Swan Reach based business, Canvas Barn Marine Trimming, has returned home from California in the United States after making the final presentation to a packed house on board the historic Queen Mary.

The Industrial Fabrics Association International held its annual Marine Fabricators’ conference in Long Beach, California, last month.

Canvas Barn Marine Trimming, run by long-time local, Aaron Stroud Smith, and his wife, Kym, of Swan Reach, were asked to make a presentation about the unique lake boats found on the Gippsland Lakes.

The presentation went through the history of the boats, the geography, nature and industry of the area and how these unique boat covers are fabricated by Canvas Barn.

A highlight was the case study on a boat from Mosquito Point.

“We were thrilled to have once again taken Gippsland to the world,” Aaron said.

“We presented the case study portion of the presentation on local boat, Putt Putt, currently owned by Susie Graham, of Mosquito Point.

“The conference attendees were fascinated by our boats and found their history enthralling. We have already had many enquiries from people wanting to visit East Gippsland.” Aaron and Kym have also been busy during the year working on the training aspect of their business. They run workshops to raise the standards of fabrication around the world and a particular highlight was a two-week stint with their United States students in Juneau, Alaska.

During their time in Alaska, they identified particular students whose work was improving and worked with them to refine their processes. They encouraged their students to enter the excellence awards to be announced at the conference in Long Beach. Student, Keri Ames, of Yachtman’s Canvas Pennsylvania, was presented with the outstanding achievement award for her sailboat dodger at the gala dinner on the final evening of the conference.

“It’s an exciting moment when one of your students achieve at such a high level,” Kym said.

“You cannot help but be proud of them. We were just as excited as Keri when her name was announced as the winner.

“This is a great result for Keri and raises her business to a new level, and is a fabulous pat on the back for us.

“We just love what we do!”

PICTURED: Aaron and Kym Stroud-Smith with their student, Keri Ames, and husband, Rich Perrin, after she was presented with her award at the annual Marine Fabricators’ conference in Long Beach, California.