Brazil, with its extensive coastline and passion for the sea, has been home to a number of reputable boat builders, among them MultiGlass. Established around 1980, MultiGlass emerged as a significant builder of fiberglass sailboats, closely tied to the renowned Brazilian yacht designer Roberto Barros.
The Origin Story
The genesis of MultiGlass as a boat builder can be traced back to approximately 1980, coinciding with the debut of one of its most recognizable models, the Atoll 23. While public records do not explicitly name a singular founder for MultiGlass distinct from its primary design partner, the company's early history is deeply intertwined with the vision and designs of naval architect Roberto Barros. Barros's own yacht design business, Roberto Barros Yacht Design, began with him creating boats for "his own boatyard," strongly suggesting a foundational or at least a highly collaborative relationship with MultiGlass as the primary manufacturer of his early designs. The Atoll 23, a 23-foot fractional sloop, represents this initial phase, built in fiberglass, a material that was becoming standard for recreational boat construction at the time.
Design Philosophy and Identity
MultiGlass forged its reputation primarily as the builder of sailboats designed by Roberto Barros. This enduring collaboration defined the company's design philosophy, focusing on creating capable and well-regarded sailing yachts for the Brazilian market and beyond. Roberto Barros, through his firm, is known for a diverse portfolio that includes cruising and racing sailboats, as well as powerboats and catamarans, indicating a versatile design approach that MultiGlass was instrumental in bringing to fruition in the monohull sailing segment. The emphasis was on functional and seaworthy designs, often catering to the local sailing conditions and preferences.
Iconic Models and Legacy
MultiGlass is credited with building several sailboat models, with at least three noted in records. The most prominent among them are the Atoll 23 and the Rio 20.
- Atoll 23: Launched in 1980, the Atoll 23 stands as a quintessential model for MultiGlass. Designed by Roberto Barros, this 23-foot fiberglass monohull sailboat was a light, fractional sloop that quickly became a popular choice for cruisers. Its introduction marked a significant point in MultiGlass's production history and remains a testament to the partnership with Barros.
- Rio 20: Another notable model built by MultiGlass, the Rio 20 further solidified the company's standing in the Brazilian sailing community.
While specific production numbers for these models are not readily available in public records, their continued presence in online sailing databases suggests a considerable impact on the local marine industry, providing accessible and well-designed sailing vessels to a generation of Brazilian sailors. The legacy of MultiGlass is therefore intrinsically linked to the dissemination of Roberto Barros's practical and admired sailboat designs.
The Builder Today
As of recent records, MultiGlass is listed as an active boat builder in Brazil, with its "Years in Business" noted as "0 - present" on some marine databases. However, detailed information regarding its current ownership, operational scale, or the production of new models is not widely publicized. Without a prominent active website or recent media coverage, it appears that MultiGlass continues its legacy more quietly, potentially focusing on smaller-scale production or acting as a recognized historical builder in the Brazilian yachting landscape. The sailboats they produced, particularly the Atoll 23, continue to be recognized within the sailing community, appealing to those seeking robust, Barros-designed vessels with a solid reputation for their build quality.
