The Spirit 50CR will be the first sailing yacht in the UK to launch with a Lignia instead of a teak.

Spirit Yachts is launching its latest new build, the Spirit 50CR, at this year’s Southampton Boat Show from 13th– 22nd September. Being unveiled for the first time at Southampton marina in berth M347, the 15m Bermudan sloop sailing yacht has been designed for cruising and racing in the UK and European waters.

Sistership to the Spirit 47CR, the Spirit 50CR will be the first sailing yacht in the UK to launch with a Lignia, instead of a teak, deck.

Spirit Yachts managing director Nigel Stuart explained, “Teak is now considered a high-risk timber, so whilst we are using up our current supply, our standard decking for new Spirit yachts will be Lignia. We take our responsibility to the environment seriously and we are not prepared to risk using wood from unregulated sources. Having done extensive research into different options, we have found Lignia to be the best alternative to teak.”

Produced in Wales, Lignia is a soft wood and a member of the Douglas fir family (or Pinaceae) that starts its life in FSC® certified forests. Once harvested, the wood is modified by treating it with resin. After the resin is impregnated in the wood, it is dried out via a final curing process to ensure the resin is locked in at a molecular level. This gives Lignia the performance and durability that match or surpass tropical hardwoods.

Nigel continued, “Aesthetically Lignia looks as warm, natural and smooth as teak, it is more durable, and it comes with a 50-year rot guarantee*. Crucially for Spirit Yachts, Lignia is a sustainable material that is very low maintenance. The timber comes from managed forests that operate stringent re-planting policies.”

On deck, the Spirit 50CR has a Hall Spars carbon mast and boom as well as nitronic rod rigging, which are complemented by a OneSails sail wardrobe comprising a main, a jib and an asymmetric. The helm is controlled by a 42” mahogany and stainless-steel wheel and is powered by a 39hp Yanmar engine. Lithium batteries and a high output alternator will ensure the yacht minimises engine run-time.

The design of Spirit cruiser-racer yachts incorporates added beam and headroom compared to the more streamlined Spirit classic yachts. The increased interior volume fulfils demand from owners wishing to cruise comfortably with family and friends, whilst still having a yacht with the performance capabilities to race.