Spirit Yachts is the world leader in modern classic yacht design and build. Based in Suffolk on the east coast of the UK, Spirit Yachts has a portfolio of customised, wooden sail and power yachts ranging from day sailors to superyachts.
Established in 1993, Spirit Yachts was founded by Sean McMillan and Mick Newman, who set out to offer yacht owners a beautiful, sustainable alternative to fibreglass, production boats. This goal remains at the core of the company’s ethos today.
From humble beginnings in the Suffolk countryside, Spirit Yachts now operates from a large waterside facility with a team of highly skilled designers, naval architects, boat builders, cabinet makers, electricians and engineers.
Watch The Spirit Story (video below) to find out more.
Modern: characterised by using the most up-to-date techniques, ideas, or equipment*
Classic: judged over a period of time to be of the highest quality and outstanding of its kind*
A Spirit yacht embodies the essence of a modern classic yacht: timeless style incorporated with the latest technology creating a yacht of exceptional quality and performance.
The design of every Spirit yacht begins with a discussion with the owner about how the yacht will be used, where she will go, who will be onboard. Once the criteria are established, Spirit’s design studio produces a series of hand drawings and renderings to visualise the yacht.
Whilst every Spirit is customised to suit her owner, certain core characteristics remain. Spirit’s designs all stay true to the long overhangs, low freeboards and flush decks now synonymous with Spirit’s unmistakable style. Retaining the essence of the 1930s-inspired styling of its sailing range, Spirit’s motor yachts combine clean lines with a true planing hull, a flared bow and a tumblehome stern.
Spirit’s talented team of designers and naval architects work closely with each owner to create a truly unique yacht.
After the design is agreed, Spirit’s team of world-class craftsmen and women go to work. Each yacht is built using the finest quality, sustainably-sourced timber and Spirit’s time-honoured wood-epoxy construction method.
Wood offers a host of qualities for yacht building: its elegant beauty, the favourable strength to weight ratio provided by quality timber and (when chosen and managed correctly) its sustainability properties. Modern finishes and techniques mean the maintenance of wooden yachts is no longer what it used to be.
Spirit Yachts works closely with suppliers and experts to deliver bespoke, modern solutions for all its yachts. Whether it be the latest technology, energy efficient interior systems, renewable energy sources, or high performance deck equipment, the possibilities are endless.
*Oxford Dictionary
Stunningly beautiful with high performance; Spirit Classics combine elegant looks with the latest marine technology. Immensely strong, lightweight and easy to handle.
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Offering the legendary performance of the ‘Classic Spirits’ with the addition of a raised coachroof for increased volume and protection from the elements whilst cruising.
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All the style, elegance and craftsmanship of Spirit’s modern classic sailing yachts applied to a portfolio of sophisticated motor yachts; from tenders and day boats to superyachts.
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