Tinkerbelle - Robert Manry

TINKERBELLE
The ROBERT MANRY PROJECT
The Man – Remembering Robert Manry
Life of a Dream – A few biographical notes on the life of Bob Manry…
Robert Neal Manry was born 2 June 1918, high in the Himalayas at Landour, India. He was the first of four children of Dr. James C.
and Margaret Manry, and was soon followed by brother John and sisters Dorothy and Louise.
The family lived most of the year in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh, where his father, a Presbyterian missionary, taught philosophy at
Ewing College.
His earliest sailing adventures took place on the nearby Jumna River. He was an active child, and early on, showed an interest in many
things, including animals, adventure and the arts. While at high school, he helped organize the Drama Club. One early role was as a
pirate in “Treasure Island” where he appeared with a parrot on his shoulder. Although he apparently had never tried to teach the bird
to speak, in the midst of a scene, the parrot began calling out, “Robert Manry! Robert Manry!”
In 1936 he left India to attend university in the United States, first stopping in Guangzhou (Canton), China, where he spent a semester
at Lingnan University.
He departed China on 14 July 1937, the day before the Japanese attack at the Marco Polo Bridge near Beijing. That autumn he
enrolled at Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio.
During World War 2, Robert initially refused conscription, as a Conscientious Objector, and was jailed. Eventually he did serve, as a
photographer, with the U.S. Army in Europe.
He returned to Antioch College after the war, and received a degree in Political Science in 1948. According to his daughter, Robin, he
was briefly married after graduating from Antioch.

He worked as a reporter for several newspapers in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and married Virginia Place, of Pittsburgh, in 1950. They
moved to Cleveland in 1953 when he joined the staff of the Plain Dealer as a copy editor. Their daughter Robin was born in 1952 and
son Douglas in 1954.
He purchased Tinkerbelle in 1958, made repairs and sailed her for the first time in 1959. During the following years, “Tink” was a
constant companion and center of attention on family vacations.
Robert made his historic voyage across the Atlantic in 1965. He returned to Cleveland, but not to his job at the Plain Dealer. Rumors
persisted that his employers never forgave him for being “scooped” by the competition, but it seems evident that he was merely taking
advantage of his newfound opportunities. He enjoyed a successful career on the lecture circuit and spent several months completing a
book about his adventure. In 1966, Tinkerbelle, published by Harper and Row, became an immediate bestseller.
In 1967, Robert began an odyssey around the eastern United States in a new boat, Curlew. His wife, children, and the family
menagerie joined him on this voyage.
On 3 May 1969 Virginia died in a one-car accident near Youngstown, Ohio, while returning from a visit to her ailing mother in
Pittsburgh, who died the following day.
In October 1970 Manry married Jean Flaherty of Pittsburgh.
On 21 February 1971 Robert Manry died of a massive heart attack after dinner with friends in Union City, Pennsylvania. He was 52.
He is buried in Mt. Lebanon Cemetery in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania.
The Voyages of Robert Manry
Wet Feet
From his first humble (and as he told the story, humbling) outings on the Jumna River in India, Robert Manry pursued the adventure
of sailing throughout his life.

[More Wet Feet Coming Soon – Childhood Sailing Photos]
Rebirth of a Dream
Robert and Virginia settled down in Cleveland, Ohio, when he took a job as copy editor at the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Plain
Dealer was (as it still is) a morning newspaper, so his editorial shift began in the evening. It became Robert’s habit to read the next
day’s classified ads when he took his lunch break around ten P.M. Eventually, in 1958 he spotted the listing for the tiny wooden boat
that became Tinkerbelle, took full advantage of his head start, contacted the owner, and purchased the boat the following morning for
$160.
After performing essential repairs, Tinkerbelle became the focal point for family vacations. Several years of camping/sailing trips
followed, with the family hauling Tinkerbelle on her trailer to various lakes in the region. Pymatuning Lake was a favorite spot.
In the early years, Tinkerbelle had no cabin or deck, and she was rigged with an awning to serve as a tent at night.
[More Coming Soon]
Thunder Bay – First Voyage in Tinkerbelle – 1964
By the early sixties, Robert was clearly interested in venturing further afield, and he added a cabin to his petite ship. During the
summer of 1964, at the same time he began mentioning a possible trans-Atlantic crossing on a friend’s yacht, Robert made his own
voyage across Lake Erie to Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada. His 10-year old son Douglas joined him on Tink’s first grand cruise.
Together, they sailed 200 miles over the course of a week, putting in to shore and anchoring each night.
[More Thunder Bay Coming Soon]
Falmouth to Falmouth – Trans-Atlantic Passage – 1965
The cruise to Thunder Bay convinced Robert of the seaworthiness of little Tinkerbelle, and upon his return to Cleveland, he secretly
committed to his plan of sailing her across the Atlantic. The following June he departed from Cape Cod, on a voyage that would
amaze the world

