Sofia, a William Garden-designed North Sea Trawler, was built by Gordy Hall and another shipwright over the course of 14 months and launched as GAY NINETIES in Sechelt, BC, in 1968. Before launching her, Gordy took the original plans to Mr. William Garden and asked him to change the stern from the original Canoe style to a modified Fantail. He also added the Iron Wood Ice Sheathing which protects her hull in the winter from light icing conditions.
Gordy built this boat for his family. Together, they logged thousands of hours in BC and SE Alaska before selling her in the early 70’s. Renamed the DESCANSO BAY and becoming Tour Boat based in Nanaimo, BC;. she took her guests in and around Western Vancouver Island and the surrounding bays .
Descanso Bay was purchased in 1974, by an American, Bob Seymour who brought her down to the Seattle area and renamed her Sofia He and his family cruised with her until 1980. Several owners later and losing track of her till the year 2000, she was purchased by the former owner of Wolf’s Marine, Mr. Dave Nelson, and his wife. Because of the poor condition she was in, they vowed to save her, thus the first Major Refit would begin.
With her original beauty restored, she cruised the Salish Sea, San Juans and soon called Portage Bay her home until 2006 when she was purchased as a part-time live aboard by Dr. Oliver finding good fortune in upgrades and loving care by her new Skipper.
Sofia joined our family in 2008 embarking on a Second Refit and starting New Family Traditions, such as Christmas New Years Day Cruise with Family and friends. Sofia is excited to revisit her Birthplace of Sechelt, BC and show her new family places she has been in both Canada and Alaska.