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. During that time his father began talking about retirement and what would happen to the business.
Sam moved back to Vermont in 2016 and began working at the shop between his four week shifts as a mate. In the spring of 2017 he began working full time at the shop. He became a co-owner in 2020 and completed the purchase of the business in 2024.
He and his partner Caroline, who owns Mola Hoods, live in Charlotte. Caroline is an avid sailer, who competed in the Pan-Am games as a Lightning sailer, and still travels to regattas throughout the northeast. They can both be found on the water, working on their homestead, or taking advantages of the many outdoor activities Vermont has to offer.
George Darling
Founder/ Consultant.
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 as a teenager 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 that relationship with the marina.
Pam Darling
Semi-retired Varnish Queen (if your lucky she may agree to do your brightwork!)
Over 40 years in Varnish and Painting
Pam is an avid gardener and is always looking for another project.
Peter Russett
Paint Foreman / Expert in fiberglass and wood
Over 45 years in boat building and repair
Ben Swanton
IYRS Graduate/ Shipwright/ Schooner Aficionado.
Over 10 years in boatbuilding and repair
Lucia Pendolino
Merchant Mariner/ Paint and Varnish
Oliver Berry
Composite, wood, and refinishing specialist. NMEA certified.
Over 10 years in boatbuilding and repair.