CLEVELAND.COM
Cleveland newsman sailed tiny boat named 'Tinkerbelle' solo across
Atlantic 45 years ago
Published: Wednesday, August 18, 2010, 4:36 AM Updated: Wednesday, August 18,
2010, 8:58 PM
http://www.cleveland.com/plain-dealerlibrary/index.ssf/2010/08/cleveland_newsman_sails_tiny_boat_named_tinkerbelle_solo_across_the_atlantic_45_years_ago.html
More than 50,000 people welcomed The Plain Dealer's Robert Manry in England
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- In August 1965, Robert Manry arrived in Falmouth, England weeks after departing by sailboat from
Falmouth, Mass., on June 1. His 78-day voyage captured the imaginations of people on two continents and created a media
frenzy in America and Britain.
Manry's trans-Atlantic, nonstop sailing feat was made even bigger because of the size of his boat: just 13½ feet. He had
traveled 3,200 miles in the tiny boat he named "Tinkerbelle."
Manry was one of our own. That is, he was both a resident of Northeast Ohio -- Willowick -- and a copy editor at The Plain
Dealer.
Plain Dealer editors believed the voyage merited several days of front-page coverage. Photo editor William Ashbolt and reporter
Russell Kane were dispatched to cover Manry's arrival in Falmouth, England. The paper was able to transmit photographs
across the pond with brand new equipment, considered state-of-the-art for its time.
An image of Manry inspired a sculpture, while his boat inspired models made not only of wood, but also fruit, marzipan, and
jewels.

By one account, the boat he used was already 37 years old when it crossed the ocean. In his book, Tinkerbelle, Manry describes
the details of reconditioning the small vessel in the late 1950s.
According to a Plain Dealer article by Martin T. Ranta, Manry was born in India and was comfortably sailing solo while still a
child. But in 1965, Manry's original plan was not to sail solo across the Atlantic. A friend who was to accompany him backed out
of the adventure, according to Ranta's story.
Manry's wife, Virginia, appeared ever-supportive of her husband's adventure. Publications ran photos of their reunion kiss just
moments before Manry sailed into Falmouth, England, finishing his journey.
She wrote about the event in a Plain Dealer story. It began: "I had the biggest thrill of my life yesterday when I kissed my
husband in the middle of the ocean. It wasn't really the middle, but we were out of sight of land ..."
Epilogue:
Although a resolution was introduced suggesting that Tinkerbelle be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington,
D.C., Tinkerbelle remains in the area. The boat was preserved and can be seen at Western Reserve Historic Society.
Virginia died in 1969, in an auto accident on the Ohio Turnpike. Robert Manry passed away in 1971 of a heart attack.
Manry's journey and his book, Tinkerbelle -- dedicated to Virginia, and his children, Robin and Douglas -- continued to
influence sailors well after 1965.
One follower, Steven Callahan, had to abort his solo attempt to cross the Atlantic in 1982. In his book, Adrift, he described
how Manry's book inspired his attempt.
Another sailor and film editor, Steve Wystrach, is keeping Manry's philosophy of life alive for all those who believe in pursuing
their passions. Wystrach created a multimedia website, The Robert Manry Project, dedicated to keeping Manry's story
accessible for all who dream and who dare. Wystrach has spent considerable resources gathering Manry's film footage, photos,
correspondence and memoirs. He maintains an archive that makes clear his great respect for Manry.

