After months a quiet negotiations, and supportive conversations with Viper sailors in CT and TX, Mark McNamara sent an email to Viper sparkplugs late last night.

“The Cat is out of the bag. All official. My Viper and I are now residents of Houston Texas! The Family will follow later this year. I just could not pass up this awesome opportunity to implement my model into KO and grow it.

Thank you to all the Viper fleet for the kind words and support.  I can’t miss a chance to thank the Viper people of Houston, like Pat Gibson, who have been so supportive of this venture. I am really jazzed about the whole thing.

My Viper is sitting in the Lot at KO. Its really bugging me. After all the work with the transaction, I need to get out sailing. Great Breeze here! Be patient while I transition to the new Website and FB. There are some really cool things coming on that front.

Be well and we’ll see you soon.

Mark

Mark McNamara

President KO Sailing

The following morning the press releases announced :-

“LaPorte, Texas – July 8, 2011 – Dinghy Planet, LLC today announced the acquisition of KO Sailing, a leading provider of recreational and performance sailboats, kayaks, windsurfers and accessories. KO Sailing’s new owner and president, Mark J. McNamara, is a world-class sailor and recreational boating expert. McNamara succeeds the current owner, John Kolius, and plans to continue KO Sailing’s longstanding 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 John Kolius will take on an advisory role as a member of the Board.

The announced acquisition provides for the continued growth of KO Sailing, including the addition of several new product lines…..AH HEMM, we assume that means the Viper……, 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.

“Nothing makes me happier than to pass the KO Sailing baton to someone with as much passion as I have for the sport,” said John Kolius. “With this acquisition, KO Sailing will continue to support recreational and performance sailing for generations to come—I believe that’s very good news for the boating industry.”
 

In support of youth racing, KO Sailing also plans to charter Lasers, Laser Radials, Optimists or Club 420s ready to sail at race events. KO Sailing’s support trailer will be on-site at the following events with boats, parts, gear, clothing and sailing accessories available for sale:

Texas Youth Race Week, July 9 – 15, 2011
2011 Optimist National Championships, July 17 – 24, 2011

About KO Sailing
KO Sailing is a premier provider of sailboats, kayaks, windsurf boards and accessories for the water sport enthusiast. Whether it’s a pair of hiking pants for your Laser sailor, a comfortable lifejacket for your kayaker, or your child’s first Optimist, KO Sailing will ensure your water experience is a success. KO Sailing offers three convenient ways to shop. Visit the retail store in LaPorte, Texas, visit the KO Sailing support trailer at a race event or view the online catalog at kosailing.com“