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Gerald Simons · 19-03-2003, 10:12

Sail Magazine here in the USA (April 2003 issue) has a good article about the yacht building industry on the island of Orust.

Gisle · 19-03-2003, 10:23

Quote:

Originally posted by Gerald Simons
Sail Magazine here in the USA (April 2003 issue) has a good article about the yacht building industry on the island of Orust.

Yeah, my neighbours in the east (Sweden is east of Norway) can be proud of their yacht building industry. I've been to the island Orust myself. The Najaad warf was much smaller than I thought.

Can you tell us briefly what the article is about Gerald?

Gerald Simons · 19-03-2003, 23:28

Hi Gisle, I hope I do the article justice and cover all main points and names. Feel free to edit where need be.

Article goes in to the history of the industry on Orust which apparently had the tradition of locals being small-scale farmers in the summer and during winter, were wooden boat builders. Starts with Johannes Olsson and sons moving to the island in 1939 who began producing rowing boats. By the late 40's operations had evolved into primarily building motorboats. Johannes then designed and built a 20ft lapstrake sailboat which became popular for racing in the west coast of Sweden.

Also goes into the endeavours of Harry Hallberg and Christoph Rassy and beginnings and growth of Najad, Malo Yachts, Goteborg based Selden Mast and Boat Sales International.

The aticle illustrates not only were they (and are) Artisans, but also clever at business by many moving into the use of fiberglass, coming up with innovative design ideas, and all having a keen understanding of what the market is after.

ekelunden · 15-02-2005, 05:23

Hello!

Sitting and smile when I read this, Yes Orust is a gorgeous place to visit.
In the autumn all warf in Orust have a nice weekend they call “Open Warf”. And it exactly that, people have an opportunity to visit all warf and look when they build all the beautiful boats. It’s also a exhibition outdoors there you can see and buy all kind of marine stuff.

Best regards

Lasse
S/Y Dromara

boggie · 29-01-2012, 12:01

how long is from Gotemburg to Orust by car? Do you have bus or trains to there?

goboatingnow · 29-01-2012, 12:10

about an hour (or so ) from Goteborg to Orust good roads up reasonably close and then winding ( pretty) roads over bridges to the island, watch for the radar detectors!

I was at the Rassy open day a few years ago , very very good weekend and all the other yards exhibit their wares, though was disappointed Malo didnt open the factory.

dave