A Legacy

A Surprising Heritage (subtitles available in FR and EN) – Watch the video with its transcription (EN)

Today in Québec not a single craftsman can hold a candle to the know-how of François-Xavier Lachance. He inherited a tradition that was born on the shores of the St. Lawrence, perfectly adapted to the physical and human environment, and handed down from generation to generation since the days of New France.

He was the last self-taught shipwright to work with wood, excelling in a trade to which he devoted his whole life. The other members of the Lachance family from the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago, who worked alongside him at his shipyard, helped him to reach such a high level of excellence.

Some of Lachance’s Boats and their First Owners

Black and white photograph of a white yacht, placed on a trailer, attached to a black truck. F-X Lachance is standing to the left of the truck. “The Notre-Dame, 1952. belonging to the Curé Bélanger of Berthier”

The Notre-Dame, in 1952, owned by Curé Bélanger from Berthier.

Black and white photograph of a small two-masted sailboat, sails unfurled, moored in a few centimetres of water. The title

The Empress Tadoussac II, circa 1950, owned by Robert Harrington Smith.

Black and white photograph of a small yacht seen from the front, sailing on the river. A man wearing a hat is at the controls in the cabin. A Canadian flag flies at the back.

La Bernache, in 1968, owned by the Ministry of Hunting and Fishing.

Black and white photograph of a two-masted sailboat, sails unfurled, on the beach near the church of Saint-Laurent.

The Intrepid, in 1932, owned by Robert Taschereau.

Not only were F-X’s many clients delighted by the quality of his work, they were also impressed by his personality, honesty, work ethic, and sense of duty. A number of people from the village of Saint-Laurent still recall the thrill of seeing F-X’s boats launched for the first time in his cove. They remember his generous contribution to his community’s well-being.

Admired by his Entourage (subtitles available in FR and EN) – Watch the video with its transcription (EN)

The Final Few Years Today