TOM MORRIS LIBRARY

The Tom Morris Library Collection is part of the history and DNA of the National Sailing Hall of Fame. The collection honors the late Tom Morris and his lifetime as sailor, boat builder, and innovator. Born in Philadelphia, he extended a family tradition started in 1886 of summer vacations in Maine with his family, and at the age of 32 succumbed to his passion for sailing to start building sailboats. The natural beauty of Mt. Desert Island, its down-east traditions, and a rich history of boat building were the perfect complement to his passion for sailing. Tom launched Morris Yachts in 1972 in his backyard where he built his first boat, a Friendship Sloop for friends James and Marsha Wilmerding of Northeast Harbor. He collaborated with designer Chuck Paine of Tenants Harbor in 1973, and together they forged a vision of beauty that led to Morris Yachts to be recognized as one of the most prestigious yacht builders in the country. One of the company’s slogans, “Each One an Owner’s Original” was backed up by Tom’s close involvement in the building process. Tom graduated from Babson Institute. He served in the National Guard with distinction and was a life member of the First City Troop of Philadelphia, George Washington’s founding troop. He was a member of the Society of the Cincinnati and the Cruising Club of America. Naming the National Sailing Hall Library in Tom’s honor is an appropriate way to commemorate his values and his contributions to sailing.