GIFFY FULL began working around wooden boats in his early teens at the famous E. Graves Yacht Yard in Marblehead, Massachusetts, a builder of medium and large size yachts. This experience provided numerous opportunities for Giffy to learn. His first full-time summer job was deck hand on the 50′ schooner PRIMROSE. At 19 years of age, Giffy skippered his first boat, the 65′ Alden schooner ESCAPADE. In 1946, he moved on to mate and, eventually, captain of the 72′ ketch VALKYRIE, sailing between Nova Scotia and Cuba. In 1949, Giffy took over the yawl MAGGIE FURY and began a relationship with a family in which he sailed and managed their boats for 23 years. During this time he also delivered numerous yachts and commercial vessels and occasionally conducted surveys on yachts for private purchase. In 1973, he formed Capt. G. W. Full and Associates as a full-time wooden yacht surveying business. Over the years since, Giffy has surveyed hundreds of noteworthy wooden yachts and classic vessels, including Capt. Jacques Cousteau’s CALIPSO, large Navy mine sweeps and patrol boats, and historic ships. Firmly believing that it is important to share his experience with others, Giffy has taught numerous marine survey courses for the U.S. Coast Guard in Philadelphia and Los Angeles, and at WoodenBoat School.