FAMOUS SMALL BOATS
http://www.microcruising.com/famoussmallboats.htm
Year Length Boat Name Captain Description
1789 23' William Bligh
1866 26'
Red, White and
Blue
1870 20' City of Ragua
1875 12'
Centennial
Republic
J.M. Hudson
J.C. Buckley & Nicholas
Primoraz
N.H. Bishop
1876 20' Centennial Alfred Johnson
1877 19'7" New Bedford Thomas & Joanna Crapo
1878 19' Nautilus William & Asa Andrews
1880-
1881
16' Little Western
Fredrick Norman &
George P. Thomas
Set adrift near Timor after the famous "Mutiny of the Bounty", Captain Bligh and a crew of 18 loyal
men survived a seven-week, 3,600-mile voyage in the cramped boat to reach the island of Timor.
Certainly this ranks as one of the great small boat passages of all time.
Two Americans, J.M. Hudson and F.E. Fitch, crossed the Atlantic in a special galvanized metal
lifeboat in 37 days from New York to England. This 2 1/2 ton vessel is the smallest boat to cross the
Atlantic up to this date. It went on to sail to France to be displayed at the Paris Exhibition.
This American and Australian (respectively) sailed a converted ship's lifeboat from Cork, Ireland to
Boston, Massachusetts. The trip lasted 84 days and is considered the first small boat Atlantic
crossing East to West, as well as the first two man crossing in either direction. Noted in several books
but best account is in Humphrey Barton's "Atlantic Adventurers."
Pittsburgh to Gulf of Mexico via the Ohio and Mississippi rivers in a Sneak-box.
First person to cross the Atlantic solo West to East. This Grand Banks fisherman sailed his gaffrigged
dory from Gloucester, New Brunswick to Albertcastle, England. His boat is now on display in
the Cape Ann Historical Society museum in Gloucester, MA.
This couple departed New Bedford, Massachusetts in their ketch rigged dory and arrived in Penzance
England 49 days later. Originally Thomas had planned to go alone, but his wife insisted on coming.
The voyage is noted in various sources including Thomas Crapo's book, "Strange But True: Life and
Adventures of Captain Thomas Crapo and Wife," as well as in Jean Merriens' "Loney Voyagers."
These two brothers sailed from Beverly, Massachusetts to Cornwall England in their two masted
lateen rigged center boarder.
These two Brits performed the first double crossing of the Atlantic. They departed Gloucester,
Massachusetts on June 12, 1880 before a crowd of 30,000 and arrived in Cowes, England on July 28,
1880. They stayed in England for a year and then set out on their return trip on June 15, 1881. After a
difficult journey they arrived back in America after 65 days at sea. They not only beat the Andrew
brother record for the smallest boat to make the crossing but also bettered the Andrews West to East
crossing record by three days.
1881 18' City of Bath Ivar Olsen & John These two sailed in their dory from Newfoundland to Falmouth, England. This trip is noted in

