british made yachts

UK Sailboat Brands: The Top 21 Sailing Yachts and Brands of Britain

Published by sail on february 8, 2023 february 8, 2023.

The UK has a long history of excellence in shipbuilding and sailing, producing some of the most cutting-edge and stunning sailing ships in the world. There are several UK Sailboat Brands, each with a distinct specialty and set of talents. You can locate a firm in the UK that can match your needs whether you’re searching for a traditional wooden yacht, a contemporary GRP sailboat, or a custom-built power catamaran. The UK is a fantastic destination to find your next boat because of its rich nautical history, reputation for excellence, and commitment to innovation.

In this post, we’ll examine the top UK Sailboat Brands, each of which has distinctive characteristics and features.

One of Oyster Yachts’ flagship models, this magnificent yacht provides a roomy and opulent sailing experience. For discriminating sailors who appreciate comfort, style, and performance, the Oyster 885 is the ideal option thanks to its elegant lines, cutting-edge technology, and contemporary design.

A gorgeous sailing boa t from Spirit Yachts, the Spirit 100 offers a high-performance sailing experience with a dash of grace and beauty. This 100-foot yacht is perfect for sailing, racing, or just lounging on the water thanks to its lovely carbon-fiber hull and roomy deck.

Gunfleet 74

For individuals who desire the utmost in performance and luxury, Gunfleet Marine has created the exquisite Gunfleet 74 sailing yacht. The Gunfleet 74 is a top pick for sailors who desire the best of both worlds because of her svelte carbon-fiber hull, cutting-edge technology, and roomy living quarters.

A traditional sailing yacht by Rustler Yachts, the 44-foot Rustler provides a safe, pleasant, and traditional sailing experience. This 44-foot yacht has a stunning wooden hull, traditional lines, and cutting-edge technology, making it a great option for individuals who value sailing’s timeless beauty.

Discovery 67

A beautiful sailing yacht from Discovery Yachts, the Discovery 67 provides a roomy and comfortable sailing experience with a dash of innovation and ingenuity. This 67-foot sailing boat is the ideal option for individuals looking for a sailing yacht that stands out from the crowd thanks to its distinctive and inventive design, state-of-the-art technology, and roomy interior.

Arbor Yachts

The Arbor 26 is the company’s signature product, and Arbor Boats is a maker of wooden yachts. Another boat manufacturer in the UK is Blaxton Boats, which offers dayboats and yachts with sail and engine options. Modern GRP yachts between 35 and 48 feet in length are the focus of Bowman Yachts. The Parker 235 GRP daysailer, available from BP Sailboats, is ideal for individuals seeking a high-performance boat for day outings.

Bristol Classic Boat

Your boat will be distinctive and long-lasting thanks to the custom wooden boats and restoration services offered by Bristol Classic Boat Co. The 20-31 foot modern GRP yachts produced by British Hunter are well renowned for fusing traditional design with cutting-edge technology. Sailing and power catamarans are the company’s specialties, and they offer adaptable and sturdy boats for a variety of boating activities. Butler & Co. is a wooden boat builder that upholds the enduring beauty of wooden boats by providing traditional boatbuilding services.

If you want to have more details about UK sailboat brands then here you can find a comprehensive range of sailboat data for over 10000+ boats.

Cape Cutter

The CC19 traditional daysailer, a small and capable sailboat ideal for day voyages, is the focus of Cape Cutter, a UK Sailboat Brands boat manufacturer headquartered in the UK. Unique wooden yachts are created by Cockwells to the greatest standards and according to the requirements of their owners. A selection of GRP pilot-cutters and traditional-style GRP yachts, ranging in length from 17 to 43 feet, are available from Cornish Crabbers/Mystery. Wooden boats of the highest caliber that are both attractive and useful are made by David Moss.

Demon Yachts

Smaller yachts and keelboats are Demon Yachts’ specialty, and they are built to order to meet the individual requirements of their clients. Drascombe constructs traditional GRP yawls, offering vessels that fuse traditional design with contemporary engineering. Custom yacht builders Farrow & Chambers produce high-quality, long-lasting boats out of wood and epoxy. A variety of dinghies, dayboats, and kayaks are available from Fyne Boat Kits, making them ideal for individuals wishing to construct their own boats.

Gaffers & Luggers

The classic wooden working boats offered by Gaffers & Luggers range in length from 23 to 28 feet. The 43-foot modern GRP cruiser from Gunfleet Marine is ideal for individuals looking for a high-performance boat for longer voyages. With a focus on traditional GRP dayboats, Honnor Marine combines traditional design with cutting-edge engineering. Traditional wooden boat builder Ian B. Richardson upholds the enduring beauty of wooden boats.

British Hunter

The UK-based company British Hunter produces contemporary GRP yachts. Their boats, which range in length from 20 to 31 feet, are built for both comfort and efficiency. The newest materials and technology are used in the construction of British Hunter yachts to provide you with a comfortable and safe sailing experience. They are the ideal choice for individuals who want a boat that is simple to manage and that gives an exceptional sailing performance.

BroadBlue is also one of the UK Sailboat Brands. They offer catamarans for sailing and propulsion are their areas of expertise. In order to give you a safe and enjoyable sailing experience, their boats are made with the most up-to-date materials and technology and are designed to deliver exceptional performance and handling. Broadblue provides the ideal boat for your needs, whether you’re searching for a powerful and roomy power catamaran or a quick and maneuverable sailing catamaran.

Butler & Co

This specialized in making old-fashioned wooden boats. Their boats are created to the greatest levels of quality and craftsmanship, and they provide a variety of services, including new builds, restorations, and repairs. Butler & Co. can assist you in finding the ideal boat for your requirements, whether you’re looking for a historic boat that has been refurbished or a classic sailing yacht.

Blaxton Boats

A company called Blaxton Boats sells a variety of sail- and power-powered dayboats and yachts. You may be sure to discover a boat that meets your requirements and aesthetic preferences because they come in a range of sizes and types. In order to give you a safe and enjoyable sailing experience, their boats are made with the most up-to-date materials and technology and are designed to deliver exceptional performance and handling.

Bowman Yachts

Modern GRP (glass-reinforced plastic) boats are the focus of the UK-based company Bowman Yachts. Their boats, which range in length from 35 to 48 feet, are built for both comfort and efficiency. For individuals looking for a boat that combines historic style with contemporary technology and materials, Bowman Yachts are ideal, and their boats are constructed to the highest standards.

BP Sailboats

GRP daysailer boats are the company’s area of expertise. The Parker 235, a sleek and fashionable yacht ideal for day outings and weekend sailing excursions, is their most popular model. The Parker 235 is developed with the most up-to-date materials and technology to give you a pleasant and joyful sailing experience. It is designed to deliver exceptional performance and handling.

Stirling & Son

A UK-based business called Stirling & Son specializes in creating unique wooden ships. The company is dedicated to providing custom boats that satisfy each client’s particular demands and requirements, with a concentration on traditional designs and construction methods. They assist clients to realize their ideas by providing a full design and build service. One of the top wooden boat builders in the UK, Stirling & Son is renowned for its attention to detail and high-caliber craftsmanship.

Swallow Boats

This business specializes in the creation of Bay Cruisers. These boats include contemporary amenities and technologies while maintaining a timeless and traditional design. They are ideal for exploring the shoreline, inland waterways, or estuaries because they are built to be both functional and fashionable. Swallow Boats offers a variety of models, each with a distinctive style and set of characteristics, and can also build custom boats to satisfy certain needs.

Swallowtail Boatyard

There is yet another business that specialised in classic Norfolk Broads boats. They provide a variety of services, such as boat construction, maintenance, and rental. Because Swallowtail Boatyard is dedicated to upholding the history and customs of the Norfolk Broads, their boats are made in a manner that reflects this. Their boats are renowned for their fine craftsmanship and attention to detail, and they employ traditional methods and materials.

T. Nielsen & Company

This business specializes in the construction and repair of tall ships. They provide the whole spectrum of services, from the initial concept to the final building and launch. With years of expertise in building and renovating tall ships, T. Nielsen & Company’s team of talented craftsmen and engineers guarantees that every job is executed to the highest standards. They are dedicated to conserving the UK’s maritime legacy and have worked on a variety of projects, from major commercial vessels to tiny traditional sailing ships.

Voyaging Yachts

Custom sailing yacht design and construction are the focus of the UK-based business Voyaging Yachts. They provide a wide variety of services, including design, construction, and refitting, and their team of professionals can assist clients in realizing their ideas. With years of experience producing high-quality sailing yachts, Voyaging Yachts is dedicated to providing clients with custom boats that are tailored to their individual requirements. They are renowned for their attention to detail, superior craftsmanship, and creative designs, and sailors from all over the world like their yachts.

In conclusion, these UK Sailboat Brands are just a fraction of the amazing sailing ships built by Britain’s skilled shipbuilders. You’re sure to discover the ideal yacht among these high-caliber ships, whether you’re searching for performance, luxury, or just a gorgeous sailing experience. Why then wait? Start your next sailing journey right away to experience the finest Britain has to offer.

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The 8 Best New British Yachts on the Water, From Sunseeker to Fairline

Quality among the top u.k. builders is always a given. it's the range of yacht designs that may surprise you..

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As an island, boats have always been the lifeblood of Great Britain. And many British yacht builders continue to uphold the country’s proud naval and maritime traditions. While there are a handful of superyacht builders, the UK isn’t known for eye-wateringly huge megayachts or avant-garde design—though that has changed as its largest international brands compete with the style-obsessed Ferretti Group and Azimut brands.

But what you do find with the Brits is well engineered vessels with a high level of attention to detail in both the interior and exterior design. From semi-custom motoryacht builders like Princess and Sunseeker to the rarefied realm of a highly sought-after Pascoe limousine, there’s something here for nearly every yachtsman.

And thanks to enduring popularity, there is nearly always a British-built sailboat from the Oyster yard, somewhere just over the horizon. In fact, whether you’re cruising the waters of the Caribbean, New England, or the South of France, you’ll find U.K. brands along with the highest luxury offerings from Italy and Northern Europe.

Here are seven of Britain’s finest, newest, and most noteworthy vessels on the water.

Project Fox, Pendennis Shipyard

This 114-foot explorer yacht, overseen by project manager Burgess and in build at the Pendennis shipyard in Falmouth, was designed around the owner’s wishes. It has a rugged exterior that will be paired with a bright, contemporary interior by QLondon Design. The owner told Robb Report that he plans to cruise off-grid to remote areas like Norway for heli-skiing with his family and friends (thus necessitating five large staterooms). But he also wanted family-friendly features like a sun terrace, wine lobby, open-air barbecue, and DJ station. Of course, the real breakthrough here: The open stern, measuring more than 1,100 square feet can carry a large complement of toys and tenders, but also scientific equipment (the interior has space for a modular lab) for when the yacht is hosting research scientists. “Flexible cabins and connectivity are key,” said the owner.

The ubiquitous model of the Pearl lineup, the 72 received a creative new interior design earlier this year with the addition of a stateroom that gives it two master suites. The U.K. yard has always been high on haute design, offering different palettes by British interior designer Kelly Hoppen, but this double-master suite idea is a first for this size of motoryacht. The yard has recently won awards for the naval architecture of its 95, which approaches superyacht status, and it will be launching a new 85-foot flybridge next year.

Fairline Targa 40

Fairline is also among England’s internationally renowned yacht brands, famous for seaworthy hulls and top-tier creature comforts. It hasn’t built yachts as large as competitors Princess and Sunseeker but has been equally creative with the design. The new Targa 40’s cockpit is a case in point. It has an enticing exterior layout, with the cockpit featuring a foldout terrace to starboard and a U-shaped dining settee to port facing the rest of the deck, not to mention the two sun lounges on the stern. The 40 is effectively a dayboat, but with two staterooms, it also works as a family weekender. There’s a master in the forepeak and guest cabin amidships which is best suited for children. The galley below decks is also very functional. Top speed for the Targa is 36 knots with the optional Volvo Penta D6-380 upgrades.

