Performance Sailcraft Europe (PSE) has acquired sailing dinghy brand Ocean Play from RS Marine Group.
The acquisition also includes the manufacturing rights for the Bug, Pico, Vago, and Bahia dinghies from designer Jo Richards.
Branding and distribution for the range have been transferred to PSE, a division of Performance Marine Group Ltd.
The four dinghies will continue to be manufactured in the UK by Rototek, with their tooling set to be refurbished and enhanced.
The acquisition follows on from PSE’s acquisition of Performance Sailcraft in Australia in 2024.
“Acquiring the Ocean Play range strengthens our commitment to high-quality, innovative sail craft,” explained Nick Ogden, chairman of Performance Marine Group.
“Since acquiring Olympic-class ILCA builder Performance Sailcraft in Australia last year, we’ve invested significantly in facilities and innovation – including a new 22,000sqft, F1-standard manufacturing unit in Morisset.”
Acquiring the Ocean Play range strengthens our commitment to high-quality, innovative sail craft.
Nick Ogden
“With Ocean Play now part of our portfolio, we have grown to eight dinghies in eight months, with further acquisitions and global expansion planned for 2025.”
Richard Frost, operations director at RS Marine Group, added: “We are working closely with PSE during this transition to ensure that the Ocean Play range remains a source of enjoyment for sailors globally.
“This is an exciting time for the marine industry, and we extend our best wishes to the team as they take the Ocean Play brand going forward.”
And Jo Richards, designer of the four dinghies, said he has been delighted with the constructive talks between the parties and is looking forward to the ongoing production of the four boats for the foreseeable future.
2025 marks 55 years of continuous ILCA/Laser production, and to celebrate, PSE is producing a special Heritage Edition of the original Laser Weekender.
PSE is also nearing completion on its Rascal endurance dinghy following a successful 220-nautical-mile sea trial in the Adriatic.
Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
