Eight bells: Paul Tennyson, founder CS Yachts

Paul Tennyson

Sept 21, 2021

In 1978, Jim Flannery; vice-president of CS Yachts Ltd. of Brampton cracked a bottle of champagne over the bow of Xerxes, the first CS 36 with Paul Tennyson looking on.

Paul Tennyson adapted from the reinforced plastics business to form Canadian Sailcraft in 1963. From there it was only up with bigger and more impressive boats, big name designers and arrival as one of Ontario’s big three builders C&C, Hinterhoeller and CS; Tennyson became well known as a pioneer of the Canadian industry.

CS Yachts closed its Brampton facility in 1992 as the market for sailboats contracted and the European builders like Beneteau and Jeanneau established a foothold in the North American market. Canadian sailboat manufacturing was a major force in the world market until that time, but not since.

CS boats were so well built that virtually all of them are sailing still. The Raymond Wall (Camper and Nicholson) CS27 remains a classic, as do the CS 33 and CS 36 Wall penned during his tenure as chief designer at CS. Later, Tony Castro designed the 36 Merlin, CS 30, 44 and 34. The last models produced, the CS 395 and CS 50 were designed by German Frers.

Paul TennysonMy own first boat, like many, many Canadian sailors’ first boat, was a 1974 CS22. That swing-keel pocket cruiser, designed by John Butler garnered large fleets and eventually some 500 were built, initiating the CS reputation for solid construction and seaworthiness.

The still-delighted CS owners and their long lasting boats are testimony to Tennyson’s vision.

– John Morris

 

Related Posts





Vote for Dorothy, BC’s Iconic Sailing Yacht, in the Classic Boat Awards 2024

CMRA

You are invited to support an historic, recently restored and refitted BC sailboat, Dorothy, by voting for her in a contest, the Classic Boat Awards 2024, run by the UK’s prestigious Classic Boat Magazine. The Maritime Museum of BC (MMBC), owner of this sleek, wooden vessel built in 1897, believes she’s the oldest sailboat in Canada. As she isn’t the only classic yacht in the running, you’re urged to go online and vote for her in the category of Restored Sailing Vessel under 40ft.

Read More




Need to Catch up on News This Week?

Every Tuesday we publish a fresh Digest with informative articles pertaining to the Canadian boating and marine industry. Stay up to date with the latest products, research and industry developments.

Missed an Issue of Boating Industry Canada News Week? If you’re looking for a specific issue, or simply want to catch up on previous issues, check out our Boating Industry Canada News Week Archives.

Not signed up for News Week? Subscribe here.



Even more BALIs at BALI

CATANA GROUP launches its 14th BALI CATAMARANS model, the BALI 5.8, for the brand’s 10th anniversary! Always bigger, always more powerful, always more… BALI!

This time, the new BALI 5.8 is completing the range from the top down.

Read More


Water heater offers dynamic heat source choices

Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers
Hubbell-Marine Stainless steel outlet covers

After a long day on the water, having ample supplies of hot water for multiple showers and meal preparation is a welcome luxury. The 1700 Series Marine Water Heater from Raritan Engineering was created specifically for marine use. With a proven long-life design, it’s available with a 115V AC or 240V AC heating element, and the option to include an innovative heat exchanger that uses the vessel’s hot engine coolant.

Read More