Ted Gozzard – June 13, 1933 to May 15, 2014

Ted Gozzard is described as a traditionalist, a firm believer in quality and craftsmanship.  Raised in Sheffield, England, Ted apprenticed as a carpenter-joiner and gradually earned his journeyman’s papers in boat building, masonry and carpentry.  When Ted came to Ontario he worked in the construction business in London, Ontario and designed and supervised the construction of homes and subdivisions there.  In his spare time he had built and was sailing a much modified Thunderbird.  When the urge to sail full time struck, Ted and his wife, Jan, and their two young sons made the Caribbean their home for two full years.

While exploring the southern aquatic playground, the Gozzard family experienced multihull sailing for the first time.   The speed and shoal draft generated new enthusiasm and when the family returned to London Ted started work on a 45 foot trimaran.  After 18 months of labour the boat was completed and the idea was to return with it to the Caribbean.  The boat made the trip but the Gozzards did not become the crew.  Ted had become enmeshed in the local community and the thriving custom boat business in Bayfield kept the family in Ontario.  The Bayfield 23/25 was the first model produced.

Ted felt that sailing is one part of our lives where quality experience is relevant.  Ted designed by carving a wooden hull model, supporting the accuracy that is a large part of the design process.  Computers are capable of a great deal but they can’t predict exactly how a hull will perform once built and a trained eye has a better chance of producing a beautiful boat.  Ted also offered to modify any aspect of a Bayfield boat for an existing owner as part of his design services, at no charge. He also upped the customer service anti on boat sales by declaring that ‘whatever the design, Ted Gozzard would buy back any Bayfield at or above its original price if you were buying another Bayfield’ a testament to the fact that quality is at the root of his building process. (Facts courtesy of the Bayfield Breezes newsletter, Spring 1977)

Bayfield 27The saga of the Bayfield 36 is an interesting story as detailed by a happy Bayfield customer who met Gozzard at a boat show:
“When we first met Ted and said we have a Bayfield and would love to talk to you after the show. His body language was confusing to us. We walked away and I said wow, that was weird—he was so cold toward us and all you asked was to talk for a minute after the show. I figured he was more interested in selling a new Gozzard than talking to us poor people who own Bayfields now.  When we returned hours later Ted was still “uninterested” in talking and was “chilly” toward us– if that captures the mood. Tim told him we’ve had the boat since 97 but have never had a bimini. Living in FL the sun kills us. Tim said he wanted to pick his brain about the aft traveler being our dilemma and would really appreciate just a few minutes of his time. Ted half nodded and listened as Tim stood there—he told him we love the boat, the design and are so thankful to be able to meet the designer. Ted nonchalantly asked what size we had. Tim said she’s a 32C .The mood instantly changed. Ted actually smiled and then Mike, Ted’s son joined the conversation–as he was watching and half way listening–while sitting at the dining table—we were standing in the galley area. Mike said it was great we had the 32 and it was their favorite then motioned for us to come sit down and even offered us a beer. Tim and Ted chatted briefly and that’s when he offered to draw up something and email it to us. Tim said we would be very grateful and offered to pay him—he said oh no, that won’t be necessary I can do it in just a few minutes for you. They exchanged business cards and Ted said he was late for his dinner plans and needed to leave. Mike elaborated more on the story when Ted left. The guys had been talking about the construction of our boat, this and that and I became “distracted” by the luxury surroundings and interior of the 50 foot Gozzard I was sitting in!!  I think he said the 36 was something they were not going to proceed with as a Bayfield—when the topic did come up. When I heard “then my uncle stole the design” and went behind dad’s back and produced it—I was listening again. He said they don’t recognize the 36. It created WW III in their family and divided everyone. From the way it sounded they are a large family and were all very close-nit with the business and life–but after they have never spoken and from the sound of it never will again. Mike said he had worked directly with his uncle for years due to the various components of the “family business” manufacturing boats. So that ruined his otherwise great relationship with his uncle. Sad. I can only imagine how devastating that would be to an entire family, I suppose it was for money—it usually is when things go that badly.”

Bayfield 36 – Cheroka images courtesy of John Jamieson

Ted Gozzard  died peacefully at his home on Thursday, May 15, 2014 at the age of 80. Beloved husband for 56 years of Janet (nee Walker). Dear father and father-in-law of Mike and Elizabeth Gozzard of R. R. #1, Bayfield and Wes and Wendy Gozzard of Goderich. Grumps of Robin, Dara and Amelia. Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Ted’s Life will be held at a later time. As expressions of sympathy, the family would appreciate memorial donations to the Ontario Heart & Stroke Foundation which may bplaced through Falconer Funeral Homes – Bluewater Chapel, Goderich. ( 519-524-1221). Messages of condolence for the Gozzard family may be sent through www.falconerfuneralhomes.com