Founder George Pocock grew up in England, where his father was the head boat builder for prestigious Eton College at Windsor at the turn of the century.

In 1911, on George's 20th birthday, they arrived in Vancouver, British Columbia, with $20 in their pockets and a dream of building fine racing boats.

They were commissioned to build two single sculling boats for the Vancouver Rowing Club’s boathouse, without moorage, and found that at low tide they rested precariously on the mud flats.

His reputation spread as he strived to maintain the highest possible quality at a price that even small colleges or high schools could afford.

He was first in many areas, including the development of a successful wood and glass laminated composite oar, molded seat tops and adjustable oarlock height spacers.

He is still active in the sport, teaming with Frank Cunningham for the past 15 years to coach scullers at Lake Washington Rowing Club.

Bill Tytus is the currently owner and President of Pocock Racing Shells, and oversees the day-to-day operation of the Everett, WA shop.