Princess Y80

Along with Sunseeker, Princess Yachts is the other heavyweight of British yacht building. These cruisers and motoryachts have proven to be perennial favorites on both sides of the Atlantic. The Y80 debuting at this year’s Cannes Yachting Festival looks to continue the tradition. The Y80 brings to the table an “infinity cockpit” with a glass transom and modular furniture for multiple setups. It also has a flybridge that spans about two-thirds of the yacht’s nearly 84-foot length, effectively creating a legitimate third deck. The Y80’s owner’s stateroom is amidships and full beam, while it has a VIP in the forepeak. Two other guest cabins are to port and starboard. The Y80 has an impressive top speed of 30 knots, but at 10 knots the range is an even more impressive 1,000 nautical miles.

Cockwells Duchy Sport

The 37-foot Duchy Sport from the Cockwells’ yard in Cornwall, famous internationally for its custom tenders, is designed for watersports enthusiasts. This Sport offers multiple towing points for waterskiing, wakeboarding, wakesurfing and tubing, with interior space for nine guests. Bow and cockpit sunpads will be popular spots for tanning, while a Bimini covers the amidships. Standout features include a wetbar, retractable swim ladder, bowthruster with joystick control, and of course ample water-toy stowage. The Duchy Sport comes with twin 370 hp Yanmar 8LVs which can get it up to a top speed of 42 knots—a speed befitting of this model’s name. Cockwells is also building a new Duchy 60, a stylized motoryacht that should rival Downeast offerings from U.S. builders Hinckley and Malaysian builder Grand Banks.

The Oyster 495 is a 52-foot, 8-inch sailing yacht that entered the U.S. market earlier this year. A new design from the keel up, the U.K. builder was thinking global circumnavigation, or at least serious offshore cruising, from the onset. The yacht is also meant to be able to be singlehanded by a capable sailor. The plumb bow and teak decks imbue the 495 with a definite saltiness with performance and aesthetics. The cabin is noteworthy for being both ergonomic and well-lit. Reported top speeds for the 495 crest the 10-knot mark under sail, while a 100 hp Yanmar diesel pushes it along happily at 9.5 knots.

Sunseeker Superhawk 55

Sunseeker is one of England’s brands that has a global following. For good reason. The Poole builder has a range of vessels that extend from 38 to 161 feet. Sunseeker is known for good oceangoing performance and creative design. The Superhawk 55 is a reimagining of the Superhawks that enjoyed popularity with performance enthusiasts in the 1990s and Aughts before being discontinued in 2009. Sunseeker introduced the Superhawk 38 in 2020, which had echoes of its go-fast past. This 55, however, is more of a performance cruiser than a day boat. With twin Volvo Penta IPS950s the new Superhawk has a very respectable top end of 38 knots and a feature even Miami Vice hot-boat aficionados will appreciate—slow-speed maneuverability offered by pod propulsion. An aggressively raked profile complemented by stiletto-sharp hullside windows augment the Superhawk’s sporty vibe.

Pascoe E-Limousine Electric Tender

Pascoe tenders reside in the garages of some of the world’s biggest and most glamorous superyachts, thanks to the yard’s dedication to customization. The E-Limousine is the builder’s first fully electric vessel, the result of six years of R&D. Top speed is reported to be an impressive 40 knots, with a range of 60 nautical miles at a fast cruise of 20 knots. The builder says not only is this boat greener than a traditional tender but will also offer a smoother, quieter ride thanks to the construction used to mitigate vibration.

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SPIRIT YACHTS

MODERN CLASSIC YACHT DESIGN & BUILD

Based in Suffolk on the east coast of the UK, Spirit Yachts has a portfolio of custom, wooden sail and power yachts ranging from day sailers to superyachts.

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.

Our portfolio of luxury sailing yachts and elegant power boats win awards, as well as regattas.

TIMELESS ELEGANCE

Spirit Yachts’ contemporary, elegant design style is world-renowned. Subtle variations on 1930s classic yacht design with long overhangs, low profiles and smooth lines, married to contemporary underwater profiles and the latest technology, are synonymous with Spirit’s modern classic cruising, racing , and power yachts .

Spirit yachts are designed to be as beautiful in 100 years as they are today.

“THE SPIRIT TEAM IS WITHOUT DOUBT THE BEST IN THE WORLD WHEN IT COMES TO A UNIQUE BUILD EXPERIENCE AND A TIMELESSLY BEAUTIFUL YACHT.”

WORLD-CLASS WOODWORK

Spirit Yachts comprises a talented team of craftsmen and women who are passionate about and dedicated to the highest standards of boat building.

Using hand-selected timber sustainably sourced from responsibly managed forests, Spirit Yachts incorporate the beauty of wood with the latest modern technology for sailing performance and a luxury guest experience.

SUSTAINABILITY

WOOD IS AT THE HEART OF EVERY SPIRIT YACHT.

Wood is a natural, sustainably-sourced boat building material offering beauty, a favourable strength-to-weight ratio, and durability. Spirit Yachts is committed to the environmental sustainability of its wood and is meticulous in sourcing the highest quality timber from responsibly managed forests and regulated suppliers.

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Spirit Yachts: Inside the British yard behind some of the world’s most beautiful boats

• February 6, 2020

Few builders possess the power of seduction demonstrated by British wood epoxy experts Spirit Yachts. David Glenn reports

Spirit Yachts’s workforce with one of the laminated sapele frames of the Spirit 111. Photo: Emily Harris

Today, Ipswich-based Spirit Yachts is embarking on a new phase in its development, having recently launched a 111ft sailing yacht that exploits the benefits of electric propulsion, the latest high voltage lithium battery technology and smart control systems to reduce the need for fossil fuel power.

Like all Spirits, she was constructed in timber from sustainable sources and because of her light and easily driven hull she could potentially become one of the most efficient sailing yachts afloat. On the face of it she’s an eco-warrior’s dreamboat, which means she was scrutinised down to her last plank of Douglas fir before her launch last year. But more of her later.

A joiner marking out a below waterline area. Photo: Emily Harris

In spite of a full order book, Sean McMillan, founder of Spirit Yachts, whose distinctive design style and inherent skill as a woodworker are responsible for these luscious-looking yachts, is the first to admit that it hasn’t always been an easy ride: “It’s been a roller-coaster, but it’s also been a great experience,” he says.

McMillan’s passion for wooden boatbuilding, and dogged determination to retain a highly skilled workforce through thick and thin has put him and Spirit at the very forefront of modern wooden yacht building.

Raising the profile

Five years ago the Ipswich-based company was facing a tough market as the ripple effect of the 2008 financial crisis continued to hobble business. Refit came to the rescue, but only up to a point. “I knew that we could not afford to lose staff,” said Sean, who has always placed his boat builders at the heart of Spirit’s success.

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The directors also realised that running the company and designing the yachts (as well as not being able to resist some hands-on boat building), was too much for one man to handle. So they appointed Nigel Stuart as managing director. He came from Discovery Yachts and quickly raised Spirit Yachts’s profile.

Together with the Brexit effect and the consequent fall in sterling, making British products considerably more attractive, things began to look up. Today the company has an enviable, trend-bucking order book.

Fling in timber

The Spirit 52D Oui Fling racing in the Solent in July 2017. Photo: Emily Harris

After just a seven-month build period Spirit launched one of its more remarkable modern classics in the summer of 2017, the completely stripped out Spirit 52D for high profile, serial racing yacht owner Irvine Laidlaw, who was keen to add a modern classic to his fleet of Highland Flings. The D incidentally stands for ‘Distilled’.

On her first outing at the Panerai British Classic Week in Cowes, Oui Fling , surely the ultimate wolf in sheep’s clothing, dispatched the opposition in short order. Her victims included Sean McMillan (sailing his own Spirit 52, Flight of Ufford , which is anything but stripped out) who couldn’t quite catch Fling on handicap!

Laidlaw’s boat, which apparently touched 16 knots in the Solent, weighs just 6.8 tonnes – extraordinary for a wooden 52-footer – and is two tonnes lighter than Flight .

In addition to Oui Fling ’s exploits, the announcement of the 111ft sloop contract was a massive boost, in fact a potential game changer for Spirit. Sean McMillan believes she is the largest wooden yacht of her type built in Britain since the J Class Shamrock V was launched by Camper & Nicholsons in 1930.

The Spirit 111 is, of course, a largely wood epoxy build, but incorporating a high voltage lithium ion battery-powered electric propulsion system and smart electrical management. Together with an original interior by world renowned designers Rhoades Young, and the appointment of a specialist project manager in the form of the highly experienced German Jens Cornelsen, this yacht places the company firmly in the superyacht league.

Spirit Yachts put its toe in the water with larger yachts when the 100ft Gaia was launched in 2007, but there were issues, especially in race mode upwind, when her timber hull deflected marginally more than anticipated, making it difficult to keep rig loads stable. The structure was re-worked back in Ipswich and Gaia returned to the circuit in good shape.

100ft Gaia is soon to be eclipsed as the yard’s flagship. Photo: Carlo Borlenghi

Refreshingly, Sean McMillan is not afraid to admit that he and the company have had to learn lessons over the past 27 years. With limited scantling and engineering information available from classification societies for modern wood epoxy construction, Spirit has, at times, had to feel its way along the design route. Today, with what they call their ‘file of evidence’ containing historic calculations and structural data, they are con dent about tackling just about anything.

For the Spirit 111’s structural engineering, there was input from Sean McMillan, his experienced in-house naval architect Lawrence Peckham, composite structures expert Gary Scott-Jenner of Ipswich firm Synolo Design, and the classification society RINA.

Work involved 30 laminated sapele ring frames over which Douglas fir planking was laid and then finished with quadruple diagonal layers of 3mm mahogany veneer. There is some local reinforcement in carbon fibre and the entire structure will underwent epoxy saturation for structural integrity, impact resistance and longevity.

A rendering of the new Spirit 111, which will be the largest wooden yacht built in the UK since the J Class Shamrock V in 1930

The owner of the Spirit 111 had an unfortunate accident with his previous yacht, a Spirit 52, when he hit a rock at eight knots while sailing in the Baltic. The yacht took in no water but a number of ring frames were cracked, so she returned to Ipswich for repairs to include‘ sistering’ or doubling up the frames in question.

Demonstrating his faith in Spirit, while visiting their offices to check progress on the 52’s repairs, the owner caught a glimpse of a previous design Sean McMillan had been amending. Not long afterwards the deal for a boat that would be more than twice the size of the Spirit 52 was on the table.

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Great British craftsmanship

Oyster craftsmanship began in Norfolk in 1973. Oyster drew on the experience and craftsmanship of Landamores, who had been building wooden sailing yachts since 1923. They were soon joined by another Norfolk boat builder with an equally fine pedigree, Windboats, founded in 1920 by Graham Bunn – a master craftsman and yacht designer.

Merge and conquer

This team was responsible for building more than 700 Oyster yachts until Oyster took over Landamore’s new facility and brought the build in-house combining the workforce from both companies.

We have four main yacht construction centres: in Norfolk, there is Oyster Yachts Wroxham which is close to our new composite technology facility in Ashmanhaugh. The Oyster 565 and 595 are all brought to life here by our skilled teams. Our other construction centres are located in Southampton, where our Oyster 495 and larger models – the Oyster 675, 745 and 885 – are built and finished by hand to the highest standards. Our head quarters are at Saxon Wharf, Southampton and our newest construction centre at Hythe Marine Park is a state-of-the-art production facility where the new Oyster 495 is built.

British yacht builders

Everything about our boats and build process is focused on creating the world’s finest bluewater British yachts, from the quality of the materials to the exceptional skills of our craftsmen and women and precise project management. We believe a key part of owning an Oyster is understanding the craftsmanship and attention to detail that go into her. Passing down these time-honoured craft skills to the next generation of great British boatbuilders is a priority for Oyster – it is the reason we set up the Oyster Academy, where our apprentices learn from the very best.

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A magnificent, award-winning sub 60 foot sailing yacht, offering luxurious living space and outstanding shorthanded sailing capability.

A beautifully proportioned 60 foot, luxury liveaboard bluewater cruiser, offering effortless shorthanded sailing capability.

A superb sub 70 foot ocean sailboat offering versatile luxury living space and impeccable sailing performance.

An inspired 75 foot yacht, offering infinite configuration options, generous luxury living space and flexible crew quarters.

Oyster 885SII

The remarkable, iconic 90 foot sailboat, perfect for relaxed luxury voyages of discovery.

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DESIGN YOUR OWN PEARL 62

You don’t merely purchase a Pearl, you commission a yacht that is yours and yours alone.

BOOT D Ü SSELDORF 2023 

COME AND VISIT US! 21st – 29th January 2023 Hall 06/A22 

Register your interest for a one-to-one talk and a visit on board the new Pearl 72 (european debut).  

