Mast manufacturer Needlespar has been acquired by Hawk Marine Products. Needlespar dominated the dinghy mast market through the 70’s and 80’s, but saw its market diminish over recent years as other mast manufacturers concentrated on the development of carbon fibre spars.

The company still has a buoyant customer base for its masts in many classes that are not allowed the use of carbon fibre, as well as for its aluminium booms.

‘Adding such a famous brand to our product family gives us another platform to develop new products for the marine industry,’ said Hawk MD Richard Search.

The Warsash based business will relocate to Hawk’s Hayling Island factory.