C.E. Ryder

C.E. Ryder Corporation was a prominent fiberglass boat manufacturer based in Bristol, Rhode Island, operating from the early 1970s through the late 1980s, with a reputation for high-quality, seaworthy sailboats that married traditional New England aesthetics with modern construction techniques. Founded in 1971 by Clint Ryder, a skilled craftsman with a passion for durable, practical yachts, the company became a cornerstone of Rhode Island’s boatbuilding scene, specializing in Carl Alberg-designed vessels like the Sea Sprite 23, 27, 28, and 34, as well as other models such as the Southern Cross line. C.E. Ryder was known for its meticulous hand-laid fiberglass work, robust joinery, and commitment to producing boats that excelled in coastal cruising and club racing, particularly in Narragansett Bay’s challenging waters. The company ceased production around 1986–1987 due to economic pressures and industry consolidation.