THE ATELIER OF YACHTING

To produce a limited number of high-quality yachts each year is a brand-defining choice. We are driven to offer a premium product, designed by the world’s most renowned yacht and interior designers, meticulously engineered, and crafted by expert hands, obsessed with perfecting every detail. Pearl builds yachts in an oyster, a state-of-the-art production facility that houses the entire supply chain. Only in this way can we keep faith with our mission: to offer you a yachting experience as unique and prized as the rarest of pearls. Boutique Yacht Builder since 1998.

To produce a limited number of high-quality yachts each year is a brand-defining choice. We are driven to offer a premium product, designed by the world’s most renowned yacht and interior designers, meticulously engineered, and crafted by expert hands, obsessed with perfecting every detail. Pearl builds yachts in an oyster, a state-of-the-art production facility that houses the entire supply chain. Only in this way can we keep faith with our mission: to offer you a yachting experience as unique and prized as the rarest of pearls.

Boutique Yacht Builder since 1998.

A PERSONAL AFFAIR

Pearl’s thoughtful design and world-class craftsmanship is evident from the beautifully streamlined exterior to the stunningly appointed, ingeniously spacious interiors. Owners are offered a selection of engines and layouts, and can tailor the interior with their choice of the Kelly Hoppen CBE designed interior themes: Modern, Luxury and Indulgence. Above all, the shipyard always guarantees a level of personal attention beyond comparison, working closely with each owner to ensure that every detail is just right.

Pearl’s thoughtful design and world-class craftsmanship is evident from the beautifully streamlined exterior to the stunningly appointed, ingeniously spacious interiors. Owners are offered a selection of engines and layouts, and can tailor the interior with their choice of the Kelly Hoppen CBE designed interior themes. Above all, the shipyard always guarantees a level of personal attention beyond comparison, working closely with each owner to ensure that every detail is just right.

DESIGNING EXPERIENCE

Attention to detail is the pride of our design team. Headed up by award-winning naval architect Bill Dixon, Pearl’s design ethos of beautifully crafted yachts, leading innovation and superb sea-keeping is evident in both the aesthetics and functionality, with key pioneering steps in the most exciting new directions being made across the whole range of yachts. Adding an extra cabin where no other brand could, integrating next-generation propulsion systems ahead of the rest, and drawing striking, recognizable lines for the exterior are just a few examples of how Bill Dixon has brought Pearl Yachts into competition with the industry frontrunners.

DESIGNING THE EXPERIENCE

Discover beauty within.

No other yacht company works with the world-renowned British designer Kelly Hoppen CBE. Her ever-evolving style, defined by a subtle fusion of clean lines and neutral tones, intuitively balanced with an opulent warmth, has been honoured with numerous prestigious awards. Every Pearl is a canvas, upon which Kelly’s unmistakable design philosophy takes shape into a unique and surprising yet coordinated interior. For owners, this means the very thing one buys a yacht to secure: to feel in place wherever one goes, to find one’s intuitions reflected in the environment and to keep the mind sharp without feeling on edge. In other words, Kelly has a knack for putting things together as they should be.

BEYOND CUSTOMER CARE

Care. It might be a small word, but it means a lot to us at Pearl. Nobody cares more about your experience than we do. We offer a round-the-clock aftersale service to ensure that you’re happy with every part of your life as a Pearl owner. In addition, each new yacht benefits from an industry-leading comprehensive 5-Year warranty, designed to safeguard your investment, protect her residual value and give you absolute peace of mind long into the future. Whatever you need to make the most of your Pearl experience, we’ll always be on hand to advise and inspire wherever you and your yacht may reside.

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10 of the best British superyachts

Britain has a strong boatbuilding heritage, launching some beautiful and historically important yachts. Today, British superyacht building is unassuming in its dominance – you might be surprised to learn Britain holds the number four ranking on the 2015 Global Order Book , claiming 2,216 metres of yachts more than 24 metres LOA in build.

One of the best British superyachts launched in recent years was also one of the most secretive, and  Boat International  is the only magazine to have featured her. At 96 metres, Vava II is the largest on this list. Designed by Redman Whiteley Dixon with interior styling Remi Tessier , she was built by Devonport , which was acquired and renamed Pendennis Plus.

More about this yacht

The sixth largest classic yacht in the world, Nahlin was designed by GL Watson and built by Brown J in the UK in 1930 for the British aristocrat Lady Yule. She’s certainly earned her best British superyacht badge, having ferried none other than Britain’s King Edward VIII with his American mistress and soon wife-to-be Wallis Simpson before his abdication from the throne.

Perhaps this British-built yacht should be know as the first superyacht support vessel. Sir Thomas Sopwith commissioned the 80 metre  Philante , later re-named  Norge , to be a support yacht to his America’s Cup Challenger, the J Class yacht Endeavour ( currently for sale ). Launched by Camper & Nicholsons in 1937,  Norge  – one of the best British superyachts of all time – ferried the sailing yacht’s rig across the Atlantic for racing. She was named Norge after WWII, when she became the royal yacht of Norway.

First launched by Vosper Thornycraft in 2004, M5 emerged from an extensive refit at Pendennis last year sporting a brand new backside and carbon fibre rigging. Her original designer, Ron Holland , oversaw the refit of the 78 metre sailing superyacht, which is widely regarded as one of the best British superyachts, whilst UK firm Redman, Whiteley, Dixon refreshed her interior.

The iconic Shemara was reborn after a recent refit that restored her to her former glory , putting this classic beauty on the list of best British superyachts. Originally launched by JL Thornycroft  in 1938, a loving, seven-year restoration breathed new life into Shemara . The refit maintained her character while updating the yacht with all necessary modern conveniences.

Another British classic revived – Malahne ’s 30-month refit has been called one of the most ambitious of all time. The hard work paid off, as she easily grabs a spot on the list of best British superyachts after Malahne was painstakingly refitted to look as if she had been in service since her launch in 1937. Built by Camper & Nicholsons, Malahne ’s epic history includes service in WWII.

Yachts for charter

Launched in 2014, the newest on this list of best British luxury yachts is Sunseeker's  Blush , owned by former F1 team principal Eddie Jordan. Blush stands out with her trendy light blue hull colour and recognisable Sunseeker styling. The Sunseeker 155 is also the largest yacht to emerge from the yard, that is until the new flagship, the  Sunseeker 168 , launches.

Imperial Princess

In 2012, semi-custom builder Princess entered the custom yacht market with its M Class yacht, Imperial Princess , and hasn’t looked back. After the Princess 40M, Princess introduced its 30M, 32M and 35M as well. Built for an existing Princess owner, the first of the pack, award-winning Imperial Princess , earns a spot on the best British superyachts list.

Yachts for sale

Built by Camper & Nicholsons in 1930, the legendary Shamrock V is the only wooden J Class yacht in existence. The 36 metre sailing yacht Shamrock V is currently for sale , allowing an owner to scoop her up in time for the J Class regatta during the America’s Cup in 2017.

Another yacht currently owned by Eddie Jordan  to earn a space in this list of the best of British-built yachts list is 27 metre Lush . The Oyster yacht is nimble on the water and an adept racer. A popular charter yacht, Lush was chased by whales during the St Barths Bucket this year, as Eddie Jordan recounted . Sailing yacht  Lush is currently for sale .

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HARDY MOTOR BOATS  QUALITY, COMFORT, STRENGTH AND EXCELLENT SEA-KEEPING

Hardy design and build the best of today for the boats of tomorrow.

Hardy 65 hull 02 with the interior design during the development stage

HARDY MOTOR YACHTS

The Hardy 32 was designed in response to requests from potential owners who wanted an aft cockpit design suitable for cruising the French canals, but also retaining the speed and sea-keeping ability to cruise across the English Channel or the North Sea in comfort and safety. The Hardy 32 fulfils all these requirements and more.

HARDY 36 | 36AD

A sea boat utilizing the ever popular design of the Commodore 36 with its eye catching classic lines and a proper sea-going hull. Now a version without a flybridge for those people that are looking to cruise the French Canals and also have a large sociable aft cockpit.

The first of the new ‘Next Generation’ models from Hardy, ensuring that the legendary sea keeping design of the Hardy range remains intact, the design of the Hardy 40DS remained in the capable hands of Hardy designer Andrew Wolstenholme.

Designed to build on the reputation of the Hardy 36, the Hardy 42 is a top quality sea-kindly cruising boat with lively performance. The latest Hardy 42’s are capable of nearly 28 knots in heavy weather in comfort.

HARDY 50 | 52DS

After the introduction of the Hardy 42 it became clear that a number of owners would welcome a larger luxury motor yacht with similar performance and sea-keeping to match. The new design has a size and layout that allows a larger family to cruise together, but be manageable by a couple for long periods and distances.

The Flag Ship of the Hardy range offers a sea kindly semi displacement hull built to withstand the vigour of the sea. The design is typical of the Hardy approach to cruising motor yachts. The interior may be styled in either a traditional manner or lifted to give a more modern feel.

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Sailing Yachts For Sale

Do you want to realise a long-standing yachting dream or take the family out on the water with style? Whether you’re searching for a small sloop or a large sailing yacht, we can help you find your ideal vessel.

The team at Wooden Ships is very fortunate to have some of the world’s most beautiful sailing yachts for sale. We consider it both a pleasure and a responsibility to guide you in selecting the boat that is your perfect sailing match. Browse our portfolio of some of the most elegant, traditional and classic sailing boats for sale today, or contact us to find out more about the sailing boats and yachts in our books.

Enquire about Falmouth Pilot Cutter Pellew

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Falmouth Pilot Cutter Pellew

Built by Luke Powell and his Working Sail Yard to the lines of the original Falmouth Pilot Cutter 'Vincent'. Launched in 2020, she is now operating as a successful charter vessel. Built solely with charter and sail training in mind, she was constructed to MCA Category 0 standards enabling her to sail worldwide with guests/trainees plus the crew. Oak on oak hull, all bronze fastened and designed to last. 8 comfortable guest berths plus a crew cabin aft. 3 watertight bulkheads. 2 electric-powered bronze capstans on deck aid handling the rig and mooring lines. A hugely impressive and elegant sailing boat, proven to be fast, easily handled and an excellent charter platform. Pellew is an 'as new' sailing yacht for sale for half the new build cost. VAT will be charged on the sale price

• Designer: Traditional
• Builder: Working Sail Ltd
• Location: United Kingdom
• Length on deck: 68'
• Draft: 9'8"

Enquire about Westcountry Trading Ketch Bessie Ellen

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Westcountry Trading Ketch Bessie Ellen

Bessie Ellen could be considered the flagship of UK traditional sailing boats. Built in Plymouth in 1904, she has been operating as a commercial charter vessel in the present ownership for over 20 years. Licenced to a very high standard under MCA with the following tickets: MCA Category 0 for 12 passengers plus 6 crew. Class VI passenger licence for 60-day passengers. Cargo licence for 50 tons of cargo.

Fully equipped and operational 118ft sailing boat with a thriving charter business, this is a totally unique opportunity to acquire a top-class traditional charter vessel. We're excited to list her in our exclusive sailing yachts for sale.

• Builder: W.S. Kelly, Plymouth
• Length on deck: 84'
• Beam: 20'4"
• Draft: 7'10"

Enquire about Tall Ship Phoenix

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Tall Ship Phoenix

Built in Denmark as a Baltic Trader, she was first converted to her current configuration in 1988. Used mainly for film work and maritime festival appearances, Pheonix has become a well-known classic sailing ship in many parts of the world. Two-masted brig, a major overhaul of the rig in 2019 including new lower fore and main masts. Volvo Penta 235hp diesel, major rebuild in 2019. Well-documented refit history going back many years. Licensed under MCA Category 2, out of water survey in January 2021. An unusual, impressive and capable sea-going sailing ship, capable of many different roles but particularly well suited to period film work with which she has been particularly busy throughout 2022.Phoenix is the most famous of our yachts for sale.

