From its humble beginnings in the mid-1960s, Rondar Raceboats has forged a reputation as a pre-eminent builder of high-performance one-design sailing craft. Based in Edington, Westbury, Wiltshire, UK, the company has consistently been at the forefront of technical development, producing boats that have garnered numerous national and world championship titles. Known for their precision construction and commitment to the racing community, Rondar has become a cornerstone of competitive dinghy and keelboat sailing worldwide.
The Origin Story
Rondar Raceboats was established in the mid-1960s. While the specific founder's name has not been widely publicized, the company was "originally started" by someone else before its current leadership, and it retained the "Rondar boats" name. From its inception, the company quickly established itself within the competitive sailing circuit, laying the groundwork for its future specialization in high-quality racing vessels. Though the very first model built by Rondar isn't widely documented, their early focus was undoubtedly on the burgeoning one-design dinghy market.
History and Evolution
Over more than five decades, Rondar Raceboats has continually evolved its manufacturing processes and expanded its reach. The company’s history is marked by a steady transition to advanced materials and construction techniques, with a notable emphasis on modern composite construction, including self-draining epoxy hulls for enhanced performance and durability. This dedication to technical advancement has ensured Rondar boats remain competitive at the highest levels of the sport. The company has grown to become an ISAF (now World Sailing) licensed builder for many classes, signifying its adherence to strict international standards.
Rondar's production capabilities are substantial, building around 250 boats annually at its main site in Wiltshire, UK. The company's international presence extends across the UK, Europe, and the USA, where it maintains a dedicated US office for accounts and collections, supporting its global customer base.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Rondar Raceboats is celebrated in the sailing world for its unwavering commitment to building fast, high-quality one-design race boats. Their reputation is built on precision, consistency, and a deep understanding of what makes a boat perform on the racecourse. This specialization means that Rondar boats are not merely recreational vessels but finely tuned machines designed to win championships.
A signature aspect of Rondar's design philosophy is the focus on optimized hull shapes and robust construction. Many of their models feature advanced self-draining epoxy hulls, a testament to their pursuit of efficiency and practicality in racing conditions. Furthermore, features like comfortable cockpit designs with no protruding hardware and no sharp edges, seen in models like the Viper 640, highlight their attention to crew ergonomics and safety during demanding racing.
While Rondar is primarily a builder, they frequently collaborate with renowned naval architects and class associations to produce boats to exacting one-design specifications. Notably, they have worked closely with legendary designer Bruce Kirby, known for the Laser and Sonar, taking on the ongoing production of the Sonar class. They also build the iconic Firefly, a class designed by Uffa Fox. This collaborative approach ensures that Rondar's craftsmanship brings the vision of top naval architects to life, maintaining the integrity and performance characteristics of each one-design class.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Rondar Raceboats has been instrumental in the success of numerous one-design classes, producing boats that have achieved significant victories and sustained vibrant racing communities. Some of their most iconic models include:
- Viper 640: Appointed as the class builder in late 2005, Rondar's Viper 640 is a high-performance sportboat that has become a World Sailing Class. It is recognized for making high-performance sailing accessible to a wider audience.
- International 505: A highly successful and globally recognized two-person racing dinghy, Rondar's 505s have a strong record of winning national and international championships.
- K6: An innovative keelboat designed for 2 or 3 crew, the K6 exemplifies Rondar's commitment to diverse racing platforms.
- Firefly: Rondar has been a significant builder of the Firefly, a classic one-design dinghy designed by Uffa Fox in 1938. The company has built over 650 of the more than 4,250 Fireflies produced, contributing significantly to the class's enduring popularity, especially in team racing and collegiate sailing.
- Squib: In recent years, Rondar has partnered with the National Squib Owners Association (NSOA) as the designated builder for the Squib, a well-established national keelboat class in the UK, further solidifying their role in supporting active racing fleets.
- Sonar: Rondar produces the 23-foot Sonar one-design keelboat, a World Sailing Class designed by Bruce Kirby, renowned for its versatility in racing, team racing, and even Paralympic sailing.
- Enterprise and College 420: Rondar also builds these popular dinghy classes, contributing to their widespread use in club racing and training.
While Rondar's primary focus is on one-design racing, their commitment to producing championship-winning boats has cemented their legacy as a builder synonymous with speed, reliability, and precision.
The Builder Today
Today, Rondar Raceboats Limited continues its operations from Wiltshire, UK, under the leadership of Managing Director Paul Young. The company remains a key player in the global market for one-design racing boats, appealing to serious racers, sailing clubs, and class associations seeking top-tier performance and durable construction. Their ongoing commitment to technical development and strong relationships with class associations underscore their dedication to the sport.
The ownership experience of a Rondar boat is characterized by access to a highly specialized builder with staff actively involved in racing the classes they build. This intimate understanding of the boats and their racing environment translates into personalized service and robust support for their customers and agents across the UK, Europe, and the USA. This hands-on approach fosters a strong sense of community among Rondar owners, who are often dedicated participants in the vibrant one-design racing scene.
