August 2021
This is cheating because I haven’t actually seen Tom Thumb – yet. However, I did ask Kevin if he could look out for her as he was sailing from Craobh Marina on an enlarged circumnavigation of Mull. He kindly sent me these photos. Kevin, by the way, looks after the Shackleton Museum in Athy, Co. Kildare, Ireland. I’m looking for an excuse to visit!
I’ve been aware of Tom Thumb for a while because Will Stirling came to have a mooch around Sumara to see if he could glean any ideas before embarking on the no-holds-barred restoration. Tom Thumb was originally built in 1962 to Lloyds A1 from teak on rock elm with a lead keel. He was obviously off to a good start!
Here she is in fine fettle standing on the hard at Craobh Marina awaiting her next adventure.
Tom Thumb is listed on the Vertue Owners website here
May 2024
I have just been sent this amazing picture of a 1/10th scale model of Tom Thumb. The model was made by a previous owner of the boat in the 1980’s. He was an engineer and clearly a very talented model maker. Aged 93, he is no longer making models but I am sure this one must bring those sailing memories flooding back. The photo was kindly sent by his niece.
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