• Builder: Hjorne and Jakobsen of Frederikshavn, Denmark
• Length on deck: 78'
• Beam: 22'7"
• Draft: 8'6"

Enquire about Daniel Bombigher Shpountz 44-40 Schooner

Daniel Bombigher Shpountz 44-40 Schooner

Daniel Bombigher Shpountz 44-40 schooner launched in the south of France in 2012. She was taken on a cruise across the Atlantic, up to Nova Scotia and back to Panama. Sadly the owners suffered health issues and their planned circumnavigation was cut short and the boat was shipped back to France in 2016. She has since been laid up in a large shed, fully winterised and protected awaiting her next owner to continue the adventure. the design was intended as a long distance blue water cruising boat, spacious, capable and easy to handle. She has very shallow draft and a centreplate allowing her to access inshore areas usually off limits to a yacht of this length. 8 berths in a stunning interior. Fully equipped with all the necessary systems for long distance sailing. The yacht has had its shakedown cruise, all the normal issues with a new boat have been shaken out and she is in great shape for her next adventure.

• Designer: Daniel Bombigher
• Location: France
• Length on deck: 48'7"
• Draft: 5'10"

Enquire about G.L. Watson Gaff Cutter

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G.L. Watson Gaff Cutter

launched in 1887, she was designed by the great G.L. Watson with inspiration from the Scottish Loch Fyne Skiffs. Her interior was designed by her first owner, Robert Cowan Robertson, who was an artist in the Glasgow area and created a spectacular interior design that has survived the passage of time and is nearly all original today. Her saloon joinery has been carefully restored to keep all the original panelling and features and needed only minimal repairs. Her saloon is a completely unique work of art. The yacht was totally rebuilt between 2009 and 2017 with 80% new planking and frames, new deck and all new systems. The restoration was sympathetic to the original design and has resulted in a very special and unique vessel that is in superb condition.

• Designer: G.L.Watson
• Builder: Thomas Orr Jr.
• Length on deck: 45'10"

Enquire about 56′ Ed Burnett Pilot Cutter

56′ Ed Burnett Pilot Cutter

£ 300000 inc. VAT

Constructed in 2008 to an Ed Burnett design, specifically for sail training with The Island Trust in Plymouth who specialise in taking disadvantaged young people to sea. Sadly the Trust has reached a point where 2 of their 3 vessels need to be sold so they can consolidate costs. Pegasus has proved very successful since her launch with many thousands of sea miles covered. She has commercial licence under the MCA of Category 2 for 10 guests + 2 crew (60 miles from safe haven) The vessel is fully equipped to this standard and will come with all the gear and equipment for commercial sailing activities. 12 berths in 4 cabins with 6'6" headroom in the saloon. Capable of being sailed by 2 people but comfortable space on a passage for 12. Ideally suited for charter sailing but would make a first class private adventure cruising yacht. Asking price is inclusive of UK VAT.

• Designer: Ed Burnett
• Builder: Bristol Classic Boat Company
• Location: Devon
• Length on deck: 56'1"
• Beam: 14'9"

Enquire about Brixham Sailing Trawler DEODAR

Brixham Sailing Trawler DEODAR

Brixham sailing trawler BM 313, launched in 1911. After years of fishing and commercial operations, she started a long rolling rebuild under the present ownership which started in 1983. The boat has been sailed every season since 1972 with the present owner. Now presented in great condition and evidently well maintained. 15 berths. Volvo Penta 230hp diesel. Based in Stockholm, viewing through our Scandinavian representative.

• Builder: Robert Jackman & Sons Shipyard
• Location: Sweden
• Length on deck: 78'10"

Enquire about Luke Powell Gaff Cutter

Luke Powell Gaff Cutter

Number 8 of the sailing yachts built by Luke Powell, based on the Isles of Scilly Pilot Cutters and launched in 2012. Built for the current owners, this 64ft boat has been cruised as a private sailing yacht covering over 25,000Nm, much of it with a husband and wife crew. Planked in larch and oak fastened with bronze screws to sawn oak frames. Gaff cutter rig, Beta 35hp diesel. 5 berths including a double. Maintained to a very high standard and presented in immaculate condition, Freja is a lovely example of Luke Powells cutters, fully equipped and well prepared for new adventures. British flagged classic sailing boat, currently sailing west towards the UK and she will be based in the UK and France for this summer.

• Designer: Luke Powell
• Length on deck: 42'
• Beam: 12'2"

Enquire about Luke Powell Pilot Cutter

Luke Powell Pilot Cutter

The 44-foot Luke Powell gaff cutter sailing yacht built by Working Sail and launched in 2009. Planked in Oak and Larch on oak frames, all bronze screw-fastened. Beta 75hp diesel, 10 berths including 2 doubles. All the reassurance of a recent build sailing boat with the benefits of one which has been sailed properly. Operating as a successful charter yacht since her launch, the business aspect is included in the purchase. She would make a perfect turnkey charter operation for a new owner or be sailed as a private family sailing yacht. Internal and external refit completed summer 2024. Price is subject to VAT as part of the charter business but this could be reclaimed by a buyer with the right circumstances.

• Designer: Powell, Luke
• Builder: Luke Powell
• Location: Hants
• Length on deck: 44'
• Beam: 13'6"

Enquire about International Six Meter GBR31

International Six Meter GBR31

Designed by Tore Holm and built in Sweden in 1939. SILVERVINGEN had a major professional rebuild in Sweden 2004-2013 put the hull back into first class condition. In recent times she was bought by the current owner who put the boat through a no expense spared refit to bring her up to the best racing standard possible. Together with her stable mate ABU she has been tested and raced very thoroughly to perfect every facet of the hull and rig. A superb yacht, fully equipped for top flight racing on the 6m circuit.

• Designer: Tore Holm
• Builder: Hagerstens Batvarv, Sweden
• Length on deck: 37'1"
• Draft: 5'5"

Enquire about Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Breeze

Bristol Channel Pilot Cutter Breeze

Built by Coopers of Pill in 1887, she is the only remaining Pilot Cutter from this yard's sailing yachts. Totally rebuilt by RB Boatbuilding of Bristol, launched in 2016. The rebuild was very thorough with only a few small parts of the original boat left, the work has been done to a very high standard and the yacht is in excellent condition. She is smaller than most pilot cutters making her much easier to handle so she can be sailed with only 2 people. 7 berths including a double in the saloon. Twin electric motors with an 11kva generator. A very smart example of one of our traditional sailing yachts for sale, in as new condition but with all the history and pedigree that comes with a working boat of this age. 2017 survey available.

• Builder: Coopers of Pill
• Length on deck: 39'6"
• Beam: 12'6"
• Draft: 6'6"

Enquire about Sparkman & Stephens Sloop

Sparkman & Stephens Sloop

Designed by K. Aage Nielsen of the S&S office, built in Cuba for a wealthy yard owner in 1942. The owner had big aspirations for his yacht racing career and had a number of successes including beating 'Stormy Weather' in the 1948 Miami Nassau race. Honduras mahogany hull all bronze fastened. 7 berths with much original panelled joinery. A superb elegant 54ft sailing boat with a well-documented history, perhaps capable of taking on the big boys in the classic sailing yacht regattas but equally at home cruising with the family. Inspected, photographed and videoed by Wooden Ships in November 2016. One of our most elegant sailing yachts for sale.

• Designer: K. Aage Nielsen
• Builder: Remigio Hernandorena, Havana, Cuba
• Location: Cyprus
• Length on deck: 51'8"
• Beam: 11'6"

Yachts for sale

Sailing yachts are one of a kind in regatta capabilities and eco-friendly performance. Nothing quite beats relaxing on your boat with an ice-cold drink and the sound of sails flapping gently overhead. Several advantages come with owning sail boats, including freedom and adaptability to sail wherever and whenever you want and travel the world at your own pace. In addition, one of the many benefits of sailing boats is harnessing the wind’s power.

Many of the classic yachts for sale by Wooden Ships have the timeless elegance and speed of a traditional sailing yacht, whilst others combine this with all the contemporary convenience of a modern yacht, ensuring that every voyage is as pleasant as possible. Whether you want a sailboat to leisurely cruise between some of the world’s most famous and colourful ports in amongst the luxury boats, explore remote spots off the beaten track, or participate in regattas, our sailboats for sale give you the freedom to do it in stylish elegance.

Sailboats for sale UK

Many people think that owning a yacht means buying a perfect, ready-made boat. However, at Wooden Ships classic yacht brokers, we know there is a boat for everyone, and many people find the best sailing boats are to take on an old classic as a project. You can usually purchase used project yachts for a much lower price than a new one. You’ll have the opportunity to put your stamp on them by carrying out any necessary repairs and renovations.

Of course, taking on project boats is not for everyone. It requires time, effort and patience to return an old boat to its former glory. But if you’re up for the challenge, a project boat can be a great way to get a unique classic yacht. We hope that you enjoy our selection of vintage and classic sailing yachts.

Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about any of the boats featured on our website, or if you want to sell your classic boat . Here’s some information about what to expect when you sell your boat .

Wooden Ships classic yachts brokers have an extensive database of sailing boats for sale. With a wide range of classic yachts , motor yachts and small classic boats , Wooden Ships has one of the largest selections of traditional wooden boats and yachts for sale in the UK. 

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How to Sell a Yacht

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How to sell a classic yacht – 10 things to expect from your broker.   Selling a classic yacht can be daunting, but working with a broker can simp…

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TYPES OF VINTAGE MODEL YACHTS

Sailing pond yachts is a very absorbing hobby, there are in fact many different manufacturers to choose from or collect, here are some of the most important and most desirable British model yachts that have ever been made.

Skipper Yachts.

Skipper Yachts are the most recent British manufacturer of traditional model yachts, Skipper developed a superb range of beautiful contemporary boats that were made using modern materials they certainly appealed to young and old alike and sold very well. Skipper Yachts was conceived by John Foster in 1991, using basic construction methods, at the Milton works on the River Deben estuary in Woodbridge, Suffolk.

John had originally looked at the possibilities of purchasing the Star of Birkenhead name and any useful assets, however negotiations fell through. It was decided to create a completely new range of model yachts and so initially production was a family affair, until sales increased resulting in a need for larger premises these were found in Rendlesham not far from Woodbridge, here upto 12 people were employed and became Skipper Yachts Ltd.

Skipper Yachts were carved from a solid piece of Jelutong an Asian timber then later Obeche an African hardwood carved out on an Edwardian Dutch Clog making machine. Skipper also branched out into making a range of other wooden toys like Star had done in the past.

The earliest yachts can be identified by a circular logo printed on the sail fabric and by a paper sticker placed just in front of the mast, other early features are screw eye fittings instead of the later nylon Gooseneck, and a drilled hole in the deck instead of the later nylon mast foot. The original sails were not hemmed and can fray, reinforcements were bonded in the corners to receive the eyelets. Early keel shapes also vary as designs were improved. The transom on the earliest yachts sloped aft this was changed to slope forward. The hull also changed shape they became slightly deeper. Yacht designs were tested by the Woodbridge Model Yacht Club at the Woodbridge model yacht pond.

                          Skipper Shrimp and Jumbo Shrimp

The Skipper yacht range originally included a 5 inch Shrimp and a 6 inch Jumbo shrimp, these had no keels fitted and these were toys for the bath.

                                       Skipper Baby Sailer

The original line up also included a 6 inch baby sailor this was fitted with a simple Star SY0 type keel.

                                           Skipper Chubby

However the range was simplified and an 8 inch Chubby was introduced and featured a pronounced rounded bow and came in various colours and printed sewn sail combinations.

                                        Skipper Contender

A ten inch contender with a sleeker hull was introduced and probably proved to be the most popular in the range.

                                     Skipper Deben Estuary

The 12 inch Deben Estuary yacht was next in the range, various hull and keel shapes are known exist for this model. These were also marketed in a self build model kit form, including a rare version for Marks and Spencers.

                                          Skipper Coastal

Another yacht in the range is the 15 inch Coastal, this also has undergone a few changes to the shape of the keel and hull. 

                             Skipper C13 and C18 Catamaran

The C13 and C18 Catamaran are a beautifully designed and crafted yacht, these are sought after by collectors their production run was very brief and are difficult to find. Made in two sizes of 13 inch and 18 inch these yachts were made using the early sleek hull shapes with aft facing transoms.

                                      Skipper T18 Trimaran

Another collectors item is the 18 inch Trimaran this was developed using the sleek early hull shape fitted with two pontoons created by using the hulls from the Baby Sailor. Although a beautiful design these were produced in low numbers and are now very rare.

                                        Skipper Coastal 20

A 20 inch Skipper Coastal was also manufactured this yacht sports a lined deck and indications of deck cabins and hatches.

