Abernethy and Gaudin Boatbuilders
The Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement recognizes and acknowledges individuals and organizations along British Columbia’s coast and inland waterways who have made noteworthy contributions to BC’s maritime interests in the areas of science, technology, business, applications of maritime skills, nautical heritage and culture, art, and academic endeavours.
Learn more about the Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Maritime Achievement
Robert Abernethy and Jean Gaudin, owners and shipwrights. Abernethy and Gaudin are internationally recognized for superb woodworking skills in the construction and preservation of wooden boats. Rob and Jean learned their trades locally on the shop floor, apprenticing with well known boatbuilders Paul Gartside and Bent Jesperson. Hundreds of traditional boats have passed through their Brentwood Bay shop including several schooners designed by Willame Roue of Bluenose fame. They received international acclaim for the restoration of the 1899 Bristol Channel pilot cutter CARLOTTA which earned them the UK’s Classic Boat Magazine ‘Restoration of the Year’ award in 2019. Launched in 1999, their business has grown to include a team of 12 passionate individuals in three locations, and stands at the forefront of the industry.
