Sun Yachts Ltd.: A Chapter in British Boating History
Nestled on Fairmile Wharf, Owens Way, Danes Hill, Gillingham, Kent, Sun Yachts Ltd. was a British boat builder that, while no longer in operation, contributed to the landscape of UK sailing during its active years. Information regarding the company's complete history, including its precise founding and closure dates, remains scarce in public records. However, its legacy is primarily tied to a single, notable sailboat model: the Sunray 21.
Sun Yachts Ltd. operated from its base in Gillingham, Kent, a region with a rich maritime tradition. The company's existence as a boat builder is most strongly associated with the production of the Sunray 21, a design that first entered the market in 1971. While specific details about the company's founders, their vision, or early operations are not widely documented, its presence at Fairmile Wharf suggests a focus on practical boat building within the local marine industry.
It appears Sun Yachts Ltd. was involved in the construction of the Sunray 21 alongside other entities. Records indicate that the Sunray 21 was built by "Cobramold Ltd./Sun Yachts Ltd. (UK)" and also by "Intermarine Ltd of Gillingham," suggesting either a collaborative manufacturing effort or a succession of builders producing the same popular design. This arrangement was not uncommon for smaller boat designs where molds and production rights might transfer between companies.
The Sunray 21: A Singular Legacy
The Sunray 21 stands as the most recognized output of Sun Yachts Ltd. This compact masthead sloop was designed by the prolific British maritime architect Arthur C. Howard. Howard was also known for other successful small sailboat designs, including the Leisure 17 and the Sunspot 15.
With an overall length of 20.75 feet (6.32 meters), the Sunray 21 was designed as a versatile small cruiser, appealing to individuals or families seeking an accessible entry into sailing. A key characteristic of the Sunray 21 was its availability in both single fin keel and twin keel versions, offering flexibility for different sailing preferences and tidal conditions. Reports from owners and enthusiasts often highlight its stable handling and respectable performance for its size, a testament to Howard's design. Given its production era and typical practices for boats of its type, the Sunray 21 was almost certainly constructed using fiberglass, a material that revolutionized boat building in the latter half of the 20th century due to its durability and ease of maintenance.
Design Philosophy and Craftsmanship
While a comprehensive design philosophy for Sun Yachts Ltd. itself is not well-documented, the company's association with the Sunray 21 points to a focus on practical, well-mannered small cruising yachts. Arthur C. Howard's designs were generally known for being robust, forgiving, and suitable for the British coastal waters. The Sunray 21 embodied these characteristics, aiming to provide a safe and enjoyable sailing experience for its owners. The production by multiple builders for the same design also suggests a demand for a reliable and affordable boat.
End of an Era
Sun Yachts Ltd. is no longer in business. The exact circumstances and date of its cessation of operations are not readily available in public records. The company's legacy, therefore, rests almost entirely on its contribution to the production of the Arthur C. Howard-designed Sunray 21. It is important to distinguish this defunct Gillingham-based company from the currently active "Sun Yachts" operating in the Channel Islands, which was formed in 2014 by Simon Hughes and focuses on yacht sales, brokerage, and management services. Sun Yachts Ltd. of Gillingham represents a small but tangible part of the diverse history of British boat building.
