testimonials

The Classic Yacht Association of Australia

Ferdi Darley is a traditional shipwright with expertise in all works dealing with classic timber vessels. Highly experienced and knowledgeable Ferdi and his team demonstrate application and ingenuity mixed with dedication and true passion for traditional shipwright work. For commissions large or small, his skills include project coordination, spar making, fine joinery, traditional wire spliced rigging, painting and other complimentary skills expected of a traditional shipwright. I have the highest regard for and trust in Ferdi Darley, in his team and in his work. Ferdi Darley has my highest recommendation. Doug Shields Co-founder - The Classic Yacht Association of Australia. Director - Sail & Adventure Inc

Sirocco

Ferdi's working method offers shipwright expertise balanced with patience and guidance. A deep knowledge of materials and techniques is openly shared, allowing the owner to do as much or as little to suit skill or time. The FJD shed is really a university for boat owners. I now have a beautifully restored Tumlare and the relationship with FJD continues. Charlie Salter - Owner Sirocco

Royal Brighton Yacht Club & Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club

It has been my good luck to have found Ferdi Darley as the Shipwright to look after my 73 year old classic timber International 8 Meter Yacht "Frances", a task he and his boys have undertaken with the care and diligence that I have not seen exceeded in my almost 60 years of yacht ownership. His skill and good sense always comes up with the perfect sympathetic and beautifully executed solution to the task in hand. I unreservedly recommend his services to any boat owner. Peter M Johns. Past Commodore Royal Brighton Yacht Club & Queenscliff Cruising Yacht Club. Senior member Royal Yacht Club of Victoria

Moonspinner

In June 2017 I asked Ferdi to do some rehabilitation work on my J 133 (43ft) Moonspinner. The job entailed renovating areas of the fitted timber work on floors, companion way steps, cabinetry and headliners. The deck needed painting and some repair work was required to ensure a quality finish. We also fitted a new electric loo which required custom retrofit fibreglass work. Ferdi and his team were fantastic to deal with and worked with me on solutions that were efficient and cost effective. The results were outstanding. Mark Willett - Owner Moonspinner.

fairwinds

Ferdi and Wendy are sailors. They own a beautiful classic yacht and they understand the pressures and pleasures that go along with such a responsibility. I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone looking for exceptional traditional shipwright services. Mark Chew - Owner Fairwinds

tumLarin acociation

I have had the privilege of knowing and working with Ferdi, Wendy, Rupert and Toby Darley for over 5 years. I have become increasingly involved in Melbourne’s Wooden Boat community over the last 20 years, initially through my love of the Tumlaren Class then the Classic Yacht Association. Ferdi has been a passionate advocate for the Wooden Boat community and the generosity of his time and knowledge has made that community stronger and helped bond a powerful and active fraternity that cherish their vessels. He has been an unfailing source of wisdom and practical knowledge, allowing boat owners the opportunity to work on their vessels in the knowledge that Ferdi was nearby to advise and assist. I have also had the opportunity to work with the Darley family as they have taken on the substantial projects that are the restoration of the Alma Doepel and the Polly Woodside. My learning curve on Polly Woodside was nearly vertical and the traditional techniques of ship repair was an outstanding way to get dirty. Roger Dundas

Mercedes III

Ferdi and his team have dealt promptly with any immediate problems, enabling us to keep racing, whilst also addressing our longer term issues within a plan. Some of these works needed fixing "yesterday" and he achieved this. Martin Ryan, Mercedes III.