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 (video without sound) – Watch the video with its transcription (EN)

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)