                                      Skipper Blue Water 21

The flagship of the skipper fleet was the 21 inch Blue Water Ketch sporting a yawl set up with two masts and along shallow hull, the deck was lined and fitted with with a cabin and hatches. This yacht is very popular with collectors and sails well.

                                          Skipper Lightning

Little is known about this yacht it was developed in the late 1990's as a 25 inch radio control yacht with a GRP hull and an aluminium mast. Lightning was sold only in kit form, it is said that only 36 were manufactured. 

                                    Skipper Ocean Racer 32

The largest wooden yacht that skipper produced was the stunning 32 inch Ocean Racer this was fitted with a keel shape unlike any of the other in the range, along with a lined deck, hatches a cabin and a footwell. Its size makes this the best sailing yacht in the range, these yachts are famous for their appearance in the stunning window displays of Ralph Lauren's high couture shops in the USA.

                                     Skipper Ocean Bound

Marketed in 1996 for the launch of the first BT Challenge race as a yacht for the enthusiast the 34 inch Skipper Ocean Bound featured a GRP hull and aluminium mast, this yacht was marketed as a kit and was designed for radio control. It is believed that only 400 of these kits were produced. 

Skipper Yachts Limited was purchased by Susan Mariani in 2007, then in 2009 production was transferred from Suffolk to China and marketed by a UK toy wholesaler. The yacht range continued to be sold under the Skipper name, but the packaging changed and MDF stands were provided instead of the hardwood types previously used. Unfortunately the original high standard of craftsmanship was lost and hull shapes and paint finish was not as good as the Suffolk made yachts but they continued to sell well. Skipper Yachts unfortunately could not compete with another cheap yacht manufacturer and eventually stocks were run down and the Skipper brand that we used to love is now no longer available. A buoyant second hand market keeps these little yachts in circulation, it is still possible to find unsailed boxed examples on various auctions sites, and are occasionally sold by Britannia Pond Yachts.

Star Yachts of Birkenhead.

Star yachts originated shortly after WW1, Franz-Marie Den ye sold his hand made yachts in a local shop after a short time carving his pond yachts he was able to purchase his own factory building in Marion Street, Birkenhead. From here a wide range of different yachts were manufactured. We are probably most familiar with the SY range of solid yachts and the MK Endeavour range of metal keel yachts, however a beautiful range of larger BR and SB yachts were also made including racing yachts. Some Stars are now collectable as over the years different designs and badging were manufactured. I have listed some of the more commonly found yachts below.

Star SY Solid Yacht Series available from 1932

Having a solid hull all of the yachts in the SY range were finished using various attractive enamel paint colours, they were turned on a lathe from 1939 and they were all fitted with quality hardened Sheffield Steel keels, the decks were fitted with. The Cotton sails were stamped with a black star emblem and numbered according the yachts size, they were all rigged using braided cotton cord which was adjustable using first brass bowsies then later white plastic. The masts and bowsprits were all hinged to allow the sails to be folded down when not in use a removable pin is fitted to the bowsprit bracket . A triangular display stand was also available. From around 1939 the SY series carried a square stern. The last SY yachts were fitted with coloured sails

SY00                                   5 inch                             Cat boat 

SY0                                      8 inch                             Bermuda rigged 

SY1                                       11 inch                             Bermuda rigged 

SY2                                      12 inch                            Bermuda rigged 

SY3                                      14 inch                            Bermuda rigged 

SY4                                      16 inch                            Bermuda rigged 

SY5                                      18 inch                            Gunter rigged 

SY6                                      21 inch                            Gunter rigged 

SY7                                      24 inch                           Gunter rigged

Star MK Endeavour Series

The MK Endeavour Series were all hollowed out to provide a lighter more responsive yacht and were made to a slightly higher specification than the SY series. The prefix MK refers to metal Keel. They were painted in white enamel with varnished lined decks. The mast, boom and bowsprit were originally fitted with brass ferrules but later with white plastic, instead of staples used to anchor the sheeting brass screw eyes were used. These yachts were also fitted with Luff rings to the leading edge and foot of the mainsail.  The sails were made from white cotton and carried a red printed Star emblem. From 1939 Star MK yachts carried the name Endeavour in honour of the Americas cup winner. A coloured stripe was painted both sides of the hull to indicate the yacht type. Later yachts were fitted with colour coordinated adjustable rudders. From around 1939 the MK series was made with a square stern. The last MK yachts were fitted with coloured sails

Star MK1 Endeavour         12 inch          Bermuda rigged, red stripe

Star MK2 Endeavour        14 inch          Bermuda rigged, blue stripe

Star MK3 Endeavour        16 inch          Bermuda rigged, yellow stripe

Star MK4 Endeavour.       18 inch          Bermuda rigged, green stripe

Star BR  Series

Listed in the Star catalogue as a fast all weather yacht the Star BR is a pretty looking well proportioned yacht made using hollowed out pine, the deck fittings are the same as those used on the MK range but the hulls were either painted all white underside with a deep coloured band to the water line or had varnished undersides. The deck was varnished and lined. The Star BR series sails were made using white cotton and stamped using a Star emblem and number in black to denote the yacht type, they were made to have a higher aspect ratio than those in the MK series. The boom and mast were tapered and varnished, whilst the smaller yachts had collapsible rigging for ease of storage and carrying. The larger yacht had 

 removable sails and mast. A lead counterbalance weight was fitted to a wooden keel. These yachts were also named.

Star BR/2             Meteorite                          Bermuda rigged 21 inch

Star BR/3             Planet                                Bermuda rigged 24 inch

Star BR/4             Comet                               Bermuda rigged 30 inch

Star SB Series

The beautiful Star SB is listed as the Super edition of the Bermuda type yacht. The hollowed out hull was made of specially selected timber and was well designed possessing excellent sailing qualities. SB yachts were all painted in white enamel and fitted with a rubbing strip that was painted red. SB series yachts were fitted with rudders and a tiller the shape of the rudder changed in later years. The sails were made from white Union Silk (no longer available) with taped hemmed sails which were fitted with eyelets via Luff rings and were originally fitted with brass ferrules to the mast, boom and stay boom. The shaped wooden keel was also weighted using lead, the yachts were named using black and gold lettering. These yachts are very graceful on the water and perhaps the most widely sought after of all Birkenhead made Stars yachts

Star SB/2              Pacific Star                       Bermuda rigged 21 inch

Star SB/3              Arctic Star                        Bermuda rigged 24 inch

Star SB/4             Baltic Star                         Bermuda rigged 27 inch

Star SB/5             Western Star                     Bermuda rigged 30 inch

A suffolk made Skipper C13 Catamaran

Star SY6 Southern Star, pond yacht.

Bowman are a fascinating and complicated company to collect, having started out just before the start of WW1, they manufactured a great range of toys including clockwork, rubber band powered, and live steam. From locomotives, and stationary engines through to speedboats and sailing yachts. Their first boat was in fact a 25 inch a rubber band powered speedboat produced in London. Soon their famous highly collectable clockwork and steam powered speed boats were produced. In 1923 production was moved to Norfolk in collaboration with Hobbies Ltd.

The first Bowman made yachts produced were named Peewit and Ace both being made around 1926, these were marketed by Hobbies Ltd. The superb range of rubber powered Aeroboats and steam launches including the famous Miss America continued to be made until Geoffrey Jenkins had decided he could no longer take directions from the Hobbies board and parted company. He again started making his models now based in Luton but with greater detail than before. Unfortunately the company was dissolved in 1948. 

The Jenkins family moved to Ridlington in Norfolk, and in 1950 Geoffrey Jenkins again turned his mind to model boats, especially yachts. A large range of designs and changes were made to these yachts so it is common place for these yachts to be quite different even in the same range. The first new yacht to be named was a mid sized yacht called Dragonfly, various sizes of this design were produced in the early 1950's, until the solid hulled aquaplane was introduced. The Dragonfly series was followed in succession by the solid hulled swift and Admiral yachts. The hollow hulled 18 inch Gull and Heron were also available in the late 1950's, the Heron featured a cabin and rudder, (although variations have been found) kits were also available to make at home. Geoffrey died in 1959 and his son Max continued on with the business, in the late 1960's a vacuum formed plastic hull was introduced and was named the Olympic series. The last yacht in Bowman range was the Lively Lady, sadly Bowman closed its doors for the final time in 1982.

                               The Bowman Yacht Series

Unnamed with automatic steering              20 inches 1951

Dragonfly                                                     various from 1951

Aquaplane                                                    14-24 inches 1953-1968

Swift                                                             9-15 inches 1955-66

B18 Gull and Heron                                     18 inches 1958

Keil Kraft Gull Kit                                        18 inches 1955-60

B26 Heron                                                   26 inches 1966

Catamaran                                                   15 inches 1962

Admiral                                                         9-24 inches 1966-68

Olympic                                                        6-22 inches 1968-70

Olympic De Luxe                                         6-22 inches 1970-75

Lively Lady                                                   14 and 18 inches 1970

To complicate matters further Swift and Aquaplane yachts have upto 3 different design changes or series to look out for. There may even be more Bowman yachts out there that have yet to be discovered.

A 1958 Bowman B18 Gull

Lines Brothers and Tri-ang.

Lines Bros Ltd did not start out in the toy boat market until 1933, introducing 3 ranges of 20 new wooden hulled yacht designs, by 1934 they had reduced the range by marketing only 8 of the quality S range. Tri angs inexperience as a yacht designer showed in the performance of their yachts. Their boats at best can only be described as cruisers the hulls were heavy and sat low in the water, however they were well-made, good-looking cutters. In 1934 it was decided to enlist the services of an experienced manufacturer and because Kellner were already selling a range of quality boats through Hamleys now owned by the Lines Brothers so Kellner became an ideal partner to work with. A range of Composite and Steel yachts was developed by Kellner.

Kellner held the patent for a resin-impregnated silk hull design (The forerunner to GRP). This, however, was only listed as weatherproof and if the paint was cracked or scuffed in any way water would seep into the material and soak up water and then the yacht would be ruined. Three very attractive racing yachts were produced called the K Yacht series, they were fitted with cedar decks, braine gear and a quality Bermuda rig. The light weight of the design resulted in very high performance. These yachts were manufactured until 1940 and are extremely rare today. The smaller Kellner-designed tin plate yachts continued to be made at Merton until 1953.

After WW2 had ended the Penguin brand appeared this was to market the now cheaper-to-produce plastic models that Tri-ang had been working on. However, the larger metal-bodied yachts continued in production until the late 1950's. By 1963 the Scalex brand had been introduced for the plastic-bodied yachts, the largest plastic yachts produced were the attractive Commodore and Osprey at 24 inches overall, these yachts sailed well and some were fitted with automatic steering. Tri-ang was absorbed by Hornby in 1971.

