The story of Robertson and Caine’s journey to success proves once again that a good reputation and strong networks are crucial when you start a new company.
It has launched more than 1 300 sailing catamarans and done over 8m blue water ocean miles of deliveries from South Africa. Its Leopard range has won numerous accolades, including the Cruising World Boat of the Year: Best Charter Boat in 2017, Best Full-Size Multihull Boat in 2013 and Best Cruising Multihull, Best Import Boat and Best Multihull Boat of the Year in 2012. But it has not always been smooth sailing.
What did you do before you and Jerry started Robertson and Caine?
Sailing has been part of me for as long as I can remember. My dad was a sailor and I grew up in a house not far away from the yacht club at Zeekoevlei, which is a great playground for sailors, windsurfers and water sports enthusiasts. I learnt dinghy sailing there and as I grew older, progressed to keelboat racing. After school, in addition to racing, I built a couple of boats – dinghies and Dabchicks – on the side.
My biggest breakthrough was building the 30-foot racing yacht Impact, along with one of my sailing partners and mentor, Bobby Bongers. Impact was revolutionary, signalling a shift from heavy displacement to lighter boats. We kept the boat for a year or two and won all the top regattas and even a few inland races on the Vaal Dam with it.
Why did you start your own yacht building company?
This story is from the 20 April 2017 edition of Finweek English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 20 April 2017 edition of Finweek English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.
Making money from music
Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.
Conviction is key
Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.
The post-pandemic toolkit
How CFOs can use technology to support growth.
Big city living exodus
Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.
Big compact, big value
Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.
On barriers to entry
There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.
Fear and greed in one index
To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.
