Celebrating 75 Years
Outstanding yachtsman and racing sailor Rolly Tasker from Australia had a clear vision when he founded his sail-making business 75 years ago: To provide best quality sails for fair and affordable prices to his customers. This idea evolved from his wide-ranging racing and offshore sailing career in which he left some 340,000 nautical miles in his wake.
Rolly passed away 13 years ago at 86 years of age but this perception remains at the heart of Rolly Tasker Sails to this day and is still driving the company. Rolly said that when he died, he wanted nothing to change. His greatest wish was for the company to continue growing, supplying high quality products.
Over 30 Years Ago, the Australian Sailmaker Found Home in Phuket
For over 30 years now, Rolly Tasker Sails are located in Phuket, Thailand. A busy hub for global bluewater sailors and also home to a strong local sailing community, this is where Rolly created what was then, and probably still is, the largest purpose-built sail-loft in the world. However, one important key to success is the loyal and dedicated workforce here. Many employees have now been with the company for well over 20 years, with a wealth of experience, while younger professionals are also joining in. This enthusiastic team of experts combine modern production technology with time-honoured handcraft, making thousands of sails each year that are shipped to happy customers all over the world.
Long-term CEO Sven Cornelius is the New Owner of Rolly Tasker Sails
Only recently, Rolly Tasker Sails changed ownership but remains an individually owned private company, retaining close personal ties with the founder’s family. This in contrast to other major international sailmakers, who mostly belong to large corporations or investment companies. “We are completely independent and make all our own choices and business decisions, and are only responsible to ourselves and our customers. We have all resources in-house and all these assets are the company’s property”, said Sven Cornelius, the new owner.
Sven is a passionate yachtsman from Germany who has served as CEO of the company since 2016, having before already been active in its management since 2010. Having been trained by Rolly, Sven is a very close personal friend of the family.
The New Owner is a Passionate Sailor
Sven, who is a sailor since childhood and holds a degree in international management studies, was trained as sailmaker by Rolly. He has now bought the company from Rolly’s widow, Kerry Tasker, acting on a management buy-out option that the Tasker family had already installed for him many years ago. As it was for Rolly, sailing is much more than a hobby for Sven, it is his life. He sails competitively but also with his family on his home-waters of the North Sea.
As for the company, Rolly Tasker Sails is going stronger than ever in its 75th year. Prospects are good, with Sven heading a strong group of international sail-making professionals.
Exciting New Sail Designs, Advanced Fabrics, But no Change of Mission
Maybe even more importantly, customers also value the potential of the ongoing sail development at Rolly Tasker. With a solid foundation of a 75-year experience in sail-making, Rolly Tasker Sails now is driven by an enthusiastic team of young professionals determined to take the company to a new level, yet within the founder’s original vision.
“This is a challenge that all of us at Rolly Tasker Sails are happy to take on”, said Sven. “Moving the company into the future while at the same time retaining our roots. Which is to provide top quality sails for truly affordable prices to our customers.” Sail designs, materials and fabrics may change over the decades. But this mission will remain at the core of Rolly Tasker Sails.
