As a distinguished name in the Canadian marine industry, Calgan Marine Ltd. carved out a significant, albeit relatively brief, legacy in the production of fiberglass sailboats. Operating from its base in North Vancouver, British Columbia, the company played a crucial role in making popular sailboat designs accessible to the Canadian market while also developing its own distinctive line of yachts.
Calgan Marine Ltd. was founded in 1962 by Al Nairne, a visionary who recognized a burgeoning demand for well-designed, mass-produced fiberglass sailboats in Canada. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Nairne's inspiration struck during a visit to California, where he encountered the popular CAL 20 sailboat. Deeply impressed by its design and market appeal, Nairne made arrangements with Jack Jensen of Jensen Marine, the original builders of Cal boats, to obtain a license to manufacture these popular designs in Canada. This pivotal agreement laid the groundwork for Calgan Marine, which established its factory on Crown Street in North Vancouver. The company's initial focus was on producing licensed Cal models, effectively bringing these successful American designs to a Canadian audience.
History and Evolution
From its inception in 1962 until its cessation of operations in 1979, Calgan Marine's history spanned nearly two decades of fiberglass sailboat production. The company's primary activity involved the licensed manufacturing of various Cal Yachts designs. During its operational period, Calgan Marine produced approximately 300 examples of these Cal designs.
Beyond the licensed production, a key milestone in Calgan Marine's evolution was the development of its own distinct line of sailboats, known as the "Crown/Calgan" series. These models were reputedly named after the location of their plant on Crown Street in North Vancouver. This transition showcased the company's ambition to move beyond mere licensing and establish its own design and manufacturing identity within the Canadian yachting scene. From their Crown Street location, between 1972 and 1978, the company is noted to have built approximately 100 vessels, likely encompassing both licensed Cal models and their proprietary Crown designs during this period.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Calgan Marine's reputation in the sailing world was primarily built on its specialization in fiberglass sailboats. By securing the rights to build Cal Yachts, Calgan Marine became known for producing robust and well-regarded designs that were popular in North American sailing circles. These boats were generally recognized for their practical cruising capabilities and racing potential.
When the company ventured into its own "Crown" line, there was a clear continuation of the practical, performance-oriented philosophy. For instance, the Crown 23 is considered a development of the slightly larger Cal 24-2, suggesting a lineage of design principles. A notable collaboration for the company's own designs was with renowned naval architect C. William Lapworth, who designed many of the original Cal boats. Lapworth, in conjunction with Calgan Marine founder Al Nairne, designed the Crown 28. This collaboration underscored Calgan Marine's commitment to quality naval architecture even for their proprietary models. The use of fiberglass as the primary hull material for all their vessels provided the advantages of durability, ease of maintenance, and efficient production.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Calgan Marine produced several significant models during its active years, both under license and through its own development. Among the most iconic were the licensed Cal boats, including the Cal 20, Cal 25, Cal 28, and Cal 29. The Cal 20, in particular, was the model that inspired Al Nairne to establish the company, highlighting its early significance. The production of around 300 Cal designs under license meant these boats became a common sight in Canadian waters, offering accessible and proven designs to local sailors.
Beyond the Cal series, Calgan Marine's own "Crown" line further diversified its offerings. Key models in this series included the Crown 18, Crown 23, and Crown 28. The Crown 28, designed in collaboration with C. William Lapworth, stands out as a notable example of Calgan's independent design capabilities. These models aimed to cater to a similar market of cruisers and club racers, built with robust fiberglass construction. While specific production numbers for each individual Crown model are not extensively documented, their existence solidified Calgan Marine's contribution to Canadian yacht building.
The Builder Today
Calgan Marine Ltd. ceased operations in 1979. As such, the company is no longer an active boat builder in the global market. Despite its relatively short operational lifespan, Calgan Marine left a lasting impact on the Canadian marine industry. By introducing popular and well-regarded Cal designs to the Canadian market through licensed production, they made sailing more accessible and diversified the options available to Canadian enthusiasts.
Furthermore, the development of their own "Crown" line demonstrated a proactive approach to design and manufacturing. Today, Calgan and Crown sailboats are part of the vibrant classic fiberglass boat community. These enduring vessels are still sailed by owners who appreciate their sturdy construction and classic lines, serving as a testament to the quality and design philosophy that defined Calgan Marine Ltd. during its influential years.
