Bayfield Boat Yard Ltd. was a prominent Canadian boat builder, established in 1970 by the visionary Ted Gozzard. Gozzard began his career in the early 1970s, initially focusing on repairing and altering boats in Bayfield Harbour, Ontario. His early ventures also included building small dinghies, canoes, and ferro-cement boats. The company's first location was in the village of Bayfield, southern Ontario, in a shed behind the United Church on Highway #21.
Gozzard's initial foray into boat building at this location included a 43-foot gaff schooner named "Hagdown II," which was crafted for Kelvin Jervis. This vessel, later renamed "The Jade," is reportedly still sailing today. With the increasing viability of fiberglass as a manufacturing material, the pleasure craft industry expanded, leading Bayfield Boat Yard to transition to fiberglass sailboat production.
History and Evolution
Bayfield Boat Yard quickly grew, necessitating a move to larger premises in Vanastra (near Clinton), Ontario. At its zenith, the company employed 65 full-time staff and aimed to produce 200 yachts per year, making it one of Canada's largest sailboat manufacturers.
Ted Gozzard, the founder, designed and built the company's early models. However, he departed from Bayfield Boat Yard in July 1981 to establish his own company, Gozzard Yachts, in Goderich, Ontario. Following his departure, his younger brother, Haydn Gozzard, took the helm, overseeing the company's operations and designing its final boat, the Bayfield 36.
The company's journey, however, came to an abrupt end in 1988 when a fire destroyed its plant, forcing the business to close. While there was an attempt by Bayfield dealer Neptune Marine, along with new partners, to revive the business by purchasing the hull molds, this effort was unsuccessful and eventually led to bankruptcy a few years later. Some sources also indicate a closure year of 1990 due to hard times in the late 1980s.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Bayfield Boat Yard carved out a unique niche in the sailing world by building boats with a distinctive, traditional aesthetic, while utilizing modern fiberglass materials. Their sailboats were renowned for their "miniature traditional ship looks," featuring classic design elements such as long keels, clipper bows, trailboards, and bowsprits.
A hallmark of Bayfield designs was their optimization for cruising, offering more headroom below decks compared to many competitors. This focus on comfort and traditional styling made them appealing to cruisers seeking a blend of classic charm and practical liveability. While the company did not widely collaborate with numerous external, famous naval architects beyond the Gozzard brothers, Ted Gozzard himself was the primary designer for most of the iconic models, with Haydn Gozzard designing the Bayfield 36.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Bayfield Boat Yard produced a range of significant and successful sailboat models during its operational years. Some of the most notable include:
- Bayfield 23 (1973): The first Ted Gozzard design produced by the company.
- Bayfield 30/32 (1973): Introduced the same year as the 23, this model was considered faster than other Bayfield designs. The Bayfield 32, in particular, became known as a pure cruising boat that has held up well over time.
- Bayfield 25 (1975): An evolution of the Bayfield 23, the 25 became a very successful "pocket cruiser" known for its traditional appearance. It featured a long keel with a shoal draft, making it suitable for various waters.
- Bayfield 29 (1978): Approximately 350 units of the Bayfield 29 were built. This model was recognized as a comfortable, sturdy design with oceangoing capabilities, appealing especially to cruising couples or single-handers.
- Bayfield 40 (1982): The largest boat produced by the company, featuring an unconventional cabin layout and Ted Gozzard's classic design. It was built with a long keel, offering good directional stability.
- Bayfield 36 (1984): Designed by Haydn Gozzard, this cutter-rigged vessel retained the traditional styling of earlier Bayfield models. Reviewers noted that its length allowed the distinctive Bayfield aesthetic to work particularly well, providing a dry and steady ride ideal for extended cruising.
These models were celebrated for their robust construction and seaworthiness, making them popular choices for cruisers.
The Builder Today
Bayfield Boat Yard Ltd. is no longer in business, having ceased operations in 1988 after a factory fire. Despite the company's closure, the Bayfield name remains respected in harbors worldwide, and its boats continue to be valued in the used boat market.
Today, Bayfield boats, particularly models like the 25, 29, 32, and 36, are sought after by individuals looking for traditional, robust, and comfortable cruising sailboats. Owners often praise their seaworthiness and interior volume. While the original builder is gone, a strong community of Bayfield owners persists, drawn to the enduring charm and practical nature of these Canadian-built yachts.
