Eight bells: Paul Tennyson, founder CS Yachts

Sept 23, 2021

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.

My 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

Photo Caption: 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.