Thompson's Bird sailing in Florida

Thompson's Bird (originally the Elsie W. Lowe) was most likely a working boat before being sold to a vacationer from New York. In 1996 MCBM board member Ted Guy found her half-sunk at Edwin's Boat Yard in the Abacos, and had Keith Albury rebuild her there.

She was restored to an almost original condition - only her sail, a few planks, running rigging and one or two blocks appear to be new additions. Ted had her shipped to Florida aboard the Bahamian freighter M/V Margarita IV, and picked her up at the Port of Palm Beach in 1997.

Although Bahamas dinghies don't have deep keels or centerboards, Thompson's Bird sails surprisingly well and is a delight to handle. Ted and artist Howard Schafer enjoyed sailing her in Stuart on the St. Lucie River.