Sam Darling
Owner/ President
Over 10 years in boat building and repair.
Sam grew up sailing on Lake Champlain on his parents Herreshoff Rozinante. He began working at the shop while in middle school and continued working summers through high school. After attending Massachusetts Maritime Academy he sailed as a mate for three years for Otto Candies who operates supply and sub sea inspection vessels in the Gulf of Mexico.
Sam moved back to Vermont in 2016 and began working at the shop between his four week shifts as a mate. In the fall of 2017 he began working full time at the shop. He purchased the business in the spring of 2024.
He and his partner Caroline, who owns Mola Hoods, live in Charlotte. Caroline is an avid sailer who travels to regattas throughout the northeast. They can both be found on the water, working on their homestead, and taking advantage of the many outdoor activities Vermont has to offer.
George Darling
Founder
Over 50 years in boatbuilding and repair
George can be found sailing on the coast of Maine as he eases into retirement. He and his wife Pam live in Charlotte and are avid sailers, skiers, and bikers.
George began his career in the late 1970’s at Shelburne Shipyard where he quickly advanced to the shop foreman. He founded Darling’s Boatworks in 1985 and worked out of a repurposed horse barn at Point Bay Marina. The business then moved to its current location about three miles inland from Point Bay. When Point Bay Marina expanded and built a shop he saw the importance of establishing a presence there. To this day Darling’s Boatworks has maintained a relationship with the marina.
Pam Darling
Varnish Specialist- retired
Over 40 years in Varnish and Painting
Pam spent over 40 years perfecting her varnishing technique while raising a family. She enjoys spending time in her gardens and has become an avid pickle ball player. In the winter she enjoys XC and downhill skiing.
Peter Russett
Paint Foreman / Expert in fiberglass and wood
Over 40 years in boat building and repair
Peter began working with George at the Shelburne Shipyard and has worked on boats since. He helped build Miss Universe along side Tom Hill. He has a diverse skill set and takes great pride in his work.
Ben Swanton
IYRS Graduate/ Shipwright/ Schooner Aficionado.
Over 10 years in boatbuilding and repair
Ben grew up sailing on his family boat in Michigan before migrating to the East Coast. After attending IYRS he went to work for French and Webb and Wooden Boatworks. When he and his wife moved to Vermont we worked for Adirondack Guide Boat Company. He began working at Darling’s Boatworks in 2018.
Lucia Pendolino
Merchant Mariner/ Part Time- coating specialist/ rigger.
Lucia grew up in South Hero Vermont. She has worked at the Lake Champlain Community Sailing Center and for the Whistling Man Schooner co. It was with the Schooner co. that she began taking on maintenance tasks and learning about what it takes to keep up a boat that sees a lot of passenger traffic. She worked for us in the winter of 23/24 and we are excited to have her back again this year.
Oliver Berry
Composite, wood, and refinishing specialist. NMEA certified.
Over 10 years in boatbuilding and repair.
Oliver began his career working at Crawford Boat Building in Massachusetts. Where he specialized in building Melonseed Skiffs. This allowed him build a diverse skill set which is put to good use on the variety of projects we work on.
Away from the shop he spends his time fishing, hiking, and farming. He has begun improving land which he plans to develop into an integrated garden system.