Thomas F. McManus

Thomas Francis McManus (September 11, 1856 – November 14, 1938) was a fish merchant who became a naval architect, who introduced a shortened bowsprit and long stern overhang to make his vessels faster.^: p7 He was well known for revolutionizing the Gloucester fishing schooner. He made the fastest vessels of their type in the world, and was honored on two continents for his skill as a naval architect. He became known as the "Father of the Fishermen's Races." 500 fishing schooners used his designs to improve speed. He was a friend of Sir Thomas Lipton and President Theodore Roosevelt.