Great Lakes Rigging owner takes the helm after Reardon’s brief tenure
PAINESVILLE, Ohio – In a development that has brought relief and renewed optimism to the sailing community, Tartan Yachts has been acquired by a new ownership group led by Jon Duer, who has served as the company’s rigging partner for over two decades. The announcement, made on January 17, marks the end of Edenton resident Michael Reardon‘s brief ownership of the storied American sailboat manufacturer.
Duer, owner of Great Lakes Rigging and Supply as well as a Doyle Sails franchise, now assumes the role of CEO at the Painesville, Ohio-based builder. The purchase was backed by several other marine industry professionals, bringing both financial strength and deep industry expertise to the 65-year-old company.
Michael Reardon acquired Tartan from Seattle Yachts in September 2025, adding it to a portfolio. His brief stewardship at Tartan followed a pattern established at his other acquisitions, where workers faced delayed payments and operations ground to a halt.
Most notably, Catalina Yachts in Florida, which Reardon acquired in April, shut down in October after workers went unpaid and the company fell behind on rent, ultimately defaulting on its purchase agreement. According to a previous article, a judge later approved the eviction of Reardon’s entity from the premises, effectively ending any hope of Catalina’s reopening.
Reardon’s Daedalus boat-building venture in Edenton quietly ceased operations in August. The single unfinished hull was shipped to Europe for completion by Reardon’s business partner and buyer, while the factory building was put up for sale. As of the date of this report, the property at 109 Anchors Way is still for sale.
With this sale, Reardon will no longer be part of the company.
Tartan will continue offering its core lineup, including the 535, 455, 395, 365, and the recently introduced 335. All models are designed by Tim Jackett, Tartan’s longtime naval architect, and feature the company’s signature all-carbon construction for hulls, decks and spars.
Founded in 1961 by Charlie Britten, Tartan Yachts has delivered more than 5,000 boats. The company was among the first American builders to embrace fiberglass construction with its original Tartan 27.
