Landlocked in the Midwest, THOM McLAUGHLIN grew up working on farms and having the cycles of nature deeply rooted under his skin. After finishing a graduate degree in visual arts (sculpture), he found himself surrounded by water as an art professor at the University of South Florida. In 1993, while searching for an art form that could more directly inspire an awe of nature, he stumbled onto pond yachts. Since then he has written articles on, investigated the history of, and made many vintage pond yachts. He is currently the Southeast regional vice-president of the Vintage Model Yacht Group.  In the last seven Vintage Marblehead National Regattas boats of Thom’s design, and their construction initiated in courses at WoodenBoat School, had third or better placing in final standings.  In the 2011 National Regatta he placed First Overall in class and also received the Craftsmanship Award.