1882-
1883
Trynor
19' Pacific Bernard Gilboy
Humprey Barton's, "Atlantic Adventurers."
He almost complete a trip from San Francisco to Australia aboard his 19' double-ended schooner.
Unfortunately, his stores ran out after 6500 miles and 164 days. He was picked up at sea only 160
miles from Australia. The story is told in a log book printed as "A Voyage of Pleasure."
1888 12' 9" Dark Secret William Albert Andrews Failed attempt at crossing the Atlantic, but succeeded later on in 1892.
1891 15' Sea Serpent Josiah W. Lawlor
1892 14'6" Sapolio William Albert Andrews
1903 17' America Howard Blackburn
1903 20' Colombia II Ludwig Eisenbraun
1904 18' Vraad Ole (Abe)Brude
1914-
1916
22' James Caird Sir Ernest Shackleton
1926 20' Teresia Fava
1928 18' Aga Paul Muller
1931-
1933
19' Elain
Paul Sproge (aka, Fred
Rebell)
Took part in a race from Boston to England against William Andrews in his 15' boat,
Mermaid. Andrews's boat capsized several times, and he was rescued 600 miles East of Europe.
Despite capsizing several times himself, Lawlor sailed on to reach Lizard Point, England in 45 days.
Lawlor was eventually lost at sea during another race against Andrew. He and his 14'6"
boat "Christopher Columbus" were never found.
Crossed the Atlantic from New Jersey to Portugal, and his record for the smallest boat crossing stood
for 73 years. Andrews tried again in 1898 to cross the Atlantic in the 13' "Phantom Ship" but failed
after 27 days at sea. The boat was then shortened in 1899 to 12' and renamed the "Doree," but he
failed again after 3 weeks. In the end, Andrews was lost at sea while attempting another Atlantic
crossing with his new bride in 1901 aboard the "Flying Dutchman."
He attempted to cross the Atlantic from West to East in his tiny dory, but he capsized 165 miles East
of Cape Sable. After righting the boat, he returned to port because his stores were ruined. What is so
remarkable is that Blackburn was fingerless and that he had already crossed the Atlantic solo in both
his 30' sailboat GREAT WESTERN (1899) and in the 25' sloop GREAT REPUBLIC (1901).
He sailed from Boston via Nova Scotia to Madeira, arriving in 56 days, before continuing on
to Gibraltar and Marseilles, France according to the book "Lonely Voyagers."
This gaff rigged steel lifeboat was sailed with a crew of three from Norway to Boston in 162 days. It
was reported to be "shaped like an English Walnut."
Shackleton and five other crew members made an epic 800 mile voyage to South Georgia Island after
their failed Antarctic expedition.
This Italian sailed his home-built 20' cutter from Naples to Newfoundland. The boat was completely
decked over except for a center cockpit. What is remarkable is that he had no legs, having lost them
during WWI when he was a steamer commander.
This German sailed his lugger from Hamburg to Santa Cruz and then on to the Bahamas, arriving in
67 days. After visiting Miami his trip ended in South Carolina when his boat caught fire.
He sailed across the Pacific in this small center boarder from Australia to San Pedro, California using
70 year old charts.

1939 13'9" Harry Young
1947-
1948
He sailed in his self-built undecked sloop from New York to the Azores in 39 days. His trip is noted in
the "Big Book of Sailing" by Frank Grube and Gerhard Richter
20' Inga Friedrich Brusgatis Sailed from Sweden to Venezuela, accompanied first by a friend and then his wife Yvonne.
1948 16' Berlin Paul Muller
1949 20' Nova Espero
1951 20' Nova Espero
Stanley Smith
Colin Smith
Stanley Smith
Charles Violet
(See 1928) Sailing in company with his 18 year old daughter, Muller was headed to South American
from his home in Germany. On the way, though, he died and his daughter landed safely in Africa.
Sailed from Halifax, Nova Scotia to England and written about in their book, "Smiths at Sea." An
upturned dinghy served as a cabin.
The second trip was in 1951 from Dartmouth UK to New York (via the Azores and Newfoundland)..
For this trip she had had a cabin built and was yawl rigged. The trip took about 18 weeks, and they
wrote a book about the trip called “The Wind Calls the Tune”. Charles Violet subsequently sailed the
boat through the canals of France and around the Mediterranean (“Nova Espero’s Third Voyage).
1952 19' Sopranino Patrick Ellam Patrick Ellam and Colin Mudie crossed the Atlantic East to West.
1952 15' L'Heretique Dr. Alain Bombard
1952-
1959
1955 18'
1959-
1960
1960-
1961
Crossed from the Canary Islands to the West Indies in a rubber raft, living solely off the ocean for 65
days.
20' Trekka John Guzzwell Sailed around the world. The book, "Trekka Around The World," is a must read.
Hippocampe
(Sea Horse)
Jean Lacombe
20' Craig Dayton J. Lalonde
20' Ganga Devi Capt. John Alexander,
This French photographer sailed from Toulon, France and arrived in Puerto Rico in 68 days aboard his
small Bermudian cutter. He then continued on to Atlantic City with his final destination being New
York City. Later on his sailed in the first single-handed transatlantic race in his 21', "Cape Horn."
This 35 year old American sailed from Los Angeles to Australia. The voyage was reported in the
London Times on May 27, 1960.
John along with Lt. Adrian Corkill and radio mechanic Hugh Burt sailed 9000 miles from Hong Kong
to Falmouth, England according to the July 10, 1961 issue of the London Times.
1962 19'1" Mermaid Kenichi Horie Solo-sailed across the Pacific from Japan to California.
1963-
2005
16' Shoal Waters A.C. Stock
1963- 16' Wanderer Margaret and Frank Dye
60,000 miles of microcrusing in the Thames Estuary, and still going strong! Visit his website at
http://shoal-waters.moonfruit.com/
Their books "Ocean Crossing Wayfarer, Dinghy Cruising, The Enjoyment of Wandering Afloat and
Sailing to the Edge of Fear" tell of their many adventures aboard their Wayfarer dinghy, W48.
Probably the most famous trip taken in "Wanderer" was when Frank sailed 650 miles from Scotland
to Iceland in 1963.
1965 20' Island Girl John Letcher, Jr. Sailed from Honolulu to Sitka, Alaska in 44 days. See Yachting Magazine- June 1966 page

