Construction and Restoration Projects

We have been privileged to be involved in a number of construction and restoration projects, both afloat and ashore and thumbnail sketches of some of these are attached:

Boats and Ships

Nylund sailing in the Solent

1975: Nylund, 72' gaff-rigged coasting schooner, Isle of Wight, UK Restoration: complete interior, spars, rigging sail. Position: owners and restorers

Distant Drummer in Prince Rupert

1978: Distant Drummer, 35' wooden gillnetter, Oona River, BC Restoration: lengthened, new ribs, decks, wheelhouse, stern Position: owners and shipwrights

Robertson II restored

1981/3: Robertson II, 130' original Banks fishing schooner, Victoria BC Restoration: interior, decks, spars, rigging Position: project manager, master and shipwright

Spirit of Chemainus seen from Robertson II deck

1985/6: Spirit of Chemainus, 92' brigantine, Chemainus and Victoria BC New Construction Position:  project manager, spar maker

Pacific Swift

“ Dear Martyn, On behalf of the Government and people of British Columbia, allow me to extend sincere congratulations of your ship's safe arrival at Expo '88.  You have now completed the third leg of this epic voyage and all of us are very proud of your achievement.” William N. VanderZalm, Premier of British Columbia 1986/8: Pacific Swift, 111' topsail schooner, Vancouver and Victoria BC New Construction Position:  project manager, master, shipwright

Pacific Grace launch

1995/9: Pacific Grace, 130' Banks schooner replica, Victoria BC New Construction Position: project manager, relief master

Ashore

When not at sea, we have been fascinated by the restoration opportunities presented by Victoria's heritage homes and buildings.  Researching period details, insuring that colour schemes match with age and surroundings and working with skilled carpenters, electricians and plumbers has been a rewarding experience as in the four houses we have owned and restored between 2002 and 2008.

main bathroom renovation

Newport Drive, South Oak Bay (Victoria BC) 1912 vintage; new chimneys; new front stairway with curving balustrade; re-finish floors and ceilings; new dormer and bathroom (upstairs); re-done kitchen and new island (fir and granite); complete basement makeover with 3rd washroom, storage, workshop and rec. room; complete paint, interior and exterior.

Craigmont

Terrace Avenue, Rockland (Victoria) 1898 Maclure mansion Craigmont: new foundations; exterior shingles; 1000 sq. ft. garden suite makeover; new hermitage suite; restoration of interior woodwork and doors; stained glass window replacement; new front porch floors, roof, posts and railing (period detail); new back deck and railings; replacement of servants quarters stairways, railings and finials; complete exterior and some interior repainting; makeover of upstairs bathroom to period - wainscoting, claw foot tub etc.; fireplaces (5) fitted with dampers.

Amblecote

Rockland Avenue (Victoria) 1930's Cotswold Tudor:  complete interior painting; picture rails and wainscotting as needed; upstairs bath makeover; kitchen, entry and adjoining room makeover; double garage loft converted to suite.

country cottage

Cobble Hill (BC) 1911 Bamberton manager's cottage (moved to present site in 1990's): complete exterior and interior paint; rebuild front and back porch railings to period; new bathroom and laundry room; new plumbing as needed; new 20' woodshed; new workshop porch to period; correct barge board dimensions to suit period; re-shingle, repaint and re-roof studio; re-roof main house and workshop; re-build interior fireplace and chimney to code and to accept wood-burning insert; new tiling of bathroom, laundry room and passageway.