Tinkerbelle - Robert Manry

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.