Change of distributor contested for RS Sailing
The dinghy and keelboat brand RS Sailing has experienced significant growth since the early 2010s. Due to the success of its yachts, it has begun a reorganization of its worldwide distribution network, leading to a new structure in 2020. Represented on the Italian market for more than 15 years by Boat Tech srl, the British shipyard has signed a distribution contract with Negrinautica, another light sailing specialist in the north of the country, in 2021. The historical distributor, whose contract ended in February 2021, is contesting this choice and has announced that it is taking the matter to court in Milan.
He filed a complaint against H Taylor and Sons, the company and shipyard owner of the RS Sailing brand, for breach of contract interrupted by the British manufacturer. Boat Tech srl is also suing Negrinautica srl for unfair competition. The distributor claims that Negrinautica srl is prohibited from marketing RS boats in Italy. If the contract with RS Sailing was placed under British jurisdiction, Italian law considers the Italian courts of justice competent, within the framework of the protection of national SMEs in case of serious violation of market rules.
No agreement between RS Sailing and Boat Tech
In a response to Sailing Anarchy, RS Sailing said it had tried to continue working with Boat Tech, "hoping it would remain a key part of its European network." The company says that Boat Tech "did not want to enter into the new distribution agreement that was offered to them."
