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Jeremy Rogers

Company Profile

Better known today for the Contessa 32, during his long career Jeremy Rogers has probably been responsible for the construction of more yachts than any other boatbuilder in Britain. He built his first dinghy at the age of ten, and he set up in business at the age of 22 after serving his apprenticeship as a traditional wooden boatbuilder. Much as he loves wooden boats, he was one of the first to appreciate the potential of grp, and he went first of all into production of grp dinghies, followed in 1966 by a modified grp Folkboat called the Contessa 26. This was an instant success, as was the subsequent 32 footer, voted the London Boat of the Show in 1972. By the late 70s and early 80s Jeremy's company included five purpose-built factories in Lymington and a workforce of nearly 200 employees. Production included Contessas ranging in size from the traditional 26 to the Doug Peterson designed grand prix 35s, 39s and 43s, many of which were exported to a world-wide market eager for his innovative and beautifully finished yachts.