Spirit Yachts is the world leader in modern classic yacht design and build. Based 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.
Built using the highest quality, sustainable timber and incorporating the latest technology, Spirit yachts are designed to suit an owner’s individual criteria. Every Spirit is unique.
All yachts are built by a team of boat builders dedicated to delivering the finest craftsmanship. This meticulous attention to detail, combined with Spirit Yachts’ iconic flush decks and long overhangs, creates fast, lightweight yachts that turn heads wherever they go.
Passionate about sustainability, Spirit Yachts has won international awards for its commitment to lowering the carbon footprint of the company and its yachts during construction, operation and at end of life.
Unlike many yacht builders, Spirit Yachts conducts the design and build process in-house at its waterside headquarters in Suffolk. With designers and builders in one location, communicating and working collaboratively, Spirit is able to offer customers a seamless journey from initial design to the launch of the finished yacht.
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 to create a yacht of exceptional quality and performance.
Spirit Yachts pioneered the design and build of modern classic yachts using wood epoxy construction. Each yacht is built using the finest quality, sustainably-sourced timber by a team of highly skilled boat builders with a passion for detail. Whilst each yacht is customised to suit an owner, every design stays true to Spirit’s iconic long overhangs, low freeboards and flush decks. Spirit’s range of motor yachts has the essence of the 1930s-inspired styling of its sailing range, combined with a true planing hull, a flared bow and a tumblehome stern.
All Spirits are eligible to race in the Spirit of Tradition class at classic regattas worldwide and many owners compete annually with successful results. The criteria for the Spirit of Tradition class require yachts to be designed with a classical look and built using modern techniques and materials. Spirit of Tradition yachts must also demonstrate excellent craftsmanship on deck and in the hull. However, they may have modern underbodies and appendages and use the latest technology in their rigs.
*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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