1965 13'6" Tinkerbelle Robert Manry
1965 8' Bathtub East to West Atlantic crossing.
1965 24' Dove Robin Lee Graham
1966 20' Thumbelina Kenneth Weis
1966 12' Nonoalca Bill Verity
1967 16' Korassa II Ikau Kashima
67, "Single handed Sailing" by Richard Henderson, and "Self-Steering for Sailing Craft" by John
Letcher Jr.
Crossed the Atlantic from Falmouth, Massachusetts to Falmouth, England. Read the author's book,
"Tinkerbelle" or see the boat at The Western Reserve Historical Society (Museum) in Cleveland,
Ohio.
Youngest person the sail around the world at the time, age 16-21. Later on Tania Aebi completed her
circumnavigation at the age of 20 in her 26 foot boat Varuna from 1985-1987.
Sailed 8,000 miles from Vancouver, British Columbia to Auckland, New Zealand in his home made
boat.
He was an experienced yachtsman, having sailed the Atlantic six times (3 solo) and the Pacific twice
(once solo). He set the record for the smallest boat by sailing from Port Everglades, Florida to Fenit,
Ireland in 65 days.
This 37 year old Japanese photographer sailed from Long Beach, California to Yokohama, Japan. The
101 day solo voyage is reported in "The Spray" summer 1967 Volume XI no.2.
1968 6' April Fool Hugo Vihlen Crossed from Casablanca, Africa to Miami, Florida. Read about it in his book, "April Fool."
1968 11' Little One William Willis
1968 17' Leisure 17 John Adams
1969 20' Nimbus
1971-
1974
1972 19'
1972-
1980
George Cadwalader &
Duncan Spencer
20' 8" Ahodori II Hiroshi Aoki Circumnavigation.
18'
Very Willing
Griffin
Super Shrimp
"Shrimpy"
David Blagden
Shane Acton
3 attempted West to East Atlantic crossings. He was lost on his last attempt when he sailed from
New York to England at the age of 77. His boat was found floating empty 400 miles off the coast of
Ireland.
John sailed a stock Leisure 17 from Weymouth, England to Cuba where he was
encarcerated for several weeks. He later went on to start the company Windpilot
which specializes in windvanes and is still in buisiness to this day. .
West to East Atlantic crossing. See Yachting, May 1970- page 56 and "The Best of Friends" by David
Michaelis.
Finished 10th in 1972 single handed transatlantic race.
Stock Caprice class sloop sailed around the world. Read his book, "Shrimpy."
1973 12' Sjö Äg John Riding Sailed across the Atlantic and nearly across the Pacific until he was lost in the Tasman Sea.

