RS Marine Group sells Ocean Play brand of dinghies
Performance Sailcraft Europe (PSE) has acquired the Ocean Play brand from RS Marine Group, along with manufacturing rights for the Bug, Pico, Vago, and Bahia dinghies from designer Jo Richards.
Branding and distribution for the range have transferred to PSE, a division of Performance Marine Group Limited. Rototek will continue to produce the four dinghies in the UK.
Nick Ogden, chairman of Performance Marine Group, comments: “Acquiring the Ocean Play range strengthens our commitment to high-quality, innovative sailcraft.
“Since acquiring Olympic-class ILCA builder Performance Sailcraft in Australia last year, we’ve invested significantly in facilities and innovation — including a new 22,000 sq ft, F1-standard manufacturing unit in Morisset.
“This year marks 55 years of continuous ILCA/Laser production, and to celebrate, we’re producing a special Heritage Edition of the original Laser ‘Weekender.’ Meanwhile, our Rascal endurance dinghy is nearing completion, following a successful 220-nautical-mile sea trial in the Adriatic.
“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, adds: “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.”
Jo Richards, designer of the four dinghies, says: “I am delighted with the constructive talks between the parties involved and look forward to the ongoing quality production of the four boats for the foreseeable future.”
Financial details of the transaction have not been disclosed.
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