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Gregor Welpton

As the founder and President of Black Feather Boats, Gregor Welpton has been instrumental in bringing Vacuum Infusion technology into the Alaskan manufacturing marketplace.  Gregor brings a wealth of experience and energy into his business.  Professionally trained in the intricacies of wooden boat building and wooden boat repair, Gregor spent many years rebuilding decks, sterns, pilothouses, driving steam bent ribs and replanking older boats.  

His fascination with many different types of watercraft led him to study many of the traditional vessels of the Pacific, and eventually led him to work on several large dugout canoe projects and also build many of the traditional kayaks that are found throughout Alaska. Many of these boats can be seen hanging in museums, though he freely admits that his favorite ones are the working boats, the ones which still see water day to day.

Gregor ran the Marine Technology department at the University of Alaska, Southeast . As a teacher, Gregor’s enthusiasm spread to his students who took on many varied projects – from rebuilding masts to building fiberglass boats and rowing shells to lofting and developing new skiff designs that run particularly well in Southeast Alaskan waters.

Upon leaving the University, and after taking some time off to sail with his wife, Gregor returned to school in Kennebunkport Maine where he earned his Yacht Design degree from the Landing School . Upon completion of the program he took his skills to Italy where he worked for Victory Design , a small design house in Napoli, working on many different types of craft there. Customers he worked for there included the Ferretti Group, Cabi Cattaneo and Azimut.

Returning to the States, Gregor began working for the Coastwise Corporation , helping to design larger aluminum power catamarans for Allen Marine of Sitka.  He has many varied hobbies, is a Certified Diver, a Sailor,  and loves outdoor activities, including: hunting, fishing, camping, snowboarding, mushing and dogsled building, although most of his time these days is spent over seeing production of Black Feather Boats ChilKat 30.