Heritage Week “Layer by Layer”
Heritage Week is an annual event in February that celebrates and showcases local heritage across the province to encourage our communities to visit, share and learn more about the heritage of our own backyards. This year, Heritage Week takes place between February 19 to 25, 2024, with the theme “Layer by Layer”. We invite you to discover the layers of heritage at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site through the stories of the Richmond Boatbuilders building.
The Story of the Silver Ann
One of the iconic examples of the rich and diverse history of boat building in Steveston is the Silver Ann, the last wooden gillnetter built at Britannia Shipyards. Completed in 1969, the Silver Ann was one of the last wooden gillnetters fabricated in Steveston on the banks of the Fraser River. Built at the Richmond Boatbuilders, this wooden gillnetter was commissioned by fisherman George Osaka and was named in commemoration of his 25th silver wedding anniversary to his wife Kikue.
Japanese boatbuilding and “Tanaita Tsukuri”
The Silver Ann was built by Sadajiro Asari, who was one of more than twenty Japanese boatbuilders in the township of Richmond during the early development of the fishing industry. In an oral history interview, Gerry Miller, Britannia Shipyard Manager in 1968, recalls the Japanese boatbuilding process, “They built the boat under a Japanese system… tanaita tsukuri, which means shelf planking built. ”
The Japanese boatbuilders planked the boat first and then applied the ribs, whereas conversely, boatbuilders with western training did the opposite process. The Japanese construction method eliminated the need for the steamed strapping required to install and bend the ribs. These boats are known for their elegant design and functional efficiency; a testament to the skill and dedication of Japanese boatbuilders.
The Restoration of the Silver Ann
George Osaka fished with the Silver Ann from 1969 to 1984 until his retirement, after which she was sold and then subsequently abandoned. In November 2001, the Silver Ann returned to Britannia after being acquired by the City of Richmond.
From 2005 to 2009, the City and the Britannia Shipyard National Historic Site Society collaborated to restore the vessel. Shipwrights Colin Duffield and Andrew Guilbride led Society members, volunteers, and City staff. One volunteer was Clint Osaka, the great-nephew of George Osaka, the original owner.
Today, the Silver Ann resides at its original birthplace and can be seen at the Britannia Shipyards dock. During special events such as the Richmond Maritime Festival, visitors may walk the docks to get a closer look at the Silver Ann, a fine example of our cultural mosaic and local wooden boatbuilding traditions.
Up next for Heritage Week – A look at traditional Japanese boatbuilding tools.
