The Giving Tide with John Bayliss: How a Tournament Changed Lives in Manteo

The deep-rooted tradition of Carolina boat building comes alive in this special on-location episode from Manteo, North Carolina. Host Kristina Hebert sits down with John Bayliss, founder and chairman of the Carolina Boat Builder Foundation Tournament, now in its 22nd year, to uncover the remarkable story of how tragedy sparked a community legacy.What began as an impromptu fundraiser for the children of boat builder Taylor Harrison, who lost his battle with cancer in his mid-40s, has flourished into a thriving charitable foundation. The tournament now provides educational opportunities across three local high schools, with an impressive 91-92% of all funds raised going directly to scholarships. Beyond financial support, the foundation fosters hands-on learning—evidenced by the stunning skiff built entirely by seventh graders that will be auctioned to support future programs.Bayliss offers rare insights into the evolution of Carolina's legendary boat-building industry, tracing its origins from collaborative six-month charter boat projects to today's sophisticated custom sportfishing yachts requiring years of design and construction. The conversation reveals how the region became one of the world's premier boat-building hubs, where craftsmanship is passed down through generations and builders maintain a friendly competition that drives innovation while preserving tradition."We have the opportunity, if we work hard and we're diligent, to be the best in the world at what we do," Bayliss shares, encapsulating the philosophy that has guided his company through decades of creating custom vessels. His reflections on building relationships with clients that transcend business arrangements highlight the personal connections at the heart of this unique industry.Whether you're fascinated by maritime craftsmanship, community philanthropy, or the inner workings of elite custom yacht building, this conversation captures the spirit of a region where fishing and boat building aren't just industries—they're a way of life. Subscribe to hear more stories of craftsmanship and community as we celebrate 75 years of the Wards Way legacy.Wards Marine Electrichttps://www.wardsmarine.com/Wards Way YouTube Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/@WardsWay75