In the specialized world of high-performance multihulls, SL Performance Race Boats GmbH carved a significant niche, swiftly establishing itself as a builder synonymous with cutting-edge design and blistering speed. Founded in 2008 by the ambitious duo of Ralph Schatz and Andreas Labek, this German company set out with a clear vision: to create some of the fastest sailing machines on the water.
The Origin Story
The genesis of SL Performance Race Boats GmbH can be traced back to 2008 in Schorndorf, Germany, the year Ralph Schatz and Andreas Labek formally established their venture. While specific details about their individual backgrounds prior to founding the company are limited, Andreas Labek is clearly identified as a key designer for their flagship model, the SL33. Ralph Schatz's involvement suggests a complementary business acumen, with his broader portfolio including ventures beyond marine construction, such as real estate. Their combined expertise and passion for high-speed sailing laid the groundwork for a company focused on pushing the boundaries of multihull performance.
The company's defining early project, and arguably its very first significant vessel, was the SL33 catamaran. Launched in the same year as the company's founding, the SL33 immediately embodied SL Performance Race Boats' ambitious vision. It was conceived with a singular goal: to be the fastest boat under 40 feet, designed to dominate major open regattas worldwide.
Design Philosophy and Identity
SL Performance Race Boats GmbH rapidly gained a reputation for its uncompromising dedication to performance. Their identity was intrinsically linked to building state-of-the-art racing machines, specifically high-performance catamarans. The core of their design philosophy revolved around achieving maximum speed and efficiency.
A crucial aspect of their success stemmed from a powerful collaboration with renowned naval architecture firm Morrelli & Melvin Design and Engineering (MM Design) for the SL33. This partnership, combined with the input of Labek, Ridley, and Sanderson, ensured that the SL33 incorporated advanced hydrodynamics and aerodynamics. The SL33 showcased versatility, designed to be sailed with either a traditional mast and soft sails or, notably, a wing rig, offering adaptability for various racing conditions and technological advancements. Furthermore, the evolution of the SL33 saw it transition into a fully foiling one-design, embracing the paradigm shift towards aerial sailing in high-performance multihulls. This commitment to innovation and speed cemented SL Performance Race Boats' standing among elite race boat builders.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The undisputed centerpiece of SL Performance Race Boats GmbH's legacy is the SL33 catamaran. Launched in 2008, it quickly became an icon in the realm of grand prix catamarans. Designed for extreme performance, the SL33 lived up to its promise, achieving "great successes in major races" within its first three years of development. Its prowess was further validated when Team New Zealand, a powerhouse in America's Cup racing, acquired two SL33s, utilizing them for training and development. This adoption by a top-tier America's Cup team was a significant endorsement of the SL33's design and performance capabilities.
While SailboatData.com primarily lists the SL33 as the prominent model from SL Performance Race Boats GmbH, this reflects the company's highly specialized and focused approach. Their impact wasn't measured by a vast fleet of diverse models, but rather by the cutting-edge performance and influence of their singular, highly successful design, which pushed the boundaries for sub-40-foot racing catamarans. The SL33's design, emphasizing lightweight construction and advanced sailing dynamics, left a lasting impression on the high-performance multihull racing circuit.
Evolution and The Builder Today
The operational structure of the company saw an evolution over time. While originally known as SL Performance Race Boats GmbH, company records indicate a name change to RSS Performance GmbH around 2018, with the earlier entity being part of this transition. Ralph-Steffen Schatz remains actively involved in the management of RSS Performance GmbH. However, Andreas Labek, one of the original founders, is noted to have transitioned out of a managing director role for the entity that became RSS Performance GmbH.
This evolution suggests a continuity of the core business, likely maintaining a focus on high-performance marine projects under the new banner. The establishment of "RSS Performance Swiss GmbH" in 2023, also with Ralph Schatz in management, further indicates a continued presence and perhaps expansion in the high-performance marine sector.
Today, the spirit of SL Performance Race Boats GmbH, carried forward by RSS Performance, continues to appeal to an exclusive clientele of elite racers and discerning high-performance enthusiasts. These are owners who demand the pinnacle of speed, precision, and advanced engineering in their sailing craft, seeking competitive advantage on the racecourse. While detailed information on current specific boat models beyond the SL33 under the RSS Performance name is not readily available, the ongoing presence and historical commitment to innovation suggest a continued, albeit specialized, contribution to the world of high-performance yachting. The legacy of speed and groundbreaking design, epitomized by the SL33, remains a hallmark of their contribution to the marine industry.