The Tri-ang yachts series

A12-18  Wood            Lugger rigged             2-18 inches long 1932

A21-24 Wood            Bermuda rigged          21-24 inches long 1932-35

B12-18  Wood.           Lugger rigged             12-18 inches long 1932

B21-24  Wood           Bermuda rigged          21-24 inches long 1932

S12-S18 Wood.          Lugger rigged             12-18 inches long 1932-35

000-4  Steel             Bermuda rigged         8.5-31.5 inches long 1934-51

K2 Elizabeth               Bermuda rigged         21 inches long 1935-40

K3 Margaret               Bermuda rigged         26 inches long 1935-40

K4 Rosemary.             Bermuda rigged         32 inches long 1935-40

X and Y series.            Bermuda rigged         18.5-21 inches long 1935-40

K10-K16                      Bermuda rigged         10-16 inches long 1936-39

14-20 Wood,              Bermuda rigged         14-16 inches long 1937-38

C16 Aluminium.          Bermuda rigged         16 inches long 1947-53

C18 Steel.                   Bermuda rigged         18 inches long 1937-40

C20-24 Steel             Bermuda rigged         20-24 inches long 1939-53

T24-69 Steel              Bermuda rigged         24-69 inches long 1937-38

No 1-2 Star made       Fishing Smack            14-17 inches long 1937-40

K12-20 Steel.             Bermuda rigged          12-20 inches long 1938-40

K24 Steel.                   Bermuda rigged          24 inches long 1938-51

000-0 Steel               Bermuda rigged         8-14 inches long 1947-53

W16-W18 Wood          Bermuda rigged         16-18 inches long 1947

C16-24 series 2 Steel Bermuda rigged         16-24 inches long 1954-59

404Y Ocean plastic    Bermuda rigged         24 inches long 1960

405Y plastic                Bermuda rigged         24 inches long 1961

410Y  plastic                Bermuda rigged         10 inches long 1960

411Y Catamaran           Bermuda rigged         13 inches long 1961

412Y plastic                  Bermuda rigged         12 inches 1953-54

430Y Neptune             Bermuda rigged         16 inches 1958-60

Penguin Yachts

410Y plastic.                 Bermuda rigged           10  inches long 1953-54

412Y plastic                  Bermuda rigged            12 inches 1953-54

430Y Neptune              Bermuda rigged            16  inches 1951-54

Scalex Yachts

H211 Gull plastic           Bermuda rigged            11 inches long 1964-67

H212 Swift                    Bermuda rigged            12 inches long 1964-72

H216 Diana                   Bermuda rigged            16 inches long 1964-72

H224 commodore        Bermuda rigged            24 inches long 1971

H312 Swift 2                 Bermuda rigged            12 inches long 1968-69

H316 Seahawk              Bermuda rigged            16 inches long 1964-66

H316 Seahawk 2            Bermuda rigged            16 inches long 1968 -69

410Y plastic                  Bermuda rigged            10 inches long 1963

412Y plastic                  Bermuda rigged             12 inches 1963

430Y Neptune             Bermuda rigged             16 inches 1955-63

A pre 1953 tin plate 12 inch Tri-ang Junior 0 series

All Suggs yachts were hand carved the company first started before WW1 and very few have have survived today. They were produced by the Frank Sugg company of Liverpool and sold in Gamages stores, Stevens's Model Dockyard and also probably other stores, elsewhere. Made in various sizes and designs, including Schooners and Yawls Suggs cutters were either spoon or clipper bowed and always gaff rigged, painted with black topsides and red oxide below the waterline, the larger yachts were fitted with a topsail using a jackyard, but these are often lost. Little is known about the company, but an example exists with a deck transfer reading 'Sugg. Liverpool, Manchester, Leeds and London'. The Suggs company also made sports goods and traded selling sports appareil until the 1980's.

Suggs Cutters are difficult to identify but do have the following characteristics, the original set up often featured double head sails as on a full size cutter that were overlapped and loose footed. Deck fittings known as Bugg Pins were hammered in and bent over to form a loop. The deck was curved (Turtle back) to provide run off and was set into the hull which was completed with a finely made toe rail all round that tapered off to the stern. A typical feature of Suggs made yachts is the distinctively shaped adjustable raked rudder and rudder post, which was fitted with a brass tiller and sprung beneath a narrow brass horse which was given three indentations providing a center, Starboard and Port position for the helm. These rudders can also be found on early Hamleys, Lines brothers (Tri ang) wooden cutters and yachts, which does make you wonder if these yachts were in fact made by the Suggs company as well.

All Suggs Cutters were originally painted the same way, with black topsides and a red oxide below the water line. Nearly all have a very fine painted cove line around the the bilge. The decks were also lined out before varnishing except for some of the smallest yachts. The larger examples, and those with 'non standard' hulls have a light moulding fitted to act as a rubbing strake.

Suggs yachts are highly sought after rare and are delightful, well made models, they do take some getting used to when sailing, it is advised to keep the top sail taught to keep it off wind, the yacht will not self tack due to the overlapping for-sails these will need to be reset each time that you need to go about.

A typical larger 1920's 25 inch spoon bowed Suggs Cutter.

Albatross, by Games Industries.

The first Albatross yachts were manufactured by Games Industries of London during the 1950's and were marketed by the prestigious department store Gamages. They were well made quality yachts manufactured with hollow hulls and were offered in 3 ranges. The Q series with a fixed rudder and a keel similar to a Star MK, and then the R range fitted with a manually operated rudder.

The high specification De Lux series were fitted with a simple but effective form of Braine steering quadrant with a forward mounted horse for beating and reaching, the sheets led through eyelets to the tiller quadrant for running. It is interesting to note that the jib stay and boom were originally made from shaped flat sided timber as were the full size racing yachts of the day. The foot of both the jib and main sail were lashed to the stay and boom to help make the sail as efficient as possible. The main sail was attached to the mast using Luff rings. The largest yachts had fold down masts for ease of stowage. There is little known about Games Industries and their range of Albatross yachts .

The Games Industries, Albatross Yacht Series

Q14                   Bermuda rigged                    14 inches long 1952-57

Q16                   Bermuda rigged                    16 inches long 1952-57

R14                    Bermuda rigged                    14 inches long 1952-57

R16                    Bermuda rigged                    16 inches long 1952-57

R21                    Bermuda rigged                    21 inches long 1952-57

J16                     Bermuda rigged                    16 inches long 1952-57

J20                    Bermuda rigged                    20 inches long 1952-57

J25                    Bermuda rigged                    25 inches long  1952-57

J30                    Bermuda rigged                   30 inches long  1952-57

J36                    Bermuda rigged                    36 inches long  1952-57

An Albatross J25 awaiting restoration in an original stand.

Albatross, by G Cornish, Paignton.

The second Albatross Yachts were manufactured by Mr G Cornish in King Ash, Road Paignton, in Devon. between 1988 and 1996  with the invaluable help of his wife Freda, who made the sails and carried out the bookwork. The first yachts were made in the garden shed at 170 Kings Ash Road, but as production increased operations were moved to an industrial unit to the rear of 36 Palace Avenue, Paignton.

The Paignton Albatross yacht series

Kathleen, wooden             Gaff rigged                          24 inch 

Kathleen, GRP                  Gaff rigged                          24 inch

Kathleen GRP                   Yawl                                     24 inch

Sloop, wooden                  Bermuda rigged                   20 inch

Tonnage Class, wooden    Gaff rigged                            26 inch

Nisha, Brixham Trawler     Gaff rigged                          22 inch

Valentine, wooden            Gaff rigged                           30 inch

Neptune Schooner           Gaff rigged                           18 inch  

Schooner, wooden            Gaff rigged                           20 inch

1890, wooden,                  Gaff rigged                           18 inch

Jolie Breeze, wooden        gaff rigged                            22 inch

Barge, wooden                  Gaff rigged                            6 and 11 inch

Solid Sloop, wooden         Bermuda rigged                    12 and 14 inch

Hollow Sloop, wooden      Bermuda rigged                    14 and 16 inch

Hollow Sloop                    Gaff rigged                            15 and 18 inch

Hollow Sloop                    Double head Gaff rigged      18 inch

Yawl.                                Lugger rigged                         17 and 20 inch

Some of the above yachts were made in very small numbers

24 inch Albatross Kathleen yawl.

J Alexander and Sons of Preston

Alexander racing yachts really are in a class of their own for their astounding quality of finish and sailing qualities they are now highly sought after with each example offered for sale commanding high prices.  John Alexander trained to be a carpenter and was employed by Browns Shipyard in Glasgow, during WW1 he was involved in building early flying boats for the Royal Navy, possibly Saunders Roe. John was a keen model yachtsman and in 1925 he made the decision to convert his hobby into a business. His range of quality hand crafted yachts were made in the sprawling upstairs rooms of his house in Ashton on Ribble. The house was ideally situated for testing and sailing near Fleetwood International boating lake. His sons successfully raced their own boats which provided excellent PR for their range of yachts. The enviable quality of the yachts was assisted by entire family who helped with assembly and sail making.

After WW2 demand decreased due to Britain's period of Austerity,

and the demand for their expensive range of yachts was no more. John retired from the business around 1950, his sons carried on producing the yachts and introduced an electric powered speed boat.  J Alexander and sons sadly ceased production in around 1960. It is not known how many models were actually produced.

J Alexander yachts were sold by mail order and in Gamages, and Hamleys with the advertising slogan of British Boats for British Boys!

The J. Alexander yacht series

White Flyer

Heather Elf                                            18 inch

White Heather                             20-34 inch

Heather Dew                               22-25 inch

Heather Bells                               26 inch

Heather Isle                                 30 inch

Heather Glen                               36 inch

White Elf                                      22 inch

White Spray                                 30 inch

It is believed that all J Alexander yachts were Bermuda rigged. There was also a tie-up with Bassett-Lowke who marketed the White Heather series known as R1-R4

J Alexander White Heather, Pond Yacht.

Ailsa Yachts

It is not known when Ailsa yachts first started making model yachts but an early advertisement is dated 1936, it is now accepted that the earliest wooden yachts date from the late 1920's. Sadly it is not known how many different models that were made and it is assumed that they were first produced by Turner of Largs, and the very first model yachts were carved from bread and butter pine board construction, and fitted with a wooden lead weighted keel and sometimes with a metal fin. However they were initially designed to be used without a moveable rudder and provide excellent performance in the hands of beginners they were made to a high standard, with extensive prototype testing carried out by Turner on the yacht pond at Largs. These earliest yachts were referred to as Clyde built Stevie boats and were originally fitted with striped cotton sails. At the time the dockyards of the River Clyde had an enviable reputation and built more ships and boats than anywhere else in the world. The later name Ailsa refers to an Island called Ailsa Craig off the coast of Largs.

Initially they were sold by the Clyde Model Dockyard in Glasgow, it is possible that only those yachts sold by the Clyde Model Dockyard were named Iona. They became widely sold throughout the UK and were even exported throughout the Commonwealth. Production ceased during WW2 but after the war manufacturing commenced and at one stage upto 12 people were employed. Milbro a toy and sports equipment wholesaler began marketing the yachts these were fitted with an ivorine name plate bearing the name Milbro. An aluminium hull with a Cedar deck was introduced soon after the war which enabled the yacht to be slightly lighter and therefore faster than those yachts with wooden hulls, speed of production was also increased. The very last of the yachts were fitted with hot rolled terylene sails, this was the go to racing sail material used at the time. The very last yachts were made with a GRP hull and the last Ailsa yacht off the line was made in the early 1960's. Today Ailsa yachts are still very popular they are elegant in design and provide outstanding performance, something that has still to be bettered today, perhaps this is why Ailsa yachts are rarely seen for sale and command such high prices when they do.

                                   The Ailsa yacht series

12  inches long

14  inches long

16 inches Long

17  inches long

18  inches long

20 inches long

21  inches long

28 inches long

30 inches long

These are the only sizes  known at the time of writing

A late 16 inch Aluminium hulled Milbro Ailsa.

B-Boats, British Yacht and Model Company

The first listing for B-Boats was in the 1932 Meccano Magazine, they were manufactured at 459 Fulham road in London. Very little else is known about the company and how long it stayed in business, however the hulls were made from a quality aluminium pressing like later Ailsa yachts, it is interesting to note that B-Boats power boat pressings were also used on the Scottish Marine Companies, Mermaid power boat. B-Boats were a high quality product with beautifully sewn double stitched double hemmed sails that were provided with a curved foot, sheeting was attached using Lanyard clips like other quality yacht manufacturers at the time a free swinging rudder was also fitted. All B-Boats were supplied in a green felt lined wooden box. The advertising slogan for B-Boats was unsurpassed for Grace and speed. (Once my B-Boat has been restored I will set it against a similar Ailsa to see which is the quickest across the pond).

The British Yacht and Model Company, B-Boat range.

S1016                     Bermuda rigged                             16 inches Long

S1020                    Bermuda rigged                             20 inches long

S1026                    Bermuda rigged                             26 inches long

S1033                    Bermuda rigged                             33 inches long

The remains of a once beautiful 16 inch B-Boat.

Bassett-Lowke Ltd

The trading name of Bassett- Lowke was Founded in 1899 and has a long and complicated history, based in Northampton they were originally known for their large scale exhibition standard models made for boat and ship manufacturers including military vehicles, model steam locomotives and rolling stock. They also retailed quality model yachts and boats including the Alexander White Heather range. It is not known how many model boats that Bassett-Lowke actually made but it is certain that they manufactured a range of four beautiful power boats and a range of model boat fittings themselves.

A Bassett-Lowke Deerhound

                           Bonds of Euston Road

Bonds O Euston Road as they called themselves were a very popular model engineering supplier, selling model kits, tools, parts, stationary engines, plans and castings, established in 1887 known simply as Bonds, they moved to Euston Road in 1929,  Bonds also had their own range of quality racing yachts and boats sourced from a variety of suppliers. The decline in interest of their core products meant that they had to move to new premises in Sussex and changed direction becoming a hardware store, they closed in 2010.

