Xtreme Sailing Products opened its doors in 1993, founded by partners Tim Ross and Paul, who were both active and competitive sailors based in Perth, Australia. Their shared enthusiasm for the sport and a vision to make quality sailcraft accessible at an exceptional price formed the bedrock of the company. While the specific first boat built by Xtreme Sailing Products is not explicitly detailed, their early focus was firmly on producing high-quality dinghies, aiming to expand participation in sailing through well-built and affordable vessels.
History and Evolution
From its Australian roots, Xtreme Sailing Products established a significant operational presence in Singapore, setting up an office at the National Sailing Centre. This strategic move recognized Singapore's pivotal role as one of the world's largest container shipping hubs, enabling efficient global distribution of their products and parts. Over the years, Xtreme Sailing Products has grown into a major player in the global dinghy market, proudly becoming one of the top three manufacturers of dinghies worldwide, having built over 500 quality sailboats. Beyond boat building, the company diversified its services to include boat repairs, a comprehensive chandlery stocked with parts for small boats, regatta support, and technical assistance, solidifying its role as a complete service provider for the sailing community.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Xtreme Sailing Products has cultivated a strong reputation for producing robust, high-performance, and training dinghies that adhere strictly to international class rules. Their core identity is rooted in providing "quality sailcraft at an exceptional price," a mission aimed at expanding the sport of sailing. While they are manufacturers rather than original designers of most of their iconic models, they collaborate with the designers of the classes they produce. This includes Julian Bethwaite, the designer of the high-performance 29er skiff, and Clark Mills, who designed the universally popular Optimist dinghy. Xtreme's expertise lies in their precision manufacturing, ensuring that each boat meets the rigorous standards required for competitive sailing and durable training.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Xtreme Sailing Products' legacy is intrinsically linked to some of the most significant and widely sailed dinghy classes in the world. They are a key manufacturer of the 29er, a dynamic youth skiff designed by Julian Bethwaite, which has seen over 1400 boats sold worldwide across various builders. Another cornerstone of their production is the 420 dinghy, a widely used two-person training and racing boat.
The company also plays a crucial role in the global Optimist fleet, providing parts and notably producing their "Xtreme Black" Optimist. The Optimist, designed by Clark Mills in 1947, is revered as the most popular youth sailing boat globally, with over 150,000 units sold worldwide by various manufacturers. Furthermore, Xtreme Sailing Products is involved with the International Cadet, a highly successful two-person training dinghy for young sailors. By focusing on these universally recognized and beloved one-design classes, Xtreme Sailing Products has profoundly impacted the marine industry by making high-quality, class-legal boats accessible to a broad spectrum of sailors, from beginners to aspiring Olympians. They also extend their manufacturing capabilities to include a full range of racing and touring kayaks.
The Builder Today
Today, Xtreme Sailing Products continues to thrive under the leadership of its founding partners, Tim Ross and Paul, who remain the current owners and have maintained a consistent management team since the company's inception. Their primary operational hub remains at the National Sailing Centre in Singapore, serving as a vital retail office and chandlery. Xtreme Sailing Products continues to appeal to a diverse demographic, from young sailors embarking on their first lessons in an Optimist to competitive racers pushing the limits in a 29er. Their commitment to providing quality boats, essential parts, and comprehensive regatta support ensures a robust ownership experience. The community around Xtreme's boats is primarily built within the vibrant international one-design class associations, fostering strong connections among sailors who share a passion for these iconic dinghies.
