Ocean Play emerged in 2022 as a fresh initiative within the RS Marine Group, a conglomerate known for its diverse marine brands including the renowned RS Sailing. The very foundation of Ocean Play was built upon a strategic collaboration with the acclaimed naval architect and Olympic medallist, Jo Richards. Richards, a British yacht designer, has a significant portfolio of sailboat designs, notably including the popular Laser Pico. Ocean Play's original vision was to become the dedicated manufacturer and distributor for a range of highly successful, rotomoulded sailing dinghies, ensuring their continued production and availability for training centers and families worldwide. The company's initial focus immediately landed on four well-established models: the Pico, Bahia, Bug, and Vago, all known for their durable polyethylene construction.
History and Evolution
Ocean Play's history, while relatively brief, is defined by its role in perpetuating the legacy of popular dinghy designs and a significant corporate transition. Launched as a new brand under the umbrella of RS Marine Group in 2022, Ocean Play was positioned to produce dinghies that were already household names in the sailing community. The collaboration with Jo Richards was central to this inception, as many of these designs had his creative imprint.
A pivotal moment in Ocean Play's short history occurred when Performance Sailcraft Europe (PSE) acquired the Ocean Play brand from RS Marine Group. This acquisition included the manufacturing rights for the core range of dinghies: the Bug, Pico, Vago, and Bahia. This strategic move by PSE, which also builds the Olympic-class ILCA (formerly Laser) dinghies, aimed to strengthen its commitment to high-quality and innovative sailcraft. While Ocean Play's direct affiliation with RS Marine Group has shifted, the brand and its iconic models continue their production under new stewardship, demonstrating the enduring appeal and importance of these designs in the marine industry.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Ocean Play, through its initial connection with RS Sailing and the designs of Jo Richards, upholds a reputation for producing durable, user-friendly, and versatile sailing dinghies. The builder is known for crafting boats that cater to a wide spectrum of sailors, from beginners and training schools to families and more performance-oriented enthusiasts. Their design philosophy centers on accessibility, stability, and ruggedness, primarily achieved through rotomoulded polyethylene construction. This material choice ensures longevity and reduces maintenance, making the boats ideal for rigorous use in training environments and hassle-free family adventures.
The collaboration with Jo Richards is a defining characteristic of Ocean Play's identity. Richards is widely recognized as a naval architect with a talent for creating practical and engaging sailing dinghies. His designs, now produced under the Ocean Play brand, feature layouts that are straightforward, instilling confidence in novice sailors while still offering enough performance to be engaging for more experienced hands.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The entire portfolio of Ocean Play is comprised of models that have, over time, achieved iconic status in the world of dinghy sailing. These models were previously well-known under other branding, particularly Laser Performance, before being brought under the Ocean Play banner.
- Pico: The Ocean Play Pico is perhaps the most widely recognized, lauded as an ideal boat for sailing training centers and families. Its versatility allows it to be sailed single-handed or with two people by adding a jib, making it a staple for teaching sailing fundamentals worldwide.
- Bahia: The Bahia is celebrated as a family-friendly polyethylene dinghy, offering ample seating and controlled power. It's often chosen for holiday sailing due to its safe and comfortable feel, with options for a gennaker and trapeze for those seeking more excitement.
- Bug: Designed specifically to introduce children to sailing, the Ocean Play Bug provides a more responsive and powerful experience than traditional Optimists, while remaining easy to handle. Its stackable design is a practical advantage for training fleets.
- Vago: For those seeking a higher-performance rotomoulded dinghy, the Ocean Play Vago delivers. It features a reefable Dacron mainsail and a furling jib, and can be sailed with a gennaker and trapeze for an exhilarating experience.
These models, with their robust construction and user-friendly characteristics, have profoundly impacted the grassroots level of sailing, making the sport more accessible to a broader audience. They represent a legacy of durable and enjoyable recreational and training dinghies.
The Builder Today
As of recent developments, Ocean Play is no longer a direct member of the RS Marine Group. The brand, along with the manufacturing rights for its key dinghy models (Bug, Pico, Vago, and Bahia), was acquired by Performance Sailcraft Europe (PSE). PSE, a significant player in the sailing dinghy market and the builder of the ILCA, has integrated Ocean Play into its portfolio, signaling a commitment to continue the production and development of these popular boats.
The modern boats produced under the Ocean Play brand continue to appeal to sailing schools, holiday centers, and families looking for durable, low-maintenance, and fun sailing experiences. The ownership experience is characterized by the boats' resilience and straightforward nature, which minimizes the complexities often associated with boat ownership. While a formal "Ocean Play owner community" might not be as overtly structured as for some racing classes, the widespread adoption of these models in training and recreational fleets globally fosters a broad, informal community of users who value their reliability and ease of use. This transition ensures that the beloved designs championed by Ocean Play will continue to introduce new generations to the joys of sailing.
