McVay Yachts

McVay Fiberglass Yachts Ltd. was a pioneering Canadian boatbuilding company founded by naval architect G. William McVay in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia. Operating from 1965 to 1973 (with some production extending to 1987), the firm specialized in affordable fiberglass sailboats, focusing on trailerable daysailers, pocket cruisers, and replicas that emphasized simplicity, stability, and family use. McVay, who previously managed Paceship Yachts Ltd. (under Industrial Shipping), left to start his own yard, bringing designs like the Falcon 16 and Minuet.
The company produced ~500–1,000 boats across multiple models, leveraging hand-laid fiberglass for durability and low cost. It played a key role in Nova Scotia's fiberglass boom, transitioning wooden classics (e.g., Bluenose) to modern materials. Production occurred at various Mahone Bay sites, ending amid industry consolidation in the late 1970s–80s.