For an outdoor pursuit  that combines heart-healthy exercise with a sense of zen-like tranquillity, rowing and sailing are hard to beat.

All rowing and sailing is, of course, carbon-neutral - contributing to the health of the planet as well as our own.

But not all boats are built equal. Some use toxic sealants, glues and varnishes that damage workers' health and end up polluting our waterways. Others are built so flimsily that they are easily damaged, requiring more materials and energy to repair.

Whitehall's products have been designed and built to minimize these impacts. Since joining forces in 1982 company owners Harold Aune and Marie Hutchinson have upheld their philosophy that a boat should be a lifelong asset for personal and family pleasure, be built to last generations and stand up to rigorous usage.  Many owners are attesting to how this philosophy has proven out.

“We both feel the world is now shifting toward a new connection with nature, life and real values, which we fondly refer to as the quiet revolution; the products our company offers are beneficial to this process. When we considered ways to give back to our community, one that struck a cord was linking with Sierra Club of Canada’s BC chapter and helping them fulfill their mandate, ” says Marie Hutchinson.

Whitehall Rowing & Sail will donate 1.5% of the value of goods purchase by a Sierra Club of Canada BC supporter. 

Whitehall’s best practices in terms of the manufacturing process include the following:
•    Handlaid fibreglass hulls built for strength to weight ratios intended and proven to withstand heavy usage over 30+ years. Technicians work with small quantities in well-ventilated areas with full protection and safety gear. No toxic fluids are disposed of into the environment.
•    Teak wood utilized for its longevity and heavy oil content  is treated with an oil finish to reduce the amount of toxic waste that would be involved in a varnished wood finish. Varnish requires a far greater number of coats to achieve a good finish plus the use of toxic thinners and cleaners in the process. All teak wood scrap remnants after parts cutting are recycled for kids projects or heat by employees in their homes.
•    Fasteners and glues: highest quality and longest lasting (and most costly) bronze and stainless fasteners are used in appropriate locations depending on strength requirements or tendency for corrosion. Top of the line sealants and glues are carefully applied to insure the longest lasting workmanship and thereby maximize years of usage.
•    Power tools usage: Wherever hand tool usage can do a better, more time efficient job than machinery, staff will use the hand tool.
•    Thermo form copolymer hulls: all unused plastic sheet segments remaining after hulls are cut out are immediately recycled. Eventually the boat itself can also be completely recycled.
•    Commitment to reducing waste, recycling where possible and reduction of energy waste in all areas of operation.
•    Commitment to teaching owners the best ways to use, handle and maintain their boats to ensure longevity and minimize environmental impacts. Boats with teak woodwork come with storage covers included for this reason.