David Whitehead has been the manager of St. George's Boatyard for about six years. This blue eyed, Bermudian sea-dog loves his job because he adores boats and being on and around the sea.

"I take the brunt of the questions and give the answers,'' he said with a friendly smile.

St. George's Boatyard, located on Wellington Oval off of Wellington Slip Road, has been around for many years. It used to be owned and operated by Meyer Industries. For the last nine years it has been owned by Craig Faries, William and Bill Lawrence and Bruce Edney.

It is a full service boatyard, about five acres, and a pleasant place tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the Island. It is almost like a hospital; many boats come in for repairs and refits.

Like patients, the boats rest in their elevated beds awaiting this or that.

They may need some carpentry work, the rigging may need adjusting, maybe the electrical equipment needs to be replaced or a new gadget added. It seems a boat always needs something doing to her now and again.

Mr. Whitehead explained he always tries to please the customers.

"If you tell me what you want, I will do my best to accomplish that for you.

If you want a special bottom paint, just let me know prior to haulage. We order a lot of boat products from Lewis Marine Supplies in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.'' Many local boats come here for care due to the marine tami lift , a 45 ton capacity. Ross Perot's 42-foot speed boat is a regular, Irvin Hayward's 38-foot Admiral , 50-foot Pilot Rescue Boat St. David comes each year. All of these girls are quite hefty.

Spring is very busy. Currently it is fairly quiet. Now through July everybody is in the water. The commercial fleets such as the "Glass Bottom Boat'' will come in around October or November and stay until next spring. Additionally, they are certified to service Avon rafts and there is a special room for this.

When Mr. Whitehead was asked what he most enjoys about his work he said: "Working here is like having a day off every day. It is great and I enjoy it.

I couldn't do anything else.'' As a young man Mr. Whitehead married a fisherman's daughter and worked with his father-in-law for a while. He became passionate about boating and fishing.

In fact, he spent a few years as a commercial fisherman. He has been in the marine elements for 20 years.

"Early on I had a 14-foot boat with a seagull. From there I went upscale and now I am downscale again with a nice dory. My wife, 12-year-old daughter and three-year-old son like to go out fishing with me. We use hand lines,'' he said.

His favourite fishing spot is the North Channel, about six and a half miles from Ferry Reach. He advises that is where one catches white snapper.

"You take a 12-18 pound test line, a number one hook, weight depends on the tide - no more than five or six ounces, some bait and a little patience.'' Another passion of Mr. Whitehead's is collecting antique bikes. He has a Triumph '59 and '69 and a '69 Honda.

Any way you look at it, this boatyard manager is a man of action.

Facts about St. George's Boatyard: The majority of boats are hoisted out of the water and placed in metal cradles to await tender loving care, particularly bottom care. Haulage fees are as follows: Haul, block, power wash and launch are $12 per foot.

Unrigging and re-rigging head stay is $35 per hour.

Quick haul: boat stays in lift (2 hours maximum) is $10 per foot.

Hauling out of normal hours: Weekends and holidays are $45 per hour plus haulage rate.

Service charge for water and electricity is 10 percent of haulage rate per week or portion thereof. General labour is $35 per hour and skilled labour is $45 per hour.

All vessels are allowed three free days storage (including hauling day) and owners are allowed to do their own work if they choose. Short term rates one to 30 days is $1 per foot per day. Long term is 31 days and over is $12 per foot per month. Wet storage facilities include power and water. Haulage and storage rates are payable in advance.

An Esso fuel station is open seven days a week for fuel, water, oil, squid, ice, sodas, juices and snacks. It is a convenient, less crowded stop where you can pick up all necessities for the craft and crew, and be on your way to enjoying your day! Photos by Beverley Causey-Smith Boatyard stars: The experts are at the full service St. George's Boatyard located off of Wellington Slip Road. On the left is rigging specialist Charles Loder and on the right is the manager, David Whitehead.

Rigging central: This is the rigger's building with all of the rigger's tools at the St. George's Boatyard. Charles Loader has about 30 years experience rigging.

SAILING SLG