"mac" owen was a highly respected, multi-talented man who was respected island-wide. the son of herbert owen (a principle sombrero lighthouse keeper), he was employed at "the factory" (a general store, small cotton gin and blacksmith's shop), he often experimented with plumbing, electricity and machines at a time when such objects were rare in anguilla. despite seldom reading, he was technically gifted and his advice was often sought for repairs varying from roofs to cars. he was also a notable local cricketer. one of the few anguillians to not fish for a living, he viewed sailing as a sport and developed his boats as such. his vessel, the violet, a formidable craft, was noteworthy for its odd initial launching (it was lowered down a steep hillside near his home) and its purpose - unlike most anguillian sailing craft, it was designed first for racing and secondly for fishing. he was known for being reserved and thoughtful, preferring to think deeply before giving his opinion (often some days later).