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BC YACHTS DIRECTORS
The membership of BC Yachts includes yacht designers, builders, suppliers and service providers whose goal it is to design, build and service the finest quality yachts and equipment available.
The operations of the British Columbia Yacht Building Association are guided by our seven member Board of Directors.
GEORGE RODDAN: George began his marine industry career by starting up a seafood export business in 1970, and working in the off season as a shipwright on large fishing boat refits. In 1980 he moved to the Ocean Engineering Centre at UBC where he evaluated hull designs for naval architects and marine engineers. In 1997 George opened his own consulting service, Roddan Engineering. The firm specializes in working as owners' representative and on the development of performance enhancing modifications to hull designs.
ROBERT RUZZI: In 1980, after completing his technical studies, Robert began work as a joiner on ocean-going sailing yachts. Over the years Robert worked for a number of yacht builders, continually increasing his knowledge of boatbuilding and taking on ever higher levels of responsibility. He also established a company specializing in custom built sailing yachts, and completed trans-Atlantic crossings with two of his clients. In 2001, along with two business partners, Robert started Offshore Interiors. The company has established itself as one capable of producing yacht joinery equivalent to the best in the world.
DREW IRWIN: Drew spent his formative years in Toronto, sailing on Lake Ontario and knocking about the classic mahogany launches of the Muskoka lakes. A competitive nature also led him to building small racing power boats, ski racing and Formula Ford auto racing.. Drew's early careers included stints at an oil refinery, on a oil exploration crew, bush pilot and ski instructor. Vacation to Vancouver Island revealed the hot bed of marine industry in Sidney and led to the purchase of Philbrook's Boatyard in September 1987, in partnership with his father Hal. As President of Philbrook's Drew has seen the yard grow from a staff of 20 to as high as 180. In addition to being a BC Yachts board member Drew also serves on the boards of the Quadrant Marine Institute, the Peninsula Foundation and the Marine Workforce Development Committee.
DON PRITTIE: Don began his thirty-five year marine career at Sewell's Marina in Horseshoe Bay where he worked as a dock boy during his teen years. He went on to be general manager of Malibu Yacht Charters in Vancouver and then the manager of the Malibu Club in Princess Louisa Inlet. For a period Don served as the Executive Director of S.A.L.T.S. Society in Victoria. Don has held a number of positions with the Oak bay Marine Group including the General Manager of the Northern Resorts and April Point Resort and most recently was the Senior Vice President of Operations. Don is currently General Manager of Canoe Cove Marina & Boatyard in Sidney and the Chair of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.
CAROLINE BRAY: Ever since sailing the Gulf Islands with her family and racing Solo Dinghys with the Surrey Sailing Club, Caroline has been a keen boater. She was drawn into yacht design while working with her husband Pat to design and build a 24-foot wood-epoxy sailboat, and while teaching Power Squadron courses. This 30-year partnership in Bray Yacht Design and Research has turned a lifelong love of boats into a full time career. Caroline and Pat, along with their daughter Jennifer, are a family design team with a growing reputation for super fuel-efficient hull designs.
DAVE MARSDEN: Starting as an entry level shipwright at Crescent Custom Yachts in the late 90's, Dave has worked his way through the ranks into management. Along the way he has experienced many aspects of the yachting industry, including several deliveries to the East and West Coasts of North America which has helped forge his passion for the ocean, yachts and the people who deal with them everyday. In 2004 Dave co-founded Platinum Marine Services Ltd with partner Tim Charles. As Operations manager Dave is responsible for overseeing numerous refit projects, managing customer relations, and working with managers, tradespeople, and owners/representatives to ensure that every project is a success. |
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