CBC | Land and Sea

Jun 6, 2010 Wood or Nothing

His father told him he'd starve to death building wooden boats. That was over 50 years ago, and Henry Vokey is still building.

For Henry, it's wood or nothing. And it's believed he's built more wooden boats than anyone else on Newfoundland island.

For years, Henry had a shipyard in Trinity. At one time, he was one of Trinity's biggest employers. The yard closed in the late '80's, but the work continued. Henry just moved to his shed beside his house and continued to build.

He's just shy of 80 now, and his hands are crippled with arthritis...still, every morning, the boat shed is where you'll find Henry Vokey. Every morning except Sundays.

Over the years, Henry's built wooden boats of all kinds...punts, motor boats, longliners...and now, he plans to build a schooner. The schooner will be the last of her kind in Newfoundland...and Henry Vokey's legacy.

< Previous Entry Next Entry >

Welcome to Land and Sea

For more than thirty years Land and Sea has brought you stories from people who live off the land and the sea. We cover issues that affect people in rural communities which ultimately affect those in cities as well.

We bring you stories from those who celebrate life living close to nature, who promote and protect their culture and traditional ways of doing things. There are stories of success and sometime failures that portray the unique way Atlantic Canadians deal with the challenges and pleasures of living on the east coast.

Join us Sundays at 12 noon on CBC Television.

Land and Sea Home | Contact Land & Sea