull, as this was to be a one-summer adventure. Tom and I did a test of the tie-down crutches in the tidal lagoon in the NW corner of the SW Harbor, where at low tide the boat would be aground. We fitted the crutches and retreated to the shore to await the tide cycle. The grounding proved too much for the initial tie-downs and at low tide Tanqueray was on her side . Someone apparently called the police about the beached boat and we just beat the salvage barge to the hull. With subsequent adjustments Tanqueray's cruise to Parrsboro was a great success.
I personally, as well as the whole world of yachting, have lost a remarkable leader. My deepest condolences to Tom's family. Tom Morris was a joy in all our lives. He will be sorely missed.
Eric Radin
Marion, MA
Dear Tina, Cuyler, Helen and
Dear Tina, Cuyler, Helen and Lia (and all the others whose names are too many for me to keep track of...),
I am very sorry to hear that Tommy passed away - I had spoken to him sometime ago, when I arrived in New York and wanted to go up to Main and visit, unfortunately never did.
I have never known him very well, but have always heard great great things about Dad's cousin from the other side of the atlantic, that seemed far more Portuguese in his adventures of the sea than any of the others. Hopefully one day I will learn of his many stories.
Our prayers are with all of you and Tommy.
Love,
Candida (little one) and Henry