Rototek on the crest of a wave

Dinghies use three-layer construction with foam middle layer

The 10,000th dinghy has rolled off the production line of Newark-based technical rotational moulder Rototek.

Four classes of vessel have been manufactured by Rototek for Chandlers Ford-based RS Sailing since 2002. They have been exported across the world. Rototek is the only UK rotomoulder of dinghies for RS – which employs 23 staff and sells 1,300 boats a year to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Australia and South America.

The milestone 10,000th dinghy was an RS Feva, and its completion coincided with the start of the Feva World Championships at Hayling Island. The regatta, with 180 boats from 14 countries, was won by Italian duo Leonardo Stocchero and Gianluca Virgenti on 27 July.

As well as the Feva, Rototek makes the Tera, Quba and Vision vessels. The four types are RS’s best sellers. Each boat is made in a specially engineered mould and constructed in three layers – using a foam middle layer with a view to extra strength and buoyancy. A hard, high-density polyurethane outer skin protects the boat from scratching and other damage.

Rototek uses computerised sensors to ensure that exactly the right amounts of heat and air are applied to create the foam layer perfectly for each dinghy.

RS’s UK production manager Rob Hopper says: “We chose Rototek because they use the best materials and cutting-edge machinery. Production is reliable and without hassle, and all the boats are 100% recyclable.

“Rotational moulding gives us quick production turnrounds, very durable boats and at a great price. Rototek is a joy to deal day-to-day – a real partner for our business.”

The next major event to feature the Rototek-made boats will the RS Tera World Championships, which will take place on 6 August at Lake Iseo, Italy.