In the vibrant landscape of British boatbuilding, Reid Marine, operating as Reid Boats Ltd from Christchurch, Dorset, has carved a distinctive niche since its inception in 1991. Renowned primarily for its iconic HAWK 20 dayboat, the company embodies a commitment to quality, safety, and exhilarating sailing, appealing to a diverse community of enthusiasts from family cruisers to competitive racers.
The Origin Story
While detailed founding principles for the specific marine division are not widely publicized, the journey of Reid Marine (operating as Reid Boats Ltd, incorporated in 1994) effectively began around 1991. The company emerged from, or is closely associated with, John Reid & Sons Ltd, a larger industrial entity based in Christchurch, Dorset. This lineage suggests a foundation built on established engineering and manufacturing prowess.
The company's most significant initial undertaking, and arguably its defining creation, was the HAWK 20. This innovative dayboat, designed by naval architect Chris Hawkins, took two years to develop and was unveiled to the sailing public in the early 1990s. The concept for the HAWK 20 stemmed from an earlier 11-foot dinghy, evolving into a 20-foot vessel engineered for both performance and practicality.
History and Evolution
The development of the HAWK 20 marked a pivotal moment for Reid Marine. Launched commercially around 1993, the boat quickly garnered attention, notably achieving speeds of 12 knots during a Practical Boat Owner test that year. The company's focus remained steadfast on producing robust, high-quality composite boats, adhering to modern design principles.
Reid Boats Ltd, the specific entity overseeing the boat production, was formally incorporated in December 1994, solidifying the marine division's operational structure. Over the years, the builder has maintained its presence in Christchurch, Dorset, a region with a rich maritime heritage, continually refining its production techniques and supporting its growing fleet.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Reid Marine's reputation in the sailing world is synonymous with well-built, stable, and highly capable dayboats. The HAWK 20 epitomizes this philosophy, known for its exceptional stiffness due to its sophisticated hull design and ballast ratio, optimized for performance across all conditions. The company emphasizes uncompromising standards of quality and safety in its construction.
Key design characteristics central to the brand's identity include self-righting capabilities, unsinkable construction, and self-draining cockpits, ensuring a high degree of safety and ease of use. These features make their boats particularly appealing for coastal cruising and family outings. While Reid Marine collaborates with talented naval architects like Chris Hawkins for the HAWK 20, their identity is more defined by the practical excellence and safety features built into their designs rather than a long list of external celebrity designers, common for larger yacht builders.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The undisputed flagship of Reid Marine's fleet is the HAWK 20. This versatile vessel is available in both Dayboat and Cabin versions, catering to different sailing preferences. Its spacious cockpit makes it ideal for family adventures, while its robust performance also attracts those keen on competitive racing. The HAWK 20 has proven to be a highly successful design, establishing itself as a "top of the pile for day boats", fostering an active and engaged owner community, with strong fleets found in sailing clubs across the UK, such as the Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club, which boasts a fleet of around 26 Hawks.
Beyond the HAWK 20, Reid Marine also produces other notable dinghies, including the Foxer and the Starfish. The Foxer is recognized as an easy-to-sail and race single-handed dinghy, popular for club racing. The Starfish Dinghy was specifically designed with children in mind, providing a small, stable, and safe rowing boat, ideal for introducing youngsters to the joys of being on the water. These smaller models underscore Reid Marine's commitment to creating accessible and enjoyable sailing experiences for all ages.
The Builder Today
Today, Reid Marine continues to operate as Reid Boats Ltd from its base in Christchurch, Dorset. The company maintains an active online presence, notably through its dedicated websites for the HAWK 20 and Starfish dinghies. Peter Reid serves as a key contact for Reid Boats Ltd, indicating continuity in leadership and expertise.
The modern boats from Reid Marine appeal to individuals and families seeking a blend of performance, safety, and comfort in a dayboat or small dinghy. The strong owner community surrounding the HAWK 20, exemplified by active class associations and club fleets, speaks volumes about the enduring appeal and satisfaction of owning a Reid Marine vessel. The company remains a testament to focused, quality British boatbuilding, delivering durable and delightful craft for generations of sailors.
