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
  
  
• 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 2008

50th Anniversary Celebration

In August 2008, the museum joins Thunderbird Fleet No. 1 and the City of Gig Harbor in celebrating the 50th anniversary of the launch of Thunderbird Hull No. 1. A three-day celebration will include an exhibit at the Harbor History Museum, a boat parade in the harbor, festivities at Skansie Brothers Park, and banquet. For updates on the special event, visit:
www.tbird50years.com

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