Hudson Boat Works has earned a reputation as the premier Canadian manufacturer of Olympic-calibre rowing shells, growing from a small two-man operation to now being recognized as the boat designer of choice for athletes and Olympians around the world. With 72 Olympic and senior world medals attributed to athletes competing in their boats, the company now watches in eager anticipation as 9 of their finest crafts are competing in the London 2012 Olympics. The highest profile events with Hudson Boat Works boats will be the Mens’ and Womens’ Eight (8+) regattas. The U.S. Mens’ (8+) team competes on Saturday, July 28th, with the final on Wednesday, August 1st, and the Womens’ (8+) team competes on Sunday, July 29th, with the final on Thursday, August 2nd. Visit www.ctvolympics.ca for complete viewing schedules.
“These are exciting times,” remarks Hudson Boat Works Commercial Manager, Craig McAllister. “It’s all about performance and we take great pride in allowing world class rowers to maximize their potential. The London 2012 Olympics is showcasing not only some of the world’s finest athletes, but also, some of the most technologically advanced rowing crafts ever created.”
Hudson Boat Works crafts are engineered with a molecular level of detail. Research and development is a primary focus of the company and has always played a major role in the manufacturing process. In the early 1990’s, the company became the first of its kind to combine a completely composite shell with advanced wing rigger technology, making huge performance improvements in the transmission of power and hull stiffness. Today, with six engineering technologists on staff, the latest science in aerospace technology has been adapted to the needs of the athletes. The boats are built with trademark ‘Shark Carbon’ and a honeycomb core, creating a hull that is four times more impact resistant and 50 per cent stiffer than previous designs. The result is a sleek and rigid craft, capable of world record speeds, while still being light enough for the average person to bench press. To put the efficiency of these boats in perspective, consider that the nearly 60 foot long Hudson Boat Works 8 person “Hammerhead’ weighs no more than 210 lbs.
“Our goal is to be the most technically proficient boat builders in the world,” remarks Glen Burston, Operations Manager. “The science behind the manufacturing is cutting edge; every aspect of the boat is fine-tuned to enable the highest level of athletic performance. We are constantly researching and optimizing the design.”
Competitive rowers have taken notice. Some big names in rowing have powered their way to Olympic victory in Hudson Boat Works crafts. From the first major endorsement by Mens’ Single rowing Olympic bronze medalist, Bob Mills, at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, to the gold medal winning Womens’ Doubles team of Marnie McBean and Kathleen Heddle at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, to the world record setting gold medal winning American Mens’ Eight (8+) team at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, Hudson Boat Works has been a familiar name around the podium.
Currently undergoing a 17,000 square foot expansion at their production facility in London, Ontario, the future looks bright for this innovative boat manufacturer. Hudson Boat Works has transformed from a small domestic operation to a global competitor, recognized as one of the finest providers of Olympic class rowing shells in the world, and a leader in the development of racing hull shapes, carbon composite construction and innovative design, while still proud to say “Built in London, Ontario”. For more information about Hudson Boat Works, visit www.hudsonboatworks.com.
