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    Stephen Thompson

    The original toerail resisted Stephen’s attempts to rescue it so he cut it either side of the bolts, at top, and removed it in pieces, above.
    • Hull & Structure
    • Projects

    A new classic toerail

    Procrastination pays off in mahogany and bronze Issue 77 : Mar/Apr 2011 The restoration of the Vera May, the 33-foot Hallberg-Rassy Mistral that I belong to, began about four years ago. After moving h...

    Stephen Thompson
    July 2, 2026
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    Stephen wasn’t satisfied that the commercially available devices for securing electrical wiring would hold the wires firmly enough, so he made his own to fit three sizes of wire, above. When compared against a plastic cable clip, at left below, Stephen’s design is more secure and more handsome, at right below.
    • Gear
    • Projects

    Classy cable clamps

    Secure electrical wiring against chafe Issue 78 : May/Jun 2011 While preparing to run the AC and DC electrical wiring in the refi t of my 33-foot Hallberg-Rassy Mistral, Vera May, I found few products...

    Stephen Thompson
    July 2, 2026
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    When the Hallberg Mistral 33 that was to become the Vera May arrived in Edmonton, above, she was showing signs of neglect. The rotten cockpit coaming, below, was only a beginning.
    • Projects
    • Restoration

    My journey with the Vera May

    A plan for the future and a project for today Issue 84 : May/Jun 2012 When I was in high school, a friend of mine and his father were working to restore a Jaguar Roadster. Anytime I asked when they we...

    Stephen Thompson
    June 19, 2026
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    Custom cockpit mats made everybody happy aboard Amelie, above. Kelly Townsend (left) and Nancy Ballard don’t have to worry about scratches in the varnish, and Mattie (left), Sasha (center), and Winston are more comfortable walking (and lying) on the mats than on the hard slick surfaces they protect, at left.
    • Interior
    • Projects

    Cockpit mats for dogs

    They protect brightwork and give paws a grip Issue 84 : May/Jun 2012 Getting to know the neighbors on my pier was certainly easier than getting to know the neighbors at my new home. For one thing, we ...

    Stephen Thompson
    June 19, 2026
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    The garden lights drop into the fishing-pole holders for sailing.
    • Electrical
    • Projects

    Casual cockpit lights

    Impermanent illumination for impromptu parties Issue 85 : Jul/Aug 2012 Every once in a while, although the Vera May is really not a party boat, her cockpit is the venue for a small evening gathering. ...

    Stephen Thompson
    June 18, 2026
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    Loose shoelaces are a tripping hazard and a magnet to a playful puppy. Stephen ensured his stay tight and puppy-proof by fitting them with cord stops.
    • Gear
    • Projects

    Lace locks for deck shoes

    Tame slippery laces with push-button ease Issue 91 : Jul/Aug 2013 They say necessity is the mother of invention. If that’s so, then Spinnaker, my cocker spaniel puppy, is the father. I’d been getting ...

    Stephen Thompson
    June 5, 2026
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