Boating Industry Canada - December 2007

of our revenue. There was the Homeland Security situation, fuel prices rose significantly and we had bad weather as well. We had some bad years and many people had to be laid off.”

He added, “Now things are already coming back. We have seen the cycle before. As the housing market cools, the boats will come back. We will go for measured growth.”

Riding the “ups” is great but managing the “downs” is never easy.

Running a successful boatyard requires a multitude of talents. It also helps to be well-connected.

Drew sits on three different boards of directors; the British Columbia Yacht Builders Association, Quadrant Marine Institute and the West Coast Boatyard Association.

We asked him his opinion about the current shortage of marine technicians. Quadrant Marine Institute has a very successful marine technician program on the go now and their goal is a new

apprentice program and they are looking for government funding.

Reflecting a common-sense approach, Drew said, “Finding people

Other space is under canvas out on the docks. The sheltered and quiet harbour with the mild Vancouver Island climate allows the crew to work on yachts like this big old Chris’.

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