A Loss For Hope Town

While we were in Daytona, Winer Malone passed away. Winer was the builder of our Abaco Dinghy and our half hull model, both of which we proudly display. His talent was amazing and we are so glad to have known him. He not only built dinghies, but he also built the coffins for the Burial Society, which included his own. What a beautiful place to be laid to rest...

Below is the tribute that Dave wrote for our sailing club's website:

End of an era: A huge void has been left in the story of Hope Town with the passing of Thomas Winer Malone. Winer may have been a man of few words, but the dinghies that he crafted spoke a universal language of beauty and practicality. His boats were entirely crafted by hand and mothers wit, honed to perfection over many decades of refinement. Winer specialized in dinghy construction and interestingly also built most of the caskets that the locals have been laid to rest in. A modest and humble man, Winer spent his life working with his hands and became an artist in his own realm. His boats are revered by their owners and much has been written about their grace and simplicity. He came from a simpler time and never used or desired power tools to aid in his work. His boats are an everlasting testament to his passion of building them and they are treasured by a small and appreciative group of owners. It is the end of an era that cannot be recreated. We are all enriched to have had him be a part of our lives and a part of this unique culture that makes Hope Town what it is. Condolences go out to his entire family and all of Abaco will feel the loss of this legendary man.