In the vibrant sailing landscape of the United States, Open Sailing Inc. emerged in August 2008, building upon the groundwork laid by its precursor, Sailing Sportboats. The initial vision for Sailing Sportboats was conceived in 2006 by Jerome, who later partnered with Nik Vale to establish Open Sailing Inc. in Marina del Rey, California. From its inception, the company's core mission has been to actively promote the sport of sailing, particularly focusing on accessible, high-performance sportboats.
The "Open" Legacy: A Focus on Finot Designs
While not a traditional boat builder in the sense of designing and manufacturing a broad range of models from scratch, Open Sailing Inc. has been instrumental in the American market for the acclaimed "Open" class sportboats. Their primary focus revolves around models such as the Open 5.00 and Open 5.70. These dynamic vessels were conceived by the renowned French naval architecture firm, Groupe Finot, specifically designer Jean-Marie Finot. The primary original builder of these innovative designs was Phileas Boats in France.
The Open 5.00 and Open 5.70 are distinguished as small, performance-oriented keelboats that offer an exhilarating sailing experience. They are celebrated for their ability to deliver the "surfing" sensations often associated with dinghies or catamarans, but within the more stable platform of a keelboat. These designs prioritize speed, ease of handling, and an engaging sailing experience, making them popular for both racing and spirited day sailing. As strict one-design classes, they emphasize sailor skill and strategic racing. Notably, the Open 5.70 received significant recognition, being named "One-Design of the Year" by Sailing World in 2007.
Open Sailing Inc.'s role has been crucial in introducing and supporting these particular Finot-designed sportboats within the North American sailing community. They serve as a vital link, bringing these European-conceived, performance-driven sailing yachts to American enthusiasts and fostering the growth of the class.
Impact on the Sportboat Scene
Open Sailing Inc. has carved out a niche by championing a specific segment of the sailing market: those seeking accessible, high-performance one-design racing. By focusing on the Open 5.00 and Open 5.70, the company has directly contributed to the visibility and expansion of these popular sportboat classes in the United States. Their efforts have helped cultivate a community of sailors who appreciate the boats' blend of speed, responsiveness, and control. Through their distribution and promotional activities, Open Sailing Inc. provides a pathway for American sailors to experience the unique thrill offered by these agile and exciting Finot designs.
Open Sailing Inc. Today
Operating from Marina del Rey, California, Open Sailing Inc. continues its commitment to the sport of sailing. As of today, the company remains a key player in the distribution and promotion of Open class sportboats in the USA. Their offerings primarily appeal to sailors looking for a lively, engaging, and relatively straightforward performance sailing experience, whether for competitive one-design racing or recreational sport-sailing with friends. While the exact ownership structure beyond the initial founders is not publicly detailed, the company maintains its presence and dedication to supporting the "Open" sailing community in the American market.
