KO Sailing acquired by new owner

LAPORTE, Texas — Dinghy Planet LLC today announced the acquisition of KO Sailing, a provider of recreational and performance sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers and accessories.

KO Sailing’s new owner and president is Mark J. McNamara. McNamara succeeds the current owner, John Kolius, and plans to continue KO Sailing’s support of boat enthusiasts with a retail store in Texas and an online store at kosailing.com. Current employees will remain with the company and Kolius will take on an advisory role as a member of the board.

The acquisition provides for the continued growth of KO Sailing, including the addition of several new product lines, distribution and partner growth, and enhanced marketing programs. The retail business will also be moving to a new location in Seabrook, Texas, in the coming months.

“John Kolius has contributed a great deal to youth and performance sailing during the past 20 years,” Mark McNamara said in a statement. “The company began by supporting one-design sailing along the Gulf Coast and has grown into a solid business with multiple product lines, world-class partners and devoted customers. The boating industry has grown based in no small part to his work, and I aim to continue John’s support of local sailing communities, recreational boaters and youth sailors all over the country.”

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