Tartan Yachts, builder of luxury American yachts, has been acquired by a new ownership group including longtime Tartan partner Jon Duer.
Duer will now assume the role of chief executive officer.
The company was acquired from Michael Reardon who had acquired the company from Seattle Yachts last September. Reardon, who also acquired Catalina Yachts in 2025, will no longer be part of the company.
Tartan Yachts was founded in 1961 and was one of the first boatbuilders to embrace the use of fibreglass hulls.
The company has delivered more than 5,000 boats since its founding, and over the years the company’s racing and cruising yachts have won a variety of awards and accolades.
The key to the success of Tartan Yachts is the team building the boats.
Jon Duer
Duer has supplied standing and running rigging to Tartan Yachts for more than two decades as owner of Painesville, Ohio-based Great Lakes Rigging.
“We brought together a highly experienced team with both the technical and financial strength required to ensure a smooth and seamless transition,” said Duer.
“Our commitment goes beyond preserving the integrity of the brand-we intend to build upon its legacy, investing in long-term growth to elevate the brand to new heights.”
He added: “The key to the success of Tartan Yachts is the team building the boats.
“There are people who have been building Tartans for decades and who know more about building boats than anyone in the world. We are going to continue building boats in northeast Ohio with these same experts.”
New ideas and advanced technologies
The company will finish builds that are currently in progress and will continue to offer a line that includes Tartan’s most popular sailing models – the 535, 455, 395, 365 and the new Tartan 335.
And for the future, Duer says the company will continue to integrate new ideas, innovative amenities, and advanced technologies.
“Tartan Yachts have always been incredible boats to sail,” he concluded.
“Yes, they look great at the dock, but they are known for their performance, handling, comfort, and extra details that aren’t found on other boats.
“We are going to continue to push the designs to make sailing a Tartan an unmatched experience.”
