Gord Laco visited the Shellback Club to describe his career in rigging, starting with work with Tom Taylor Limited in Toronto, gradually specializing in rigging using traditional and historic systems and materials. From rigging historical sailing vessels, to rigging reproductions, to consulting in the film industry, Gord owns this specialized nautical niche. About Gord Laco
Gordon Laco served on the Board of Directors of Tall Ships America 2015 to 2021, and currently sits on the Board of Tall Ships Canada. He supports the operations of sail training ships and maintenance of classic yachts in every way he can. He began his career in the marine industry in 1979 after studying history at the University of Western Ontario when he joined the staff of Toronto’s Tom Taylor Company, following in the footsteps of his late uncle, Con Costas. Gord has long-held respect for seamanship and an appreciation for traditional rigging. He began importing gear for sail training and museum ships in 1999 when he was Captain of HMS BEE, the reproduction gunboat schooner operated by the Ontario Government on the Upper Great Lakes. He began distributing rope and rigging across North America on a full-time basis in 2003 after returning from 18 months as Lead Technical Adviser to the production of the feature film ‘Master and Commander, the Far Side of the World’. He has served as historical advisor to over 60 film and television productions, recently working with Tom Hanks on the production of the WW2 drama GREYHOUND. Gord was co-founder of Atlantic Challenge Canada, served as Executive Director of Toronto Brigantine and has sat on the boards of Huronia Museum and Midland Public Library. Even though, as a professional mariner he dislikes shipwrecks, he also sits on the board of the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society. Gord is a frequent public speaker on issues involving seamanship, nautical history and youth development. He served eleven years an officer in the Royal Canadian Navy and was, at the time of his commissioning, the oldest person to complete the RCN’s tough Basic Officer’s Training Course. Core to his operations is his company G. H. Laco & Son Ltd, which specializes in traditional gear for ships and yachts. He is proud that his son, Robert, has joined him in the business. When he has time, he races and cruises on the waters of Georgian Bay. This is the third time Gord has spoken to Shellbacks, but it has been ten years since he has joined us as a speaker.
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