"Sea Egg"
1975 13' Ocean Wave Bas Jan Ader
1977 14'9" Golondrina Carlos Aragon
1978 18'
Chidiock
Tichborne
1979 18' Pere Peinard
Webb Chiles
Claude & Genevieve
Desjardins
1979 10' Yankee Girl Gerry Spiess
Left Falmouth, England in June of 1975 in attempt to cross the Atlantic. Ten months later his boat
was found empty 150 miles off the coast of Ireland.
Sailed from Acapulco to the Marquesas in a Finn class sloop! See "Motor Boating & Sailing
Magazine," November 1978.
From 1978-1984 Webb Chiles sailed around the world in his 18' Drascombe Luggers Chidiock I and
Chidiock II. His adventures are well chronicaled in his wonderful books The Openboat and The
Ocean Waits along with his article , Chidiock Tichborne II. These stories can now be read online at
Webb's excellent website.
This couple spent nine years cruising aboard their Bruce Robert designed trailer sailor. Their
adventure first began in Montreal and they sailed as far as Australia.
He sailed from Norfolk, Virginia to Falmouth, England in 54 days. West-East Atlantic crossing. His
book, "Alone Against The Atlantic" is a must read!
1981 10' Yankee Girl Gerry Spiess California to Australia. Picture is of Gerry's latest 16' boat, Scooter.
1982 14' Happy Howard Wayne Smith
1982 9'9" Giltspur Tom McClean
1982-
1984
9' 1" Wind's Will Bill Dunlop
1983 8'11" God's Tear Wayne Dickinson
1983 7'11" Giltspur Tom McClean
1983 5'8" Toniky Nou Eric Peters East to West Atlantic crossing
After sailing 10,000 miles from Miami, through the Panama canal, and across the Pacific, Wayne was
wrecked on a reef off Noumea, New Caledonia in November, 1982. Undeterred he built the aluminum
(9') Happy II there, and he continued on with his circumnavigation until it ended in Australia.
West to East crossing of the Atlantic. He is also known as the first person to row across the Atlantic
solo, beginning in Newfoundland in 1969 and rowed for 70 days aboard his 20' dory to reach Ireland.
He rowed again solo in 1987, making a 54 day passage from Newfoundland to England.
Bill crossed the Atlantic (West to East) in his 9' boat in the spring/summer of 1982. He was later lost
in June 1984 during his around the world attempt on his way to Australia from Aitutaki, Cook Island.
American, Wayne Dickinson crossed the Atlantic from Massachusetts to Ireland in
1983. Unfortunately, his beautiful boat was smashed to pieces when he was driven ashore at
Arranmore Island in a force 10 gale after 142 days. Luckily, an Irish lighthouse keeper, Charlie
Boyle, rescued him from probable death. More information can be found here.
Tom McClean of England crossed the Atlantic in 1983 from St. John's, Newfoundland to Oporto,
Portugal in his cut down Giltspur from the year before. He is also known as the first person to row
across the Atlantic solo. He began in Newfoundland in 1969 and rowed for 70 days aboard his 20'
dory to reach Ireland.

1983 6'10" Big C Tom McNally West to East Atlantic crossing.
1984-
1987
12'
Acrohc
Australis
Serge Testa
1988 8' G'Day 88 Ashley Coulston Australia to New Zealand
1989 15' Bris
Sven Yrvind (formally
Lundin)
Sailed his boat all the way around the world from 1984-1987. His fantastic voyage can be relived
in the book, "500 Days."
East toWest Atlantic crossing. with wife Olga.
1989 9'6" Mermaid Keniche Horie Pacific crossing from San Francisco to Nishinomiya, Japan.
1990-
1993
1991 19'
1993
12' Squeak Stephen Ladd
5' 4
1/2"
NCS
Challenger
Anthony Steward
6,500 mile trip exploring rivers in the U.S. and South America, returning home through
the Caribbean. Read about it in, "Three Years in a 12-foot Boat."
First open boat circumnavigation.
Vera Hugh Tom McNally Sailed from Sagres, Portugal to Puerto Rico in 134 days, finishing his trip in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
1993 5'4" Father's Day Hugo Vihlen
1998 3'11" Vera Hugh II Tom McNally
West to East Atlantic crossing from New Foundland to England in 1993.The epic voyage is well
told in the book, "The Stormy Voyage of Father's Day."
Incomplete East to West Atlantic crossing in the smallest boat yet! Vera Hugh II is in Palmas, Gran
Canaria, having sailed from Tangiers. Tom hoped to leave sometime in the summer of 2002, but as
of yet he has not resumed his trip.
2002 19' 6" Alessandro di Benedetto First solo transatlantic crossing in a sport catamaran