Tartan Yachts and the Catalina fallout

By Tim Labute, Practical Sailor editor
Tartan Yachts is one of the most respected names in American sailboat building — but in recent years, the brand found itself caught in the wake of the Catalina Yachts controversy and a rapid wave of industry consolidation. In a video report, we take a deep dive into the full Tartan story: from its early roots at Douglass & McLeod, to the devastating 1971 factory fire that reshaped the company, to the legendary boats that made sailors fiercely loyal to the brand.

We explore why models like the Tartan 27 became classics, how Tartan earned a reputation for conservative engineering and advanced composites, and why so many sailors believe these boats are built to last. We also break down what happened when Michael Reardon acquired multiple American sailboat manufacturers, how the Catalina fallout raised concerns across the sailing world, and how Tartan ultimately emerged under new ownership — avoiding deeper turmoil that affected other brands.

This is not a boat review. It’s an industry story about American boatbuilding, ownership risk, legacy brands, and why Tartan Yachts still matters today for sailors, buyers, and owners alike. Whether you’re a longtime Tartan owner, considering buying a used Tartan sailboat, or trying to understand what’s happening in the modern sailboat industry, this report gives you the context you won’t find in sales brochures or forum rumors.