RS Sailing has secured long-term investment from Swedish marine investment company Fredriksborgs Förvaltnings AB and the owners of Rototek Ltd, which has manufactured RS dinghy hulls for more than 25 years.
The investment marks the next stage in the dinghy manufacturer's strategic growth plans, bringing together backers with established experience in the marine industry. The investment value and ownership arrangements were not disclosed.
RS Sailing says its existing team, range of boats and UK production will remain unchanged. Dealer partnerships, warranties, spare parts and support for existing boats will also continue as normal.
The company also plans further investment in new boat development, RS events and its international class associations. In Ireland, RS classes have an active racing programme, including the RS Eastern Championships at Greystones.
Long-Term Support for RS Sailing
Peter Rönnbäck, chairman of Fredriksborgs Förvaltnings AB, welcomed the partnership, highlighting RS Sailing's contribution to introducing new generations to the sport. He said the company's range of boats and its community of sailors were important to the future of sailing and the wider marine industry.
Steff Wright, chairman of Rototek Ltd, said the Nottinghamshire-based rotational-moulding company had been a key manufacturing partner to RS Sailing for more than 25 years. He welcomed the opportunity to work more closely with the RS Sailing team and its wider sailing community.
Plans for the Season Ahead
Alex Newton-Southon, managing director of RS Sailing, described the investment as strong, long-term backing from people who understand the company's industry and heritage.
"This is strong, long-term backing from people who understand our industry and our heritage," he said.
Newton-Southon also acknowledged the support of dealers, class associations, sailors and suppliers during what he described as a challenging period. "We have exciting plans for the season ahead," he added.
The forthcoming calendar includes the 2027 RS Aero European Championship in Dún Laoghaire.
RS Sailing designs racing, training and adventure dinghies, with more than 40,000 boats on the water and 15 active racing classes worldwide. The company operates through an international distribution network, supplying boats to racing clubs, sailing clubs, families, and training programmes.
