Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library

The Story of Robert Manry

On June 1, 1965, Willowick resident Robert Manry left Falmouth, Massachusetts in a 13 ½ foot sailboat, beginning his solo, 78-day, 3,200-mile journey across the Atlantic Ocean. At the time, the Tinkerbelle was the smallest boat to attempt such a non-stop oceanic voyage. When he successfully arrived at Falmouth, England on August 17, 1965, he was greeted by an exuberant crowd of 50,000 and a fleet of small boats.

Robert Manry (June 2, 1918 – February 21, 1971) lived with his wife, Virginia, daughter, Robin, and son, Douglas, on Royalview Drive in Willowick. Before embarking on his journey, Manry kept the full details of his trip secret. Even the Plain Dealer newspaper, where Manry worked as a copy editor, didn’t know of his plans until after he left.

Originally the trip was supposed to be with another friend in his larger boat. When the friend backed out at the last minute, Manry decided to attempt the trip any way - but in his much smaller Tinkerbelle. According to Manry, he wasn’t trying to set records; he took the trip in his Tinkerbelle because that was what he had.

It was reported by the Plain Dealer that on his best days Manry’s Tinkerbelle could travel about 87 miles at 7 knots, or 8 miles an hour. When he finally arrived in England two and a half months later, Manry’s trip received world attention, and he was welcomed home to Willowick by a crowd of 10,000 people and a parade.

Manry received the key to Falmouth, England, Cleveland and Willowick. Other gifts he received were a Honda motorcycle, two paintings of himself in Tinkerbelle, an engraved plaque from the city, and an honorary membership in the Willowick Kiwanis Club. He also earned a governor’s award from Governor James Rhodes for the advancement of the prestige of Ohio.

Manry eventually wrote the full details about his trip in his book, Tinkerbelle, that he published in 1966, a year after his original journey. That same year, the Nike Site in Willowick was renamed Manry Park. Also, Manry’s Tinkerbelle boat was donated to the Western Reserve historical society in Cleveland, where it is currently on display.

Manry died February 21, 1971 from a heart attack in Union City, Pennsylvania. He was 52 years old.