Jeremy Rogers Ltd. was founded in 1961 by the acclaimed British boatbuilder and sailor, Jeremy Rogers MBE. Rogers' passion for the sea and boat construction began at a remarkably young age; he was known to build model boats as a child and completed his first dinghy by the age of ten. This early immersion in craftsmanship and sailing laid the foundation for what would become one of Britain's most successful boat manufacturing companies.
The company's journey into yacht production began with the Contessa 26, a 7.77-meter (25.6 ft) fiberglass monohull sailboat. Originally designed by David Cheverton and sometimes described as being based on the successful Nordic Folkboat design, the Contessa 26 quickly garnered a loyal following. This initial success set the stage for Jeremy Rogers Ltd.'s reputation for building robust, seaworthy vessels.
History and Evolution
The 1970s marked a period of explosive growth for Jeremy Rogers Ltd. The company expanded significantly, operating from five purpose-built factories in central Lymington and employing nearly 200 individuals. During this era, production soared, encompassing various Contessa yachts from the original 26-foot model to larger, performance-oriented designs like the Doug Peterson-designed 35s, 39s, and 43s. These innovative and beautifully finished yachts were highly sought after, with a substantial portion of the output exported to a worldwide market.
However, the early 1980s brought a significant economic downturn that profoundly impacted the British boat manufacturing industry, leading to the collapse of three major builders, including Rogers' yard. Despite this setback, Jeremy Rogers, undeterred, embarked on rebuilding his business from scratch. The new iteration of the company relocated its operations, first to a factory in Milford-on-Sea by 1988, and then, in 2009, to its current waterside location at Lymington Yacht Haven. A pivotal moment in the company's revival came in 1995 when Jeremy Rogers Ltd. had the opportunity to reacquire the moulds for their most celebrated model, the Contessa 32. This acquisition enabled the company to resume building a limited number of these beloved classics, alongside their growing specialisation in the refurbishment of boats originally constructed at their former yard.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Jeremy Rogers Ltd. has carved out a distinct and esteemed reputation within the marine industry. The builder is renowned for producing yachts that embody seamanship, craftsmanship, and timeless beauty. Their vessels are celebrated for their innovative designs and exceptional finish, appealing to those who value both performance and robust construction for comfortable cruising and competitive racing.
A cornerstone of their identity is the collaboration with influential naval architects. David Sadler is credited with the design of the iconic Contessa 32 in 1970, working in conjunction with Jeremy Rogers. Sadler also designed the earlier Contessa 26 in 1966. Later, the distinguished American naval architect Doug Peterson contributed significantly to the Contessa lineup, designing the Contessa 28 in 1977, as well as the larger Contessa 35, 39, and 43 models, and the OOD34. Peterson also designed the Contessa 25, an IOR Quarter Ton racer. This collaboration with leading designers cemented the brand's standing for both aesthetic appeal and sailing prowess.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Without doubt, the most significant and successful model in the company's history is the Contessa 32. Designed in 1970 by David Sadler, this 9.75-meter (32 ft) fiberglass monohull quickly became a benchmark for offshore cruising and racing yachts. By the end of the 1970s, approximately 800 Contessa 32s had been produced, with some sources citing over 700 overall. Its enduring appeal lies in its classic elegance, robust build, and exceptional seaworthiness, leading to the establishment of one-design racing fleets throughout the UK. Since the moulds were repurchased in 1995, a limited number of new Contessa 32s continue to be built, adding to the fleet sailing worldwide.
Other notable models that contributed to the company's legacy include:
- Contessa 26: An earlier success, over 750 of these fine examples of cruisers were built, based on David Cheverton's design. It continues to have a loyal following globally.
- Contessa 28: Designed by Doug Peterson in 1977, 129 units of these "deceptively spacious" yachts were built.
- Contessa 35, 39, and 43: These larger models, also designed by Doug Peterson, broadened the Contessa range, catering to a market eager for innovative grand prix yachts.
While no specific America's Cup campaigns or high-profile custom yachts for notable clients are detailed, the company did build a number of "specialist one-off yachts" in the early 1980s, showcasing their versatility and bespoke capabilities.
The Builder Today
Today, Jeremy Rogers Ltd. continues to operate from the Lymington Yacht Haven in Hampshire, UK. The company has evolved to specialise in the refurbishment and repair of yachts built at the original yard, ensuring the longevity of these cherished vessels, 23]. In addition to these services, the yard proudly continues the limited production of new Contessa 32s, maintaining the legacy of this much-loved classic. As of 1996, at least 25 new hulls have been built since the model's return to production.
Beyond traditional boatbuilding, Jeremy Rogers Ltd. has diversified into high-tech industrial mouldings. A significant innovation in this area is the Atlas davit, a portable carbon fibre davit that won a coveted DAME innovation award at the METS (Marine Equipment Trade Show) in Amsterdam in 2002. Marketed as Atlas Carbon Products, these davits are now a leading choice in the superyacht industry and are widely used by commercial and leisure boats for lifting heavy and awkward loads.
The modern Contessa boats continue to appeal to discerning sailors who value a combination of classic design, robust construction, and reliable performance. The ownership experience is enriched by a notably strong and supportive community. A vibrant owners' community and active racing class, including the Contessa 32 Association, remain strong testaments to the enduring appeal of Contessa yachts, often organising regattas and fostering a "virtual yacht club" for enthusiasts worldwide. Jeremy Rogers Ltd. maintains its association with seamanship and craftsmanship, a legacy that continues to define its place in the marine industry.
