Crewsaver History

Crewsaver's history goes back more than 50 years to 1957 when it was first incorporated as a company under the name of Crewsaver Marine Equipment Ltd.

1968-1977
A glance at one of their early catalogues reveals a product range including Blocks, Cleats, Lifejackets and Buoyancy Aids. From 1968 Crewsaver expanded quickly as they developed specialist knowledge in safety products, creating their own styles tailored to specific sectors of the sailing community. In 1973 they had to find larger premises to house their new business. When Ratsey and Lapthorne moved their sail loft to Cowes, Crewsaver were able to take over their 20,000 sq.ft. building in Gosport.

1978-1987
Up until 1983 Crewsaver had been owned privately when, due to the company's success and high profile within the marine industry, Crewsaver became part of a bedding manufacturer and then the subject of a management buy-out. Crewsaver then became pioneers in the design of new gas operated air-only lifejackets, which delivered many more feature-benefits as well as increasing overall safety for the user. The Crewfit range was effectively established as a worldwide benchmark for the design and function of lifejackets for the leisure user.

1988-1997
By 1996, company chiefs recognised the need for an injection of capital, to help it ensure its rate of growth was to be maintained. To that end, the company was sold to Cosalt plc, a leading supplier to the commercial marine market; an obvious and natural match and one which continues to help fuel the brand's growth.

1997-2010
Crewsaver is being recognised as one of the foremost suppliers of lifejackets and dinghy sailing equipment in the world. Crewsaver products can be found in places such as ocean cruising, oil exploration, dinghy racing, security and search & rescue operations. Due to the demands of the trade, Crewsaver expanded its approach into general water sport sectors, by branding extensions into the surf market (CSR range|) and paddling market (Yak range|).

2011
Survitec Group Limited|, one of the global leaders in safety and survival equipment, acquires the Marine Division of Cosalt plc, which means that Survitec will also own the Crewsaver®, YAK® and CSR® brands, all of which are well known in their respective sectors ranging from industrial and commercial marine to surfing, kayaking and other leisure pursuits. This extended portfolio enables Survitec to distribute a new range of branded marine products across its well established distribution network.

Click here to watch the documentary of Yachting TV 's tour round the Crewsaver factory in Gosport.