SOCA Sailboats Ltd. emerged on the marine landscape of Trinidad and Tobago in 1996, though its roots can be traced back to 1995 with the vision of founder Paul Amon, known affectionately as "English". Operating from Building #13 Fernandes Industrial Center in Laventille, Trinidad, Amon, a passionate sailor and boat owner, established the company with a clear focus on building high-performance sailing vessels. While specific details of their very first boat are not widely documented, SOCA Sailboats quickly became known for constructing a particular class of racing yachts, setting the tone for their specialized output.
History and Evolution
SOCA Sailboats Ltd.'s operational history spanned nearly two decades, from its inception in 1996 until it ceased operations in 2015. During this period, the company carved out a niche for itself as a builder of competitive sailboats, particularly the Henderson 30. Paul Amon himself campaigned several boats, including "Hooligan," "Soca," "Trini Soca," and "Drunken Monkey," underscoring the company's strong connection to the racing community.
A significant transition occurred around 2015, when SOCA Sailboats Ltd. concluded its direct operations. The legacy and expertise, however, were not lost. A new entity, Caribbean Carbon Works Ltd., emerged as its successor. This transition reflects a continued commitment to advanced boat building, with Caribbean Carbon Works focusing on composite construction, likely leveraging the knowledge and skills honed during the SOCA era. Paul Amon continues to be associated with Caribbean Carbon Works, located within the facilities of Peake Yacht Services in Chaguaramas, Trinidad.
Design Philosophy and Identity
SOCA Sailboats Ltd. gained a reputation in the regional sailing world for its dedication to building performance-oriented racing sailboats. Unlike builders of comfortable cruisers or luxury yachts, SOCA focused on vessels designed for speed and competitive sailing. Their primary offerings, such as the Henderson 30, exemplified this philosophy. The Henderson 30 is a well-regarded racing design, and SOCA's production of around 30 units of this model indicates a commitment to delivering boats optimized for regattas and serious competition. Furthermore, SOCA Sailboats also built Melges 32s, another class known for its high-performance characteristics and competitive racing. While specific in-house naval architects are not prominently listed, the company's work with established one-design classes like the Henderson 30 and Melges 32 suggests a proficiency in working to precise design specifications for performance.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The most significant and successful models in SOCA Sailboats Ltd.'s history are undoubtedly the Henderson 30 and the Melges 32. The Henderson 30, a popular sportboat, saw approximately 30 units produced by SOCA, making it a cornerstone of their production. These boats were instrumental in regional racing circuits, contributing to a vibrant competitive sailing scene in the Caribbean. By building these specific, high-performance designs, SOCA Sailboats played a crucial role in providing local and regional sailors with access to modern, competitive racing platforms. The company's focus on these types of boats cemented its legacy as a builder for serious racers.
The Builder Today
While SOCA Sailboats Ltd. is no longer operational under its original name, its spirit and expertise have evolved into Caribbean Carbon Works Ltd. This successor company, also based in Trinidad at Peake Yacht Services, continues to contribute to the marine industry, with Paul Amon remaining a key figure. Caribbean Carbon Works' name suggests a specialization in advanced composite materials, indicating a modern approach to boat construction and repair. The company appeals to clients seeking high-quality composite work, potentially for custom projects, racing boat modifications, or advanced repairs, building on the foundation of performance and precision established by SOCA Sailboats. The strong presence of Peake Yacht Services, a significant marine hub in the Caribbean, provides a robust infrastructure for such specialized operations.
