The story of Plastrend begins in 1968 in Fort Worth, Texas, USA, with its founder, Andy Green. Green was not merely a businessman; he was an active and passionate sailor, deeply involved in racing sailboats. This personal dedication to competitive sailing undoubtedly shaped the company's initial vision: to build fast, robust sailing vessels. While details on the company's very first boat remain somewhat elusive, the foundation laid by Green clearly pointed towards a focus on performance-oriented designs, leveraging the emerging capabilities of composite construction.
A Journey Through Names: History and Evolution
Plastrend's corporate identity underwent several transformations during its operational lifespan. Initially known as Plastrend, the company's name evolved to Composite Technologies, reflecting its commitment to advanced construction methods. This evolution continued in the mid-1970s when the company was acquired by a group led by Marion Hayes, leading to yet another name change to Island Yacht Corp.
The company's operations were based at 9801 Jacksboro Highway, Fort Worth, Texas 76135, during its Plastrend era. After the acquisition and rebranding to Island Yacht Corp., the base of operations shifted to PO BOX 891, League City, Texas 77573. Island Yacht Corp. continued building boats for a little over a decade before ceasing business operations in 1989, marking the end of this lineage of boat builders.
Design Philosophy and Distinctive Features
Plastrend and its successors quickly garnered a reputation for producing sailboats known for their speed and toughness, a testament to their innovative use of composite materials. This emphasis on durable, high-performance construction was a hallmark of their designs. A key factor in their success was their collaboration with highly respected naval architects.
One of the most significant collaborations was with Britton Chance Jr., a prodigious naval architect renowned for his work on numerous sailboats, including America's Cup contenders. Chance's expertise in designing fast and efficient hulls played a crucial role in shaping the performance characteristics of many Plastrend models. The company also worked with other designers, such as Martin Bludworth, who designed the PT-22. The use of advanced composite technologies, as indicated by the company's name change, positioned them at the forefront of modern boat building for their time. Some models, like the Mustang 22 (also known as the PT-22), even featured distinctive design elements such as an unusual bulb keel, highlighting their commitment to performance innovation.
Iconic Models and Racing Heritage
Despite its relatively short history, Plastrend / Composite Technologies / Island Yacht Corp. produced several iconic sailboat models that gained recognition in racing circles:
- PT-22 (Plas Trend 22) / Mustang 22: Designed by Martin Bludworth, this 1/4 ton racer was also popular as a day sailer. Its unusual bulb keel was a notable design feature.
- PT-30-2 (PLAS TREND 30-2): This model was a Britton Chance design, further solidifying the builder's reputation for competitive yachts.
- PT-32 (Plas Trend 32): A 31'9" (9.7m) monohull, the PT-32 was another prominent Britton Chance design, with production beginning in 1973.
- PT-40 (Plas Trend 40): This model was particularly noted for its speed and toughness. While some sources suggest Bob Direktor, SailboatData attributes its design to Britton Chance. The PT-40 further cemented the company's reputation for building high-performance vessels capable of excelling on the racecourse.
These models, characterized by their robust composite construction and performance-oriented designs from leading naval architects, illustrate the company's dedication to the racing and performance cruising segments of the marine industry.
Legacy and Impact
Although Plastrend / Composite Technologies / Island Yacht Corp. is no longer actively building boats, its legacy endures through the vessels that continue to sail today. The company was a notable player in the era of fiberglass and composite construction, contributing to the advancement and adoption of these materials for performance yachts. The emphasis on speed, toughness, and collaboration with top naval architects positioned them as a builder for those who valued sailing prowess. While the company's operational life was limited, its iconic models, particularly those designed by Britton Chance, remain a testament to its impact on the performance sailing community and its brief but significant contribution to the evolution of yacht design and construction.
