World renowned yacht designer Sean McMillan founded Spirit Yachts in 1993 following a decade of experience designing and building classic yachts. A legendary sailor on the classic racing circuit, Sean is at the forefront of modern classic design. A true master of his craft, Sean is passionate about creating beautiful modern classic yachts to suit every lifestyle.  Today, Sean keeps a close eye on the builds in the yard and draws new and updated concepts from his design office.

Having worked for high profile boat building companies for over twenty years, Karen has a wealth of experience in the yachting industry. A highly organised multi-tasker, Karen oversees the running of the company, consistently delivering exceptional customer service to Spirit owners, clients and guests.

Having worked in the marine industry throughout his career to date, Aaron has a natural instinct for yacht building and operations.  Aaron originally trained as a sailmaker with Spirit’s sail partner OneSails and previously managed yacht logistics at a large independent marina for several years. As a result, Aaron is knowledgeable, efficient, and an effective problem solver.  As a keen sailor, Aaron spends his spare time racing and cruising, which allows him to draw on his own experiences when liaising with Spirit owners.

A passionate sailor, Alanah has strong practical knowledge and a background in running sports and leisure services for high net worth individuals.  A qualified RYA dinghy instructor, Alanah has a multi-faceted role at Spirit Yachts.  From helping to facilitate the efficient running of the yard, to health and safety, logistics, event support, and client liaison, Alanah is organised, friendly, and an efficient problem-solver.  When she’s not at work, you’ll find Alanah on the water, sailing, and kiteboarding, or studying for her RYA Yachtmaster qualification.

Having joined  Spirit Yachts over 20 years ago, Adrian oversees projects in the Spirit yard, ensuring each build is produced to the highest standard. As Spirit’s resident timber expert, Adrian sources and checks the quality of all the wood coming into Spirit.  With previous experience in classic aeroplane restoration and cabinet making, Adrian has a remarkable eye for detail and is a highly skilled craftsman. Having worked on an extensive portfolio of Spirit builds, including Spirit’s superyacht projects, Adrian has a wealth of experience in modern classic yacht construction.

With a natural talent for creativity and a first class Master of Design degree, Tom is a strong asset to the Spirit team.  Tom has previous experience designing yachts in Italy and was selected as a finalist in Boat International’s Young Designer of the Year Awards.  Tom works closely with Sean McMillan and Spirit’s naval architect to create interior and exterior visualisations to bring projects to life.  With his artistic flair and a meticulous eye for detail, Tom liaises with Spirit owners to design beautiful interiors and custom pieces for their yachts.

Having worked in the marine industry for nearly 40 years, Alan brings a wealth of design and naval architecture experience to Spirit Yachts.  From renowned cruising yachts to high profile superyachts and large scale restoration projects, Alan’s knowledge spans across a wide range of yacht styles, construction methods and design software programmes.  A keen sailor, Alan has extensively cruised and raced both dinghies and yachts.

A highly experienced marine electrician, James has a passion for detail and quality.  Having overseen projects on racing and cruising yachts, as well as large motor yachts, James has experience of installing an extensive list of onboard systems.  James continually researches the latest technology and works with suppliers to innovate and deliver effective solutions for Spirit’s custom yachts.  Having sailed since he was a young child, James is also a keen motorsports fan.

Matthew’s engineering experience extends across new and brokerage yachts in the UK and abroad.  Having overseen the fit-out of luxury cruising yachts and a range of different motor cruisers, Matthew is well-accustomed to working on projects from development and initial design to construction and installation.  Whilst managing Spirit’s team of engineers, Matthew collaborates with suppliers to deliver the most effective solutions for Spirit’s sail and power yachts.

With over twenty years’ commissioning on cruising and racing yachts, Alasdair brings a wealth of experience to Spirit Yachts.  Prior to his roles in the commissioning teams at two well-known yacht manufacturers, Alasdair worked on bluewater cruising yachts in the Caribbean.  With a commercially endorsed Yachtmaster qualification and thousands of nautical miles under his belt, Alasdair is also a marine electrician.  Having grown up sailing on his father’s Dragon and racing dinghies as a child, Alasdair brings his knowledge and passion for sailing to every Spirit project.

Jon joined Spirit Yachts in 2010 after training at the International Boatbuilding Training College in Lowestoft and working at a traditional boatyard on the River Deben in Suffolk.  As a specialist in Spirit’s wood-epoxy hull construction method, Jon has overseen the first phase of numerous Spirits.  Jon also brings a wealth of expertise in deck laying and steering installation, mentoring younger members of the Spirit team as he goes.  A keen sailor, Jon part-owns a yacht and enjoys cruising along the east coast.

With training in cabinetry, Kevin started working at Spirit Yachts nearly 20 years ago.  Learning from those around him, Kevin has progressed to the role of senior boat builder and is now well-accustomed to overseeing the builds of large cruising yachts to an exceptional standard.

Having studied, woodwork, carpentry, and antique furniture restoration in his home country of Belgium, Jerome went on to attend Lyme Regis Boat Building Academy in the UK.  Passionate, motivated and diligent, Jerome has worked his way up to the role of senior boat builder at Spirit Yachts.

Calm, professional and practical, James is an invaluable member of the Spirit team.  Well organised and a good communicator, James liaises between all departments to ensure the yard is run safely and efficiently.  James’ role includes day to day operations in the yard, yacht movements, event support, commissioning, and health and safety.

Helen is a freelance marine PR and marketing consultant based in-house at Spirit Yachts.  Having worked closely with Spirit since 2014, Helen can be seen alongside the Spirit team at events and boat shows worldwide.  A keen sailor, Helen also joins the team on the water at regattas.  For any media or supplier PR and marketing queries, contact [email protected].