Saving the Annie-T, a gem of a sloop
SUBMITTED BY THE GULF SHORES MARITIME MUSEUM
On rare occasions people and circumstances come together at just the right time to create something special … the stars just seem to align, so to speak. The wooden sloop “Annie-T” was just such a creation. Many locals will recognize the Annie-T, because she has cruised Charlotte Harbor waters for over 30 years.
The Annie-T was the serendipitous collaboration between Sarasota’s legendary modernist architect Edward J. “Tim” Seibert FAIA , an original member of the Sarasota School of Architects, and Florida’s most celebrated wooden boat builder, George Luzier. Also collaborating was Seibert’s father, Capt. E.C. Seibert, USN, Ret., a naval architect and marine engineer who had been designing sailboats since the 1920s.
During the early years of World War II George Luzier, his brothers and Tim Seibert attended Sarasota High School, and all shared a great interest in sailing, perhaps a bit more so than in school. George was building boats even then. He had an intuitive ability when it came to woodworking.
George was truly an artist. Years later the boats he built have become legendary. Those that were well maintained or restored are still in the water today, even 30 to 40 years later. They are not only great boats, they are considered classics.
Over the 46 years Tim owned her, he kept Annie in pristine condition. Varnished mast and bright work and critical bottom paint were always perfect. She had a major refit every 10 years in George Luzier’s boat shop. Even at age 46, Annie’s topsides were as smooth as a china teacup. For 46 years Annie was Tim Seibert’s refuge and muse. The sculptural lines of her cabin provided a place of peace and creative inspiration.
Tim took Annie for his last sail in March of 2018, just a few months before he passed away at the age of 91.
Following a tragic transport accident that nearly destroyed the Annie-T, members of the Gulf Coast Maritime Museum’s board recognized what an historically important boat she was and stepped up to take on the important project of restoring her. At first it was thought that she was a total loss. They arranged to have her donated to the museum. Repair will be a lengthy and expensive undertaking because of the strip planking and the severe damage. But it can be done, and she will sail again as the museum’s goodwill ambassador before becoming a permanent exhibit.
The museum is launching a campaign to fund this important restoration. You can learn more about this special project and what happened by watching the video at support.gulfcoastmaritime.org/
The most important rationale for this Maritime Museum is the complete absence of any other museum in Florida whose specific goal is to collect, preserve and display the boat-building and maritime history of Florida, which dates back over 7,000 years to indigenous people and their dugout canoes.
The museum has already collected or has had pledged 25 boats, as well as many rare artifacts and tools, from renowned boat builders like George Luzier. Board member John Pether has recently completed two-and-a-half years of research into the boat-building history on the Gulf Coast. His extensive research will be used in many of the museum’s exhibits, and he will soon be publishing a book on the subject. According to Pether, “The museum will also offer educational workshops on the techniques of boat- building and model-making. We plan to offer rotating exhibit space to the various marine-oriented conservation and industry groups to tell their story. “
Gulf Shores plans to enthusiastically support the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum with rotating exhibits as space permits, and perhaps even in water boat shows featuring classic Florida built boats.
With nearly 1,000 people a day moving to Florida, the Gulf Coast Maritime Museum hopes to play an important role in educating new residents and visitors about Florida’s maritime history and the importance of preserving and protecting our vital marine environment.
The museum hopes you will join the effort to help save this historic boat by going to support.gulfcoastmaritime.org.
The GCMM is a 501(c)3 federally tax-exempt nonprofit organization.
Photos submitted
