Bill Garden Honored by WoodenBoat Publications and WBF
Dec 1, 2007
“We ascended a small hill to Bill's house and spent the next few hours going over plans and pictures and models. Bill has designed hundreds of boats—sail andpower, pleasure and commercial. He has supplied not only the plans for so many dreams, but encouragement and support, as well. He is currently finishing the plans of a beautiful 25'-waterline knockabout sloop that will be a wonderful daysailer and coastal cruiser. He shared with us a very detailed model that he made when he was 13 that included hand carved crew—a hint of things to come! (“He obviously was born with the talent,” said Jim Miller)
Once at the house, were finally able to present Bill with BULL FROG's beautiful half model for lifetime of achievement. After hot tea, fresh fruit, and muffins, it was time to go, and we reluctantly went down to the dock and boarded the tug. Bill's smile and wit and winks had punctuated our day of learning of his passionate, creative, contented life. There is no question that he is young at 90, he will not be slowing down without a fight.
“It was a magical day in a world where you have to try harder to find magic.”
Lifetime achievement awards for East and West Coast designers will be given annually at the WoodenBoat Show at Mystic Seaport and at Port Townsend's Wooden Boat Festival.
