Waterline Systems, LLC was founded in 1988 by Randy Borges, a passionate sailor and seasoned boat builder. Borges's original vision for the company was clear and performance-driven: to specialize in building and optimizing sailboats, with a core focus on making them sail faster. This commitment to speed and efficiency set the tone for the company's future endeavors in the marine industry. While details of a singular "first boat" designed entirely by Waterline Systems are not widely publicized, their initial work revolved around enhancing and constructing high-performance sailing vessels from the outset.
History and Evolution
From its inception in 1988, Waterline Systems carved out a significant niche in the boat-building and grand-prix sailing landscape. Headquartered in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and later expanding operations to North Carolina, the company became a fixture for its expertise in boat building, repair, and performance optimization. Over its nearly three decades of operation, Waterline Systems gained a reputation for precision and quality. However, the company ceased operations in 2017, with all assets and remaining inventory sold off.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Waterline Systems cultivated a strong reputation in the sailing world for its dedication to speed and quality construction. The company was known for its ability to optimize existing sailboat designs and for its meticulous construction techniques. They were recognized builders of popular lines such as Alerion sailboats and North Rip center consoles.
A testament to their building prowess, Waterline Systems collaborated with some of the industry's most respected naval architects and class associations. They were instrumental in the construction of a variety of iconic racing and cruising yachts, including the Colgate 26, the highly competitive Farr 40 One-Design, and several models for J/Boats, such as the J/105. Their work often involved precision in composite construction, contributing to the performance characteristics of these demanding designs. The company also had the rights to exclusively use the C&C Yachts name, although they did not intend to build C&C yachts themselves.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Waterline Systems' legacy is most strongly tied to the high-performance sailboats they constructed for various well-known brands and classes. Key among these were:
- Colgate 26: Waterline Systems became the builder for this popular training and racing sailboat, known for its robust construction and approachable performance.
- Farr 40 One-Design: Their involvement with the Farr 40, a highly competitive global one-design class, underscored their capability in building grand-prix level racing yachts that required strict adherence to class rules and exceptional build quality.
- J/Boat Models (e.g., J/105): Waterline Systems was a significant builder for the globally recognized J/Boats brand, producing models like the J/105, which are celebrated for their blend of performance and comfortable cruising attributes.
Through these projects, Waterline Systems played a crucial role in delivering high-quality, performance-oriented sailboats to a discerning market, making a tangible impact on both the racing and recreational sailing scenes.
The Builder Today
As of 2017, Waterline Systems, LLC, officially closed its doors, and its assets were sold. This marked the end of an era for the Rhode Island-based builder that had been a consistent presence in the performance sailboat market since 1988. The closure meant that all remaining inventory was sold off. While the physical entity of Waterline Systems no longer exists, its contribution to the marine industry endures through the many well-built and high-performing yachts that continue to sail under their provenance. The commitment to quality and speed championed by founder Randy Borges remains a part of the rich tapestry of yacht building history.