G. William McVay

George William McVay (often referred to as G. William McVay) was a pioneering Canadian-American naval architect and boatbuilder instrumental in the early adoption of fiberglass construction for recreational sailboats in North America. Active primarily in the 1950s–1970s, McVay focused on affordable, trailerable daysailers and small cruisers that emphasized simplicity, stability, and family-friendly performance. Based in Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia, he bridged wooden boat traditions with modern materials, producing designs that democratized sailing for beginners and clubs.
McVay's legacy includes ~10–15 sailboat models, with over 1,000 units built across various yards. He is credited with popularizing fiberglass dinghies in the US and Canada, influencing the "starter boat" market still seen in modern designs like the Com-Pac 16.