Long-time California Boatbuilder Sold

Courtesy of W.D. Schock Corp.

Tom and Jane Schock (left) have started to retire with the sale of the company to Alexander Vucelic von Raduboj.

The W. D. Schock Corp., builders of the Sabot, Lehman 12, Lido 14, Santana 20, Santana 22, Wavelength 24, Schock 35, Schock 40, and Harbor daysailors has been sold to Alexander Vucelic von Raduboj.

With the sale, Tom and Jane Schock have taken a first, but small step towards full retirement. Tom will remain on the W.D. Schock Board of Directors and continue to connect with sailors in the new role of Brand Ambassador. Jane will also continue with the company helping to smooth the transition.

As a child growing up in Southern California, Vucelic von Raduboj's first sailboat was a Schock- built Naples Sabot. He also has more than 20 years of experience in the world of capital goods manufacturing and served as Chief Operating Officer at Electric Machinery of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He’s also a California licensed Architect and a Private Pilot.

"While at Architecture School a couple of my classmates and I dabbled in sailboat design,” says Vucelic von Raduboj. “Little did I realize that nearly 30 years later, I'd be taking the helm at W. D. Schock. This is both an honor and a pleasure. The Company has a rich tradition of building boats which represent the best that life has to offer—family, friends, and fun.  What W. D. "Bill" Schock started back in 1958 with the Lido 14 lives on, with Steve Schock's designs for the Harbor line continuing that tradition. I will work hard to support the Schock sailors, dealers, and fleets.”

Tom elaborated: "Alexander and I have worked closely together for the last 18 months on this transaction. He has become an involved team member in and around the shop leading up to the official 'change of watch' and has watched closely as the new Harbor 30 tooling has come to life. Alexander respects and appreciates the legacy of W. D. Schock Corp. and he understands the unique aspects of multi-generational family businesses; having himself grown up in a family business which spanned five generations. Dealers should see more of me in my new Brand Ambassador role, helping to support their efforts. Sailors should also see me more often out on the water."

W. D. Schock Corp. was founded in 1946 in Newport Beach, California, by Tom's father, W. D. "Bill" Schock. The company has built more than 13,000 boats in its sixty-five year history. The boats have ranged in size from the ever popular 8-foot Naples Sabot to the stunning Schock 55.

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