                         Bonds of Euston, Endeavour range

17 inch                             automatic rudder

21 inch                             automatic rudder

28 inch                            Braine type steerin g

36 inch                            Braine type steering

A 1935 Bonds of Euston, Endeavour Yacht

AW Gamage Ltd

Gamages were a quality London department store that started trading in 1878 selling clothes, they were very successful and were soon selling all manner of goods including toys and model yachts. Little is known about the range of yachts sold as the company closed in 1972, and the records were destroyed. It is thought that because Gamages were able to sell high volumes of goods they were able to acquire exclusive deals with existing manufacturers, the types of yachts sold it seems was very varied and some were possibly made in Germany. Difficulty in identifying Gamages type yachts exists because few yachts had any identification marks on them.

A  superbly made 1920's Gaff rigged Gamages yacht

Hobbies of Dereham Ltd.

Hobbies of Dereham Ltd was established by John Skinner in around 1880, and sold specialist woodworking tools, patterns and materials. They produced the popular Hobbies magazine which included their ever growing range of items and how to do articles. Hobbies Ltd was formed in 1902 and was now operating from many shops around the country. It was in 1922 that the association with Geoffrey Bowman Jenkins was formed, and a range of steam powered motor boats was introduced. Bowman designed and built a variety of yachts and boats, the company became known as Hobbies Bowman.

Unfortunately the Bowman section of the company failed in 1935. It is interesting to note that from this failure the creation of Mammod came about from the early steam engine designs made by Geoffrey-Malin's co-operation with Hobbies Ltd. By 1968  Hobbies Ltd was liquidated, however a previous employee managed to purchase the brand name and Hobbies Ltd was relaunched and is still trading today with a strong online presence selling plans, materials tools and spares as it had originally done when Hobbies first started.

The Hobbies Bowman range

The Ace                    14.5 inches Gaff rigged                         1925-28

Peewit                      14.5 inches Bermuda rigged                  1925-29

Whitewings              20 inches Gaff rigged

Seagull                     23 inches Gaff rigged

An early Hobbies "Peewit" pond yacht.

Winford Model Yachts

Winford made a stylish and unusual range of pond yachts, they were a quality product and expensively priced, and were marketed as an any weather yacht. They featured innovative pressed steel hulls fitted with wooden decks and  remov able/adjustable  lead weighted wooden keels of different weights and sizes. These yachts were also fitted with steering gear and a stern mounted rudder, all models featured a bowsprit and as far as we know all were fitted with a Bermuda rig. They were produced at the Kingswinford Forge in Staffordshire during the 1920's. Very little more is known about the company it is likely that very few yachts were sold and even fewer have survived even though world wide sales were claimed.

The Winford yacht range

12 inch ‘Ordinary’, fixed keel, one suit of sails.

12 inch ‘Special’ with two suits of sails and spars, removable keel and ballast, a carrying box and weighted rudder.

15 inch ‘Ordinary’, fixed single keel, one suit of sails.

15 inch ‘Special’ with three suits of sails and spars, removable keel and ballast, a carrying box and simple tiller steering gear.

20 inch ‘Racing’ model with three suits of sails, removable keel and ballast, a carrying box and a sheet to tiller steering gear.

27 inch model with three suits of sails, removable keel and ballast, a carrying box and a sheet to tiller steering gear.

36 inch model with three suits of sails, removable keel and ballast, a carrying box and a simple sheet to tiller steering gear. 

36 inch schooner rigged with two suits of sails, removable keel and ballast, with steering gear.

Winford racing yacht diagram.

Kylecraft Model Yachts

Kylecraft Pond Yachts were made in Largs on the river Clyde just after the Second World War. Largs was also the home of the Ailsa yacht brand, on inspection the two types are very similar, with the Kylecraft yacht having a slightly deeper hull and keel than an Ailsa. It is not known if there was any collaboration between the two companies. Kylecraft continued to use carved wooden hulls whereas Ailsa were using a pressed aluminium hull. Overall Ailsa yachts were produced in far greater quantities and therefore easier to find than Kylecraft yachts and because of their rarity they have now become highly collectable. It is thought that Hobbies of Dereham Ltd marketed Kylecraft yachts. Once Kylecraft had ceased trading 300 nearly completed yachts were acquired by a gentleman who ran a market stall in Portobello Market, he completed the yachts and sold them as display pieces.

The Kylecraft yacht range

12 inch                                Bermuda rigged

16 inch                                Bermuda rigged

18 inch                                Bermuda rigged

22 Inch                               Bermuda rigged

24 inch                               Bermuda rigged

A 12 inch Kylecraft yacht sailing in Cumbria.

Redwing Model Yachts

Very little indeed is known about Redwing  Pond Yachts, it seems that they were manufactured in the 1920's as a surviving catalogue although undated refers to the 1921 Cowes yacht races. They made both yachts and powerboats, Redwing models were hardly toys with some of the yachts being 50 inches long and made to a very high specification which included steering gear on some models. The company was based at 150 Kingston Road, in New Malden, Surrey.

The Redwing yacht range

Model No 1   The Redwing Sloop               36 inch Gaff rigged

Model No 2  The Redwing                          24 inch Gaff rigged

Model No 3  Bluebird                                 36 inch Bermuda rigged

Model No 4  Bluebird                                 24 inch Bermuda rigged

Model No 5  Ten-rater Schooner              50 inch Bermuda rigged

Model No 6  6m International                   (size unknown)

A 50 inch Redwing Ten-rater Schooner.

Ben Harris & Co.

Traditional wooden boatbuilding.

Ben Harris & Co. are a team of highly skilled craftspeople united by a passion for wooden boatbuilding. Together we design, build and restore traditional boats that will be a long-lasting source of joy, pride and adventure for those who sail them.

Custom Built Boats

We work closely with our clients at every stage of the project, from design to finishing, to ensure that our custom built boats are everything they dreamed of. To learn more about the custom build journey from the initial commission to maiden voyage click here.

See our most recent new builds below:

“Of life’s two chief prizes, beauty and truth, I found the first in a loving heart and the second in a laborer’s hand.” – Khalil Gibran

How we work:

Working together.

In our commitment to continuing the traditions and skills of classic boat building we take on apprentices, provide training and  collaborate with a wide range of highly skilled local craftspeople. Please contact us  if you are interested in working together.  

Carefully selected timber

A great deal is asked of a sailboat – to perform in all weather, day in day out – which is why we choose our timbers with the utmost care from the best sources, often selecting trees whilst they are still growing. We saw and season the wood ourselves to ensure that the quality of grain is suitable for each aspect of the build.

Inspired and innovating

A wooden sailing boat is perhaps the most glorious instrument the human hand can build. The job of a boatbuilder is to breathe new life into the supple wood and sturdy metal, rope and sail. Like skin, bone and sinews, these elements merge to form a creature that flies and swims, hums with its own music, provides shelter and warmth and opens up new horizons.

The form and function of each boat has evolved through centuries of gradual enhancement by sailors and shipwrights to serve their specific purpose and local environment. Following this tradition, we continue to design and build, integrating the best aspects of both classic and modern materials.

Lovers of the sea, the filling sail, the living tree and the copper nail, come to us with your dream in hand, cast off your cares and leave the land.

Superyacht sinks latest: Tech tycoon Mike Lynch's body among five identified; 'unlikely' missing daughter thrown from boat

Five bodies have been found and now identified in the search for those missing after a yacht sank off the Sicily coast, including that of tech tycoon Mike Lynch. An expert says it is unlikely his daughter, who remains unaccounted for, is not inside the vessel.

Thursday 22 August 2024 21:53, UK

• Superyacht sinking

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• Five bodies found in search of superyacht wreckage, taking number of confirmed deaths to six
• Family of Jonathan and Judy Bloomer describe 'unimaginable grief'
• Tech tycoon Mike Lynch confirmed dead - but daughter still missing
• 'Unlikely' that Hannah Lynch was thrown from Bayesian
• Superyacht maker says boat was 'unsinkable'
• Ashna Hurynag in Sicily:  Search 'almost certainly' moves to recovery for tycoon's daughter
• Watch: CCTV captures yacht seconds before it sinks
• Explained: Inside the superyacht

We're pausing our coverage for tonight but here is a recap of what we know:

• The five bodies discovered in the wreckage of the sunken Bayesian have been identified;
• British tycoon Mike Lynch, Jonathan Bloomer, his wife Judith Bloomer, lawyer Christopher Morvillo and his wife Neda Morvillo were all named;
• Mr Lynch's 18-year-old daughter Hannah Lynch remains unaccounted for;
• A senior oceanography lecturer has told Sky News it's "unlikely" she was thrown from the Bayesian and more probable that she will be found somewhere inside the vessel;
• Tributes have flooded in for the deceased, including from the families of the Bloomers and the Morvillos;
• The chief executive of a firm which makes and sells yachts like the Bayesian believes the sinking may have been due to a series of human mistakes and questioned why its crew were not in a "state of alert" when a storm hit;
• An Italian fire service spokesman says emergency workers "would need a crystal ball" to know if and when another body will be discovered;
• Mr Lynch had reportedly considered selling the Bayesian earlier this year but changed his mind when acquitted in a major fraud trial in the US.

As tributes are made to those who lost their lives aboard the Bayesian, investigations are getting under way into what caused the disaster.

A criminal investigation was opened in Italy after the tragedy, despite the fact no suspects have been identified publicly.

The UK's Marine Accident Investigation Branch is also investigating, though it is purely fact-finding.

Watch Sky News correspondent Laura Bundock explain the situation here...

Mike Lynch was one of the "most inspirational citizens" of Suffolk, says the Countess of Euston.

Clare, Countess of Euston, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, says Mr Lynch was "quite simply a genius" who was "exemplary" in his position as a deputy lieutenant of Suffolk.

She said: "I join with so many others in mourning the shocking loss of Mike Lynch and all those who tragically lost their lives in Sicily this week. Mike was one of Suffolk's most inspirational citizens.

"He was quite simply a genius, a global leader in his field but so much more than that.

"A kind and compassionate man who was always ready to help, hugely generous, the best of friends, but it will be his warm and wonderful smile that will be impossible for me to forget.

"Mike was an exemplary Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk serving both our late Queen Elizabeth II and our present King Charles III.

"Our heartfelt sympathy and condolences are with Angela and his whole family at this terrible time."

The search for the final person unaccounted for from the Bayesian's sinking entered its fourth day today.

Divers were quickly able to retrieve one body from the shipwreck that they had already discovered yesterday, but searches remain ongoing for the final passenger, believed to be 18-year-old Hannah Lynch.

Below, we have a look at some images from the operation today as it unfolded:

Clifford Chance has paid tribute to its partner, Chris Morvillo, after he was confirmed to have died when the Bayesian yacht capsized and sank.

Mr Morvillo spent almost a decade helping to lead the defence of Mike Lynch after the British tech tycoon was accused of falsely inflating revenues of his software company ahead of its multi-billion sale to Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

The 59-year-old was on the yacht with his wife, Neda, who is also among those to have died.

A spokesperson from Clifford Chance said: "We are heartbroken at the tragic passing of our partner, Christopher Morvillo and his wife, Neda. 

"We are deeply saddened and still coming to terms with this terrible loss. Our utmost priority is to continue to support Chris's family at this very distressing time. Our thoughts extend to the families and loved ones of all those affected.

"We wish to express our deepest condolences and our love and support to Chris’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. We also want to thank the Italian authorities and rescue teams for everything they have done.

"We have no further comment at this time. We, and the families, ask that their request for privacy is honoured during this period."

A little earlier we reported comments from the boss of the firm which makes and sells vessels like Mike Lynch's sunken superyacht (see 18.25 post).

Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which owns the company that makes the Perini vessels, questioned why its crew were not in a "state of alert" when a storm hit.

He insisted the vessels were "absolutely safe", suggesting human error was behind the boat going down.

Watch video of the Sky News interview below:

More tributes are being made to British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, after he was identified as one of the bodies found in the superyacht wreckage.

Suranga Chandratillake, who worked under Mr Lynch for five years and had him on the board of directors at his firm Balderton for nearly a decade, said the businessman was an "inspirational titan of industry".

He said Mr Lynch was an "unfailingly supportive mentor who challenged and supported in equal measure"  and who also "mastered hybrid work" well before COVID.

