Rondar Raceboats to build new keelboat with support of Bruce Kirby

by Stuart Bayliss on 26 Feb 2015 Following negotiations with Shumway Marine and the full support of the designer Bruce Kirby, the existing moulds and templates have now been purchased by Rondar Raceboats Ltd.

This is a major step forward for the Class, which is now underpinned by a quality boatbuilder with a proven record of production success and service.

'I am looking forward to working with the Class Association to support existing yachts and expand future sales of this great yacht. Backed by ISAF and with its Paralympic status, the Sonar keelboat has a bright future' stated Paul Young, Managing Director of Rondar Boats Ltd.

Bruce Kirby, designer of the Laser and SONAR, stated 'We are delighted that Rondar Raceboats have taken on the ongoing production of Sonars. Rondar’s experience in this field is well known and it ensures continuity of quality construction and further Class growth'.

Bruce McArthur from the SONAR Class Association said 'We are pleased to have a committed builder in place and are looking forward to seeing the new boats on the water'.

Rondar Raceboats currently have two production bases, one in Wiltshire, England, and another in the USA, with a full service and distribution team. With their experience building World Championship winning boats and distribution worldwide they have the skills to develop this class in new areas.

There is also a strong SONAR Class Association who govern the Class worldwide. The existing moulds and strict measurement control by the association will continue to ensure uniformity of performance. www.sonar.org

The SONAR was adopted years ago by the International Federation of Disabled Sailors (IFDS) as their premier boat for national, world and paralympic racing. The disabled sailors find the boat’s crew-friendly configuration allows them to sail efficiently and safely while at the same time giving them the performance and excitement enjoyed by their able-bodied friends.

Its rapid growth and ISAF recognised status assures its longevity and value for many years to come. In 2000 the Class obtained recognised status with the International Sailing Federation (ISAF), the international governing body of the sport.

Rondar’s first demonstrator boat out of the mould is expected to be launched by April 2015 in the UK.
New York Yacht Club Order SONAR Keelboats

Following the announcement of the new builder for the SONAR keelboat, the New York Yacht Club have placed their initial order for a number of boats, with options to purchase more. They already have an active fleet of SONARs and wish to update and expand their fleet of these day sailing yachts, ideal for their comprehensive sail training programme.

Other sailing organisations in the USA have welcomed the news and are lining up to book production slots.

Production is expected to be completed by the Summer of 2015, when the fleet will all have been delivered to Sail Newport.

Rondar Boats now welcome enquiries for franchises to build the Sonar on other continents, which are now available.

Further news updates and technical details will be posted to a dedicated page on their website

An exciting business opportunity exists for overseas builders who might wish to produce this well proven international Class in their own country.

Enquiries are welcomed to admin@rondarboats.com