Thunderbird Hull #1 Restoration Project

In December, 2002, Guy and Ann Hoppen gave a very special sailboat to the Gig Harbor Peninsula Historical Society -- Thunderbird Hull No. 1.

The sailboat was the first of its kind built by Guy's father, Ed Hoppen, at Hoppen's Gig Harbor facility, Eddon Boat Company. This special sailboat was launched in November, 1958.

The Thunderbird was the result of a design competition sponsored by the Douglas Fir Plywood Association. It was designed by Seattle naval architect Ben Seaborn. | More

Preservation Plan

• Restore to 1958 condition, secure Fleet No. 1 participation
  and assistance - Completed June/July 2008
  
  
• Collect and preserve documents, photographs, and artifacts
  relevant to the history of the Thunderbird sailboat and its
  domestic and international affiliations
  
  
• Build a permanent cradle for public display in the new
  Harbor History Museum, scheduled to open spring 2009

50th Anniversary Celebration

In August 2008, the museum joined Thunderbird Fleet No. 1 the City of Gig Harbor, West Marine, the Gig Harbor Yacht Club, and the International Thunderbird Class Association to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the launch of Thunderbird Hull No. 1. Fleet #1 members, lead by Gerry Dryer, restored Hull #1 to her original condition in preparation for the event. Hull #1 was on display at Skansie Brothers Park during the event weekend, allowing everyone visiting the harbor to see the sailboat fully restored.

For information on the International Thunderbird Class Association visit: www.thunderbirdsailing.org

For Thunderbird Fleet 1 information, visit:
www.harbornet.com/folks/josberger/fleet-1.htm

The night before the launch of Thunderbird Hull No. 1 at Eddon Boat Company, Gig Harbor, November 1958

Photo by Harbine Monroe

Ed Hoppen onboard Hull No. 1 after launch om Gig Harbor, November 1958

Photos courtesy of APA/Engineered
Wood Assocation