Fifty year old Lymington boatbuilders Jeremy Rogers Ltd remains family run business
After a half
century of building the iconic Contessa range of yachts, one of the
UK's best known boat builders, Jeremy Rogers, is handing the
management of the business over to his son Kit. But he will remain
very much part of the team and on hand to offer advice and vision
earned from a life time of boat building and racing.
Having apprenticed as a boat builder under the watchful eye of
Jack Chippendale, Jeremy set up the business in 1961, and within
ten years had one of the most successful boat manufacturing
companies in Britain.
By the late 70s and early 80s the company included five
purpose-built factories in central Lymington and a workforce of
nearly 200 employees. Production included Contessas ranging in size
from the traditional Contessa 26' to the Doug Peterson designed
grand prix 35s, 39s and 43s, many of which were exported to a
worldwide market eager for his innovative and beautifully finished
yachts.
Jeremy has had an illustrious sailing career to match - named
Yachtsman of the Year in 1974, winning Admiral's Cup and One Ton
Cup campaigns and, more recently, being three times winner of the
Gold Roman Bowl in the Round The Island Race. Last year he was
honoured with the Ocean Cruising Club's Award of Merit.
"I'm delighted that Kit is coming on board. He was a skipper
himself for many years and can relate to the technical issues our
customers have. He has great integrity and is also a pleasure to
deal with. I know the customers will like him - he'll do a great
job" said Jeremy.
Today the Jeremy Rogers' boat yard is at Lymington Yacht Haven,
where the team carries out boat repairs and maintenance and bespoke
refurbishments. The company also builds new Contessa 32s to order
and manufactures the award winning Atlas Carbon Davit.
"It's a really exciting time" said Kit Rogers. "I'm working on
expanding the composites side of the business and want to take
better advantage of our waterside location to offer all aspects of
boat repair and maintenance to our customers. I want people to know
that we are competitive and that we deal with all boats, not just
Contessas - and not just sailing boats."
For more details visit Jeremy Rogers website www.jeremyrogers.co.uk