S2 Yachts

S2 Yachts was founded in 1973 in Holland, Michigan, by Leon R. Slikkers—a Dutch immigrant and marine industry legend who previously built Slickcraft powerboats (sold to AMF in 1970). After a three-year non-compete, Slikkers launched S2 to focus exclusively on sailboats, emphasizing clean, climate-controlled production, hand-laid fiberglass, and racer-cruiser designs that blended performance with comfort. With in-house designers like Arthur Edmunds and later Graham & Schlageter, S2 produced ~1,500 boats from 1974 to 1989, including the iconic S2 7.3 (trailerable), S2 9.2 (Cruising World Boat of the Year), and S2 11.0 flagship. Known for innovative hull-to-deck joints, balsa-cored decks, and affordable quality (20–30% below competitors), S2 earned a cult following among Great Lakes and coastal sailors. In 1986, Slikkers repurchased the Tiara Yachts name and shifted to powerboats; sailboat production ended in 1989. Today, Tiara Yachts (still family-owned, 3rd generation) continues Slikkers’ legacy of precision craftsmanship, while S2 sailboats—bulletproof after 40+ years—remain beloved classics.