The International Sunfish Class Association announced the selection of Zim Sailing, Bristol, Rhode Island, as a new builder and supplier of class-approved boats and parts, which will come as welcome news to devotees of the classic centerboard dinghy introduced in 1952 and still racing globally.
According to a statement from Zim Sailing, class-legal boats will be built at its facilities in Bristol, alongside their other offerings (Flying Juniors, and their 420E). Zim is also currently building ILCAs, and is reported to be in the final approval stages with World Sailing before ramping up full production of US-built ILCAs.
The appointment of Zim Sailing is seen as a long overdue development for US and South American Sunfish sailors and dealers who’ve been challenged with supply issues over the past few years, with regard to boats and parts. Zim Sailing also brings to table an extensive dealer network and the ability to support events, as it does with its other institutional classes and recreational boats.
“Zim Sailing is thrilled to take up this exciting opportunity to bring production of a classic
sailboat back to Rhode Island,” said George Yioulos, Zim Sailing CEO. “Our team is extremely
excited and are already working hard to hit the ground running. We look forward to supporting the thousands of sailors already sailing ISCA boats, and long term being good stewards of this historic class.”
According to the release, Zim’s in-house production team is already advanced for production to begin next year, and if the sample builds are approved by the class and World Sailing, boats and parts should be available by the summer of 2025. Pricing is not finalized, but the builder says, “it is expected that prices will be similar to current.”
The International Sunfish Class Association met at its World Council meeting held in
Heath, Texas, at the recently concluded World Championship to approve Zim’s builder status. “They will be producing a top-quality boat that will be competitive with our existing class-approved boats, which will help accelerate the class’ current growth,” said ICSA president, Guillermo Cappelleti. “And with manufacturing in the US, distribution to our core markets of North, Central and South American will be simpler, faster and more efficient.”
Zim, the release states, “will support the class by providing charter boats at the North Americans, Worlds, and other events. There will also be a certification fee paid on boats and equipment, which will be used to help grow the class.”
