The Buccaneer 18 Class Association has launched a Builder Search Committee to identify and evaluate potential manufacturers capable of producing new Buccaneer 18 sailboats. With growing interest from sailors eager to join our vibrant one‑design community, the committee is actively exploring partnerships with experienced boat builders who can help bring fresh Buccaneers to the water.

Since the late 1960s, approximately 5,000 Buccaneer 18s have been built by several manufacturers, including Nickels Boatworks and WindRider LLC. Today, the enthusiasm for the class remains strong—many sailors and fleets have already expressed readiness to purchase new boats, reinforcing the Buccaneer’s reputation as both a thrilling racer and a fun recreational dinghy.

The Builder Search Committee is focusing on:

• Identifying and evaluating qualified builders with the right facilities, expertise, and interest.

• Compiling data on confirmed and prospective buyers to gauge market potential.

• Coordinating with fleets, technical advisers, and class leadership to meet class‑rule and support needs.

• Preparing clear, informative materials for prospective builders that describe the Buccaneer 18’s history, active fleets, and production expectations.

We welcome input from members and friends who have experience in boatbuilding, composites, marine manufacturing, or product development, as well as from sailors ready to document serious interest in purchasing a new Buccaneer 18. Your expertise and commitment will help ensure that the next builder relationship is sustainable and beneficial for both the manufacturer and the class.

For more than five decades, the Buccaneer 18 has been known as a fast, stable, and community‑minded doublehanded dinghy, supported by active fleets and championship events across North America. The Builder Search Initiative reflects our ongoing dedication to preserving that legacy while creating new opportunities for sailors to join the Buccaneer family in freshly built boats.

Members, supporters, and interested builders are encouraged to share their expertise, market insights, or purchasing interest by reaching out to class leadership. Updates on the committee’s progress will be shared with the membership as this exciting effort moves forward.