Linjett Yachts, operating under the venerable Rosättra Båtvarv, stands as a testament to enduring craftsmanship and a deep-rooted passion for sailing. With a heritage stretching back to the late 19th century, this Swedish builder has evolved from a traditional boatyard into a producer of highly regarded sailing yachts, known for their robust construction, comfortable interiors, and excellent sailing characteristics, particularly suited for the challenging waters of the Baltic Sea.
The story of Linjett Boats begins in 1886 with the founding of Rosättra Båtvarv (Rosättra Boatyard) by brothers Erik and Anders Jansson. This established the foundation for what would become Sweden's oldest continuously operating shipyard. The ownership of the shipyard has largely remained within two families across five generations: the Jansson family and, since 1948, the Gustafsson family, who have been instrumental in shaping the company's modern identity and its signature Linjett sailboat line.
History and Evolution
The early 20th century saw the yard's continued development, with Bertil and John Jansson taking over in 1914 and expanding the facilities in 1918. However, it was the Gustafsson family's multi-generational commitment that truly solidified the yard's future. Since 1948, three generations of Gustafssons have steered the company, with the "Linjett" sailboat model becoming the yard's most recognized and beloved creation. The transition from traditional wooden boat building to modern materials like GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) occurred as the Linjett brand developed, allowing for series production while maintaining high standards of quality. Today, the company continues under the stewardship of three Gustafsson brothers: Daniel, who serves as CEO, and Kristoffer, who oversees production.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Linjett has cultivated a sterling reputation in the sailing world for building "beautiful sailboats designed to sail safely through all weathers and conditions". Their reputation is built on a foundation of strong construction and manageable sails, with a particular focus on creating vessels optimized for the unique demands of the Baltic Sea. The yard prides itself on a philosophy of doing everything in-house – from development and design to lamination, carpentry, production, sales, and aftercare – ensuring meticulous control over every aspect of the build, from raw mahogany to the finished yacht. This integrated approach underscores their commitment to quality over mass production.
A defining characteristic of Linjett's design is its harmonious blend of classic lines with modern construction techniques. Mats Gustafsson has long been the traditional yacht designer for Linjett, shaping many of their iconic models. More recently, the yard has embraced a collaborative approach, with the Linjett Design Team, pooling their combined sailing and design expertise, working alongside Mats Gustafsson on newer models like the Linjett 39. This ensures a continuous evolution of designs while staying true to the brand's core values.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Linjett's history is punctuated by a series of successful and influential models that have left a significant mark on the cruising sailboat market:
- Linjett 30: A pivotal model, the Linjett 30 was conceived to combine the comfort of a cruising boat with the performance of a Half-Ton racer, proving highly popular with 112 units built.
- Linjett 32: Building on the success and valuable experience gained from the Linjett 30, this model further cemented the yard's capabilities.
- Linjett 37: Hailed as a highly successful family boat, the Linjett 37 is particularly noted for being consistently adapted for the Baltic Sea, making it a favorite among local sailors.
- Linjett 40: At its introduction, the Linjett 40 represented the largest boat built by Rosättra to date, embodying a modern ocean-going concept.
- Linjett 43: As the yard's current flagship, the Linjett 43 showcases significant achievements in design, notably its innovative lift keel construction.
- Linjett 34: Launched in 2011, the Linjett 34 is the smallest in their contemporary lineup, yet it boasts the largest sail area relative to its size, emphasizing performance within its class.
- Linjett 39: This model garnered considerable attention upon its launch as it marked the first design collaboration between traditional designer Mats Gustafsson and the internal Linjett Design Team. It was praised by Yachting World.
- Linjett 36: The tenth model from Linjett Yachts, the Linjett 36, is the first to feature a fixed cockpit table, reflecting continuous refinement in their designs.
The collective impact of these models underscores Linjett's commitment to producing safe, fast, and easy-to-sail yachts that cater to adventurous and active yachting lifestyles.
The Builder Today
Linjett Boats, operating from its historic Rosättra location in Sweden, continues to thrive as a beacon of quality in the global yachting market. Under the leadership of the Gustafsson brothers, the yard maintains its reputation as one of the most established and quality boat builders.
Modern Linjett yachts appeal to discerning sailors who value a "premium experience" characterized by exceptional build quality and tailored solutions. The ownership experience is further enriched by a strong and engaged owner community, fostered by the unique and close relationship between Linjett owners and the Rosättra Båtvarv. This dedication to both the product and its owners ensures Linjett's enduring legacy in the marine industry.
