Leading dinghy brand, RS Sailing, has secured long-term investment from Swedish marine investor Fredriksborgs Förvaltnings and the owners of Rototek to support the next stage of RS’s strategic growth.
Fredriksborgs is an investment company with a portfolio of established marine businesses, while Rototek has manufactured RS hulls for more than 25 years.
UK-based dinghy production to continue
RS Sailing designs racing, training and adventure dinghies, with more than 40,000 boats on the water across 15 active racing classes worldwide. The investment forms part of RS’s ongoing strategic development and planned growth.
Alex Newton-Southon, managing director, RS Sailing, says: “This is strong, long-term backing from people who understand our industry and our heritage. Rototek have built our boats for a quarter of a century and Fredriksborgs brings deep marine experience and a genuine love of sailing. Together they give us the backing to keep doing what RS does best: building great boats and inspire generations on the water.
“Also to our dealers, class associations and every RS sailor, thank you for your support. It’s been a challenging period, and we especially thank our suppliers for their support and understanding. Together we continue to serve you and inspire others to join. We have exciting plans for the season ahead.”
RS Sailing confirms that the RS team, the boat portfolio and the company’s UK production will remain the same. Dealer partnerships, warranties and parts support will also continue as normal. There will be continued investment in new boat development, RS events and the class community, and support for existing owners and boats.
In January 2026, it was announced Jon Partridge would be stepping down from his role as managing director of RS Sailing after 25 years with the business.
Reflecting on the investment, Peter Rönnbäck, chairman of Fredriksborgs Förvaltnings, says: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to partner with RS Sailing, on its journey as the market leading small sailboat brand. 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. I have been a sailor all my life, starting as most do with dinghy sailing at my local club. We are excited to be part of the journey with RS Sailing that provides so many with their gateway to our sport, and then embraces them into an ecosystem that creates sailors for life.”
Steff Wright, chairman of Rototek comments: “Our Nottinghamshire-based rotational-moulding company has been a key partner to the RS Sailing business for over 25 years. As the business has become the leading brand across the globe, I look forward to working more closely with the dynamic team that have built the RS business alongside the wider RS Sailing community.”
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