Alajuela Yacht Corp.

Alajuela Yacht Corp. was a boutique American sailboat manufacturer renowned for building sturdy, blue water-capable fiberglass cruisers inspired by classic designs, particularly William Atkin's double-enders. Founded in Huntington Beach, CA, by Mike Riding (inspired by the Costa Rican town where he met his wife) and Rod Jermain, the company specialized in heavy-displacement, full-keel sloops and cutters optimized for long-range cruising, emphasizing seaworthiness, stability, and traditional aesthetics over speed. Production focused on the iconic Alajuela 38, with limited runs of the 33, resulting in ~100–150 vessels total. Acquired by Betty and Don Chapman in the early 1980s, it ceased operations in the mid-1980s amid economic shifts.