RS Sailing has secured long-term investment from Swedish marine investor Fredriksborgs Förvaltnings AB and the owners of Rototek Ltd to support the next stage of the dinghy builder’s development.
Fredriksborgs is an investment company with a portfolio of established marine businesses.
Rototek, a Nottinghamshire-based rotational-moulding manufacturer, has produced RS hulls for more than 25 years, giving the new backers an existing connection to the business and wider marine sector.
RS says its existing team, boat range and UK production will remain in place. Dealer partnerships, warranties and parts support will continue as normal, alongside support for existing boats and customers.
The company also plans continued investment in new boat development, RS events and its class community.
Growth plan
The announcement presents the backing as part of RS’s strategic growth plan, with operational continuity a central message for dealers and sailors.
“This is strong, long-term backing from people who understand our industry and our heritage,” said Alex Newton-Southon, managing director of RS Sailing.
“Rototek have built our boats for a quarter of a century and Fredriksborgs brings deep marine experience and a genuine love of sailing,” he added.
Newton-Southon acknowledged that RS had experienced ‘a challenging period’ and thanked suppliers for their support and understanding.
He also thanked dealers, class associations and sailors, saying the company had plans for the season ahead.
Longstanding relationship
Peter Rönnbäck, chairman of Fredriksborgs Förvaltnings AB, highlighted the role of dinghy sailing in bringing people into the sport.
“RS Sailing has a superb range of sailboats and has created a community of sailors that is vital to the future of our sport and our industry,” he said.
Steff Wright, chairman of Rototek, said the investment would deepen a longstanding relationship with RS.
“Our Nottinghamshire-based rotational-moulding company has been a key partner to the RS Sailing business for over 25 years,” he said.
RS Sailing designs racing, training and adventure dinghies. The company has more than 40,000 boats on the water and 15 active racing classes worldwide.
