Since its inception in 2002, Shanghai Far East FRP Boat Co., Ltd., commonly known as Far East Boat Co., has rapidly ascended to become a formidable force in the global marine industry. Founded by Mr. Weifeng Lu, the company quickly established itself as a leading builder, particularly renowned for its commitment to high-quality construction and performance-oriented designs.
The journey of Far East Boat Co. began in 2002 under the vision of Weifeng Lu. From its very start, the company's objective was to produce a diverse range of high-quality sailboats and boat fittings for a broad customer base. Far East Boat Co.'s initial focus, which would soon define its early reputation, was on the Optimist class dinghy. In the same year of its founding, Far East Boat Co. was officially licensed by the International Sailing Federation (ISAF) to construct Optimist dinghies. This foundational step set the stage for the company's rapid growth and global recognition in the dinghy segment.
History and Evolution
Far East Boat Co.'s history is marked by significant milestones that underscore its expansion and technological advancement. After securing its ISAF license for the Optimist, the company quickly became the largest Optimist builder globally, with an impressive yearly production capacity of approximately 2,000 hulls. Optimists produced by Far East Boats consistently rank among the world's top three in terms of both quality and production volume.
In 2006, the company expanded its operational footprint by moving to a state-of-the-art, 18,000-square-meter modern facility. This advanced manufacturing site incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including CNC milling and laser cutting, and employs vacuum infusion for all its models, ensuring superior construction quality. Beyond the Optimist, Far East Boat Co. further diversified its dinghy production, becoming an ISAF licensed builder for the popular 420 class. The company also broadened its product range to include kayaks and other sailboats. Demonstrating its comprehensive involvement in the sailing community, Far East Boat Co. became the sole distributor of Laser (ILCA) sailboats in mainland China and was later approved as a builder of class-legal ILCA boats. Far East Boat Co.'s influence extends to high-level competition, as it serves China’s national sailing team in their daily training and regatta performance and was the exclusive supplier for the 2016 Optimist Asian Championship. The company also hosted the Shanghai 2016 FAREAST CUP International Sailing Regatta, further cementing its presence in the international sailing scene.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Far East Boat Co. has cultivated a strong reputation in the sailing world for producing modern, high-quality, and competitively priced performance yachts. While initially known as the biggest dinghy builder in China, the company has successfully expanded its identity to encompass a wide array of vessels, including junior and youth classes, one-design racing keelboats, performance cruising yachts, racing yachts, catamarans, and even RIBs and houseboats.
A cornerstone of Far East Boat Co.'s design philosophy is its collaborative approach with internationally acclaimed naval architects. Most notably, the company has forged a highly successful partnership with Simonis-Voogd, a renowned design firm known for its expertise in creating fast and efficient sailing vessels. This collaboration has been instrumental in developing the modern concepts and precise lines seen across the Far East range. The builder's commitment to performance is evident in its designs, which emphasize speed and competitive racing capabilities while maintaining a focus on quality construction through techniques like vacuum infusion.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Far East Boat Co.'s legacy is firmly rooted in a line of significant and successful boat models that have made a considerable impact on the marine industry.
Undoubtedly, the Optimist stands as one of its most iconic contributions. As the world's largest Optimist builder, Far East Boat Co. plays a pivotal role in youth sailing development, producing up to one-third of all global Optimist dinghies. Many Olympic champions trace their sailing careers back to training on an Optimist, highlighting the fundamental importance of this class and Far East's role in its proliferation.
Beyond dinghies, Far East Boat Co. has made significant inroads into the keelboat market with several standout models:
- The FAREAST 26 marked the beginning of the successful design partnership between Far East Boats and Simonis-Voogd, laying the groundwork for future high-performance models.
- The FAREAST 28R has garnered considerable acclaim, winning "The Best Dayboat (Dinghy / Sports Boat) of 2016 Asia Marine & Boating Awards". It is recognized as an ISAF-approved one-design class and is particularly noted as an ideal offshore racer, combining competitive speed with ease of handling.
- The FAREAST 23R, designed as a smaller counterpart to the 28R, also received prestigious recognition, winning "The Best Sailing boat (under 45 feet) of 2017 Asia Marine & Boating Awards". It is popular for club racing due to its attractive design and speed.
The company's diverse production capabilities allow it to offer a wide range of boats from 2 to 13 meters, catering to various sailing disciplines, including junior and youth classes, one-design racing, performance cruising, and even multihulls. Far East Boat Co.'s dedication to serving the sport is also demonstrated through its work with China's national sailing team, providing them with vessels for training and regattas.
The Builder Today
Today, Shanghai Far East FRP Boat Co., Ltd. continues to operate from its headquarters in Shanghai, China, and remains one of the fastest-growing enterprises in the marine industry, recognized as a global brand leader. The company's focus remains on producing Olympic Class yachts in strict adherence to World Sailing standards, alongside its expanding range of performance cruising and racing yachts.
Modern Far East boats are designed to appeal to a wide array of sailors who value contemporary design, high-quality construction, and competitive performance at a accessible price point. Their offerings cater to those engaged in club racing, serious regattas, or simply seeking enjoyable overnight cruising experiences. While specific details about an official owner community are not extensively publicized, the global network of distributors, such as Far East Boats UK and Far East Yachts Australia, alongside the existence of events like the Far East Cup, suggests a growing and supported ownership base. The brand's reputation for delivering modern, high-quality, and competitively priced yachts ensures that the ownership experience is focused on performance and value, making Far East Boat Co. a significant player in the modern sailing landscape.
