From its humble beginnings in a silversmith's workshop to its modern incarnation as a respected marine builder, Rossiter Yachts, now Rossiter Marine Ltd., has carved a distinct niche in the British yachting landscape. With a history spanning over eight decades, the company has consistently delivered boats renowned for their quality, traditional aesthetics, and seaworthiness, adeptly navigating the transition from classic wooden construction to the integration of modern materials.
The Origin Story
The genesis of Rossiter Yachts lies in the passion of Charles Purbrook, a silversmith by trade, who in 1936 embarked on building a clinker sailing dinghy for his personal use. Before its completion, the dinghy found a buyer, inadvertently setting Purbrook on a new course. With the assistance of his long-serving foreman, Tom Kerley, Purbrook's boatbuilding endeavors soon overshadowed his silversmithing. These early "Coot class" dinghies gained popularity, leading Purbrook to establish a dedicated boatyard on the tranquil River Avon at Christchurch in 1938. Just prior to World War II, Purbrook designed and built an 18-foot half-decked dayboat, which he christened Shelduck.
A pivotal moment arrived in 1949 with the arrival of Hugh Rossiter, a trained naval architect with practical experience in ship and boat building. Rossiter joined the firm as it was developing the 22-foot Heron. In 1951, Hugh Rossiter took the helm from Charles Purbrook, continuing the tradition of building wooden boats to the firm's established designs.
History and Evolution
Under Hugh Rossiter's leadership, the company continued to refine its wooden boat designs. A significant milestone was reached in 1962 when Hugh Rossiter designed the 27-foot Pintail. This model proved to be a popular design, built in wood until 1970. The increasing demand for fiberglass boats in the late 1960s prompted Rossiter Yachts to embrace new materials, leading to Pintail hulls being molded in Glass Reinforced Plastic (GRP) from 1970 onwards. Crucially, the company did not abandon its roots, creating in the new Pintail an "attractive blend of glassfibre and wood," a testament to their adaptability and respect for traditional aesthetics.
The evolution continued with the design of a 32-foot boat in 1979, drawing upon the firm's extensive experience gained from the Shelducks, Herons, and Pintails. This new design, named Curlew, saw its first iteration built in traditional carvel planking in 1980, followed quickly by GRP versions from 1981, with production continuing until 1996. This dual-material approach underscored Rossiter's commitment to both classic craftsmanship and modern efficiency.
In a move to modernize and ensure the company's future, 2018 marked a significant corporate change: Rossiter Yachts Ltd. merged with Christchurch Marine, officially becoming Rossiter Marine Ltd..
Design Philosophy and Identity
Rossiter Yachts has cultivated a reputation for producing seaworthy and well-built sailing vessels, initially deeply rooted in traditional wooden construction. Their design philosophy has consistently emphasized a blend of classic lines with practical cruising capabilities. While they transitioned to GRP for hull construction, they maintained an identity that often incorporated wood in the superstructure and interiors, creating a distinctive aesthetic that appealed to those who valued classic looks with modern durability.
The boats were generally known for being robust and stable, exemplified by models like the Curlew 32, described as a "heavy sailboat which is under powered" but "very stable / stiff and has an excellent righting capability if capsized". The designs reflect a focus on comfortable family cruising and practical day sailing. Key naval architects and designers associated with the company include its founders: Charles Purbrook and Hugh Rossiter. Hugh Rossiter, in particular, was the designer behind the Pintail and Curlew models.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Rossiter Yachts has produced several memorable models that have contributed to its legacy:
- Coot Class Dinghies: These clinker sailing dinghies were the very first boats built by Charles Purbrook and were instrumental in establishing the company in 1936. The "pram" style design of the Coot provided significant capacity in a short length, making them handy yacht tenders.
- Shelduck (18 ft): Designed by Charles Purbrook just before the war, the Shelduck was an 18-foot half-decked dayboat, some of which were later converted into cabin launches.
- Heron (22 ft): Introduced around 1949, the 22-foot Heron was a significant design, sometimes attributed to both Purbrook and Rossiter, and available with options like bilge keels and various wood constructions (Iroko, Elm, or Mahogany).
- Pintail (27 ft): Designed by Hugh Rossiter in 1962, the 27-foot Pintail was a pivotal model, initially built in wood before transitioning to GRP hulls in 1970. It's a heavy displacement, fractionally rigged sloop known for its robust quality and seaworthiness. Some later models even featured traditional wooden gaff rigging.
- Curlew (32 ft): The 32-foot Curlew, designed by Hugh Rossiter in 1979, represented the culmination of the firm's design experience. It was offered in both traditional carvel wood and GRP, produced from 1980 to 1996. The Curlew 32 is known for its stability and strong righting capability.
The Builder Today
Today, Rossiter Yachts operates as Rossiter Marine Ltd. following its merger with Christchurch Marine in 2018. The company maintains an active status with its registered office in Christchurch, UK. While the historic focus was on sailing yachts, the "Rossiter Boats" brand now also seems to encompass a range of luxury powerboats, emphasizing composite construction and modern design, expanding their appeal to a broader market segment. They have expanded their dealer network, indicating continued growth and reach within the marine industry. The modern Rossiter boats aim to blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary materials and technology, appealing to those who appreciate a quality build and sophisticated design.
