Performance Sailcraft takes dinghy funding scheme to Australia

After launching in the UK earlier this year, Performance Sailcraft (PSA) has expanded its new dinghy funding scheme into Australia. The idea is to reduce the upfront cost of a new dinghy by up to 70 per cent.

The system’s called Magic and is aimed at giving sailors and sailing clubs a flexible way to access, fund and upgrade their PSA boats. Simply put, it spreads the cost over time.

There’s a 30 per cent initial payment followed by 24 interest-free ‘rental’ payments. At the end of the term, customers can choose to buy the dinghy at a predetermined price, trade it in for a new model, or return it to PSA.

PSA is the manufacturer and programme operator, while Magic, a separate business, provides the asset intelligence and structuring platform that finances the programme.

“Making Magic available in Australia is a significant step for Performance Sailcraft,” says Nick Ogden, chairman of Performance Sailcraft’s parent company Performance Marine Group. “Australia has an outstanding sailing culture, a strong club network and a long history of producing world-class sailors, making it a natural market for this programme.

“In the current global economic climate, we want sailing participation to continue to grow. In order for that to happen, we need to make it easier for more people to access the best equipment available without requiring a major capital commitment on day one.

“Magic changes the financial structure around the boat. It gives sailors and clubs greater flexibility, greater predictability and clearer options throughout the life cycle of their dinghy. If the same results appear in Australia as those that we are witnessing in the UK, we believe that Magic will make a meaningful difference to participation and help strengthen the sailing ecosystem in Australia.”

Flexible options for sailors and sailing clubs

Magic is available on the complete range of PSA dinghies – dinghies from other manufacturers are expected to become available during 2027.

For sailors, PSA says Magic provides defined options to retain, upgrade, or return the boat at the end of the agreement.

For sailing clubs, Magic offers an opportunity to modernise or expand fleets without the significant upfront capital required to purchase multiple new dinghies. Costs can instead be spread through interest-free payments, while the programme provides structured asset management and defined end-of-life pathways.

Performance Sailcraft delivers Bruce Kirby-designed Olympic-class dinghies to athletes around the globe. The brand also holds exclusive rights to the Rascal class and the Ocean Play range. Its global operations stretch across Asia & Oceania, Europe & the Middle East, and the USA.