"He was famously fiercely competitive but, to his friends, equally fiercely loyal and always ready for a cup of tea and a chat."

Patrick Jacob , a family friend of Mr Lynch, said the late tycoon's ability to "identify and solve complex problems" was "phenomenal".

"As a friend, Mike was never dull and always ready for a lively debate on almost any topic, conducted with intelligence and convivial vigour."

He added that he never came away from seeing Mr Lynch "without feeling my life was enriched by the experience".

Martina King , the CEO of Featurespace, a platform for fraud and financial crime management, said there qs a "high statistical probability" that the company wouldn't be a "thriving technology company" without Mr Lynch.

She said: "Mike was a true champion of the UK technology sector, including the need for greater diversity, and advocated for many female leaders - including me."

The head of legal tech firm Luminance, Eleanor Lightbody ,said Mr Lynch was a "visionary unlike any other" who had the ability to spot solve "tomorrow's challenges before others even knew they were coming".

"I feel honoured to have known him, worked with him and learnt from him over the years," she added.

The boss of the firm which makes and sells vessels like Mike Lynch's sunken superyacht has questioned why its crew were not in a "state of alert" when a storm hit.

Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, which owns the company that makes the Perini vessels, said they "are absolutely safe", suggesting human error was behind the boat going down.

He told Sky News the "event" that capsized the British-flagged luxury yacht Bayesian off the coast of Porticello, Sicily, on Monday "could have been managed with an average amount of attention".

The families of US lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda, have released a statement after the couple were confirmed to have died when the yacht capsized and sank.

The statement reads: "We are completely devastated by the passing of Chris and Neda, and our collective hearts go out to all the families who have also been affected by this senseless tragedy.

"Chris and Neda were each widely respected for their professional successes, Chris as a distinguished attorney and Neda as a skilled jewellery designer, but their true talents were that of mother and father, son and daughter, brother, sister, uncle, aunt and dear friends to so many. 

"Neda and Chris lived their lives as devoted, loving parents who always put their daughters and families first. Their passing is a tremendous loss for our family and for the countless people who knew and loved them both.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to the Italian rescue services for their unwavering dedication and to Clifford Chance for all the support they have provided.

"As we grieve this enormous loss, our primary focus remains on Chris and Neda's daughters and other loved ones, and we respectfully request privacy."

Mike Lynch knew he would likely spend the rest of his life in federal prison if he lost his US fraud trial, says a journalist who covered the case.

The British tech tycoon, who today was confirmed to be one of the casualties of Monday's superyacht sinking in Sicily, was cleared of fraud charges he faced over the $11bn (£8.6bn) sale of his software firm Autonomy to Hewlett-Packard in 2011.

Mr Lynch had been accused of inflating the value of Autonomy ahead of its sale but was found not guilty on all counts by a jury in San Francisco.

He faced more than 20 years in prison if convicted, with Sunday Times journalist Danny Fortson, who interviewed Mr Lynch last month, telling Sky News that the businessman framed his potential conviction as a "near-death experience".

He said: "I was with him for about two and a half hours after covering the 12-week trial throughout, and he was really just kind of reeling in a good way, trying to process the fact that he actually had got this new lease on life.

"He really framed it all as almost having this kind of near-death experience of knowing that he was probably going to lose this case, and if he lost it, he would probably spend the rest of his life in a federal prison far away from his family and his loved ones. 

"And then to win this case and then 73 days later, after having, as you say in his words, getting a second life, to have it end so tragically, it's hard to believe."

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Body of British tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch found on yacht wreck, Daily Telegraph reports

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Reporting by William James; Editing by Sachin Ravikumar

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Next US president may face most dangerous world since 1945: Peter Apps

According to a bipartisan committee set up by Congress to study the risk of a looming global war, whoever wins the U.S. presidential election in November will face the most challenging strategic situation since 1945.

It came as Italian authorities continued to search in the wreckage for the 18-year-old daughter of tech tycoon Mike Lynch .

Mr Lynch was among five people whose bodies have been recovered from the wreck of the Bayesian, which capsized during a tornado early on Monday morning.

In a statement, Mr and Mrs Bloomer’s family said: "We are grieving for our loved ones and all of those affected by the tragedy.

"We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the emergency services and everyone who helped tirelessly in this rescue operation.

"Our parents were incredible people and an inspiration to many, but first and foremost they were focused on and loved their family and spending time with their new grandchildren.

"Together for five decades, our only comfort is that they are still together now. This is an unimaginable grief to shoulder. Our only ask is that our family's privacy is respected at this time."

Tributes have also poured in from across the tech and business worlds for Mr Lynch , describing him as a “pioneer” and a “giant of a man”.

A major search operation has been underway for the six missing people since the Bayesian sank in a storm off the coast of Sicily around 5am on Monday.Four of the missing were found dead on the wreck yesterday and brought to shore, while a fifth was recovered shortly after the search operation resumed this morning.

Follow live updates below.

CEO of Luminance pays tribute to Mike Lynch

18:56 , Daniel Keane

The chief executive of legal AI company Luminance has paid tribute to its founder Mike Lynch, saying he was a "visionary unlike any other" following his death in the luxury yacht disaster off the coast of Sicily.

Eleanor Lightbody said in a statement: "I am devastated to hear the news about our founding investor, Mike Lynch, and all of those involved in this tragic accident.

"Mike was a visionary unlike any other. He had a unique ability to spot the next technological revolution and solve tomorrow's challenges before others even knew they were coming.

"Beyond that, it was his connection to people that made him special. He had a steadfast belief in the UK's technology sector, in our incredible academic institutions, and in the talent he took the time to spot and nurture, regardless of background or discipline.

"Above all, Mike was a kind man who had an impact on many and will be sorely missed. I feel honoured to have known him, worked with him and learnt from him over the years.

"The UK has lost someone with the means, authority, knowledge and drive to propel the UK into technological leadership, but his legacy will live on in all of the extraordinary businesses he built and mentored, as well as his family who are in my thoughts."

Mike Lynch 'tried to sell superyacht months before sinking which claimed his life'

18:02 , Daniel Keane

Mike Lynch considered selling his superyacht months before it sank off the coast of Sicily but changed his mind after his acquittal, according to a report.

The tech tycoon had put the £30 million yacht up for sale in March this year but withdrew it from the market in July, the  Telegraph  reported.

He had planned to spend the summer on board the boat and then review the decision to sell in the autumn, industry sources told the newspaper.

Read our full story here .

Further tributes to Jonathan and Judy Bloomer

17:25 , Daniel Keane

More tributes have been paid to Jonathan and Judy Bloomer.

The chief executive of insurance group Hiscox, Aki Hussain, said: "We are deeply shocked and saddened by Jonathan and Judy's tragic deaths.

"Our deepest sympathies go out to their family and friends at this devastating time.

"It was a privilege to have known Jonathan and to have benefited from his generosity and wisdom over the last year in his role as chair of Hiscox.

"His deep experience across our industry and in the broader business arena, combined with his personal values, made him both an excellent chair and a person I was proud to know and work with.”

Investment platform Hargreaves Lansdown, where Mr Bloomer was previously a board director, said: “We are all deeply saddened by this tragic event.

"Jonathan was a giant in financial services, and we remember him fondly at Hargreaves Lansdown as someone who made a major impact on the business with his wealth of experience when he served on the board from 2006-2013 including as our senior independent director.

"We in the Hargreaves Lansdown family will miss him and our thoughts go out to his loved ones, as well as those of the others lost in this awful disaster."

Morgan Stanley CEO pays tribute to Bloomer

16:40 , Daniel Keane

The chief executive of Morgan Stanley has paid tribute to Jonathan Bloomer, the bank's international chairman, following his death in the sinking of a luxury yacht in Sicily.

Ted Pick said: "We are deeply saddened by this tragic news.

"Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the Bloomer family and all those affected by this tragedy.

"Jonathan's leadership and experience helped the firm manage a period of complex change for our international businesses.

"He has been a friend and mentor to many and we will all greatly miss his wise counsel and spirit of kindness."

Family of bank chairman pay tribute after deaths in Sicily

16:06 , Daniel Keane

The family of Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy have described them as "incredible people and an inspiration to many" following their deaths in the sinking of a luxury yacht in Sicily.

British Library CEO remembers Mike Lynch as 'thoughtful, perceptive and supportive'

15:33 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The chief executive of the British Library has also paid tribute to former board member Mike Lynch, describing him as “thoughtful, perceptive and supportive”.

Sir Roly Keating said: “Mike’s extraordinary understanding of technology, combined with his passion for the British Library’s mission to share knowledge, made him an invaluable member of our board.

“He was thoughtful, perceptive and supportive, and will be deeply missed by all of us who worked with him in his time here.”

Tech mogul Mr Lynch previously served on the board of the British Library and the BBC, and was a trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. He was also a key donor to major charitable institutions.

Read more tributes, and more about his life, here .

BBC boss Tim Davie pays tribute to 'wise, generous and insightful' Mike Lynch

BBC director-general Tim Davie is the latest major figure to pay tribute after the death of technology mogul Mike Lynch.

Mr Lynch was previously on the board of the BBC, as well as other prominent institutions.

“We are deeply saddened by the awful news about the deaths of those aboard the Bayesian yacht,” said Mr Davie.

“Mike Lynch was an outstanding BBC director who made a major contribution during his time on the board, from 2007 to 2012.

“Wise, generous and insightful, he played a particularly key role in accelerating our transformation as a digital organisation.

“Our thoughts are with his family and all others involved.”

Italian interior ministry official confirms Mike Lynch's body found

15:12 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Massimo Mariani, an Italian interior ministry official, has confirmed to Reuters news agency the body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch was retrieved from the wreck this morning.

We have been hearing reports of this throughout the day, but this is the first time the news has been confirmed by a named official.

Mr Mariani added that Mr Lynch's daughter is the last person unaccounted for after the yacht, and said she may be inside the wreck or could have been tossed into the sea as the boat sank.

Mike Lynch was 'was a valued donor to Cancer Research UK' says charity CEO

14:33 , Jacob Phillips

The chief executive of Cancer Research UK has added to the tributes paid to Mike Lynch after confirmation of his death on Thursday.

Michelle Mitchell said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the death of Mike Lynch and all those who have been affected by this tragedy.

“Together with his wife, Angela, Mike was a valued donor to Cancer Research UK and a member of the board for our Create the Change campaign, which funded the building of the Francis Crick Institute.

“His support has helped to bring leading scientists together under one roof to tackle the biggest health challenges faced by humankind, including cancer.

“Our sincerest condolences go out to all the families affected.”

'Nonsense' that ship sank in seconds, says CEO of The Italian Sea Group

14:16 , Jacob Phillips

The CEO of the Italian Sea Group, which built the yacht, has dismissed the idea that the boat disappeared in a few seconds as “nonsense”.

In an interview with Italian outlet Corriere della Sera he claimed six minutes passed from when water started entering the ship to when it sunk.

He has argued that the yacht’s guests should have been taken to the assembly point of the ship "as per emergency procedure".

He added: "All it took was a 40-degree tilt and those in the cabin found the door high up."

The CEO added that if the right procedures were followed, which included closing all doors and hatches before starting the engine and pulling up the anchor, then "the next morning, they would have set off again with zero damage".

Tributes pour in from across tech world to 'giant of a man' Mike Lynch

Leading figures from the business and technology sectors have been paying tribute to  Mike Lynch , whose body has reportedly been recovered from the wreck.

One of the UK’s best-known tech entrepreneurs, the 59-year-old has been remembered as “a hugely significant and pioneering figure” who will be remembered for both his “glittering” professional achievements, and for his “generosity, empathy and kindness”.

Read the tributes, and about Mr Lynch’s life and achievements, here .

Key questions facing investigators

13:21 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Much speculation has swirled since the Bayesian sank, with many baffled as to how the vast yacht went down in a matter of just minutes.

Here are some of the questions and challenges investigators examining the sinking may be facing:

Was the yacht’s design a factor? Bayesian has a mast measuring 72 metres, making it one of the world’s largest sailing yachts. There has been speculation the mast may have acted “like a sail" when severe weather hit the vessel, leaving it "pinned over on its side".

Were windows and doors left open? Sam Jefferson, editor of the magazine Sailing Today, told PA news agency he suspects "all the doors were open because it was hot", causing the yacht to fill with water "very quickly". Weather records show temperatures reached around 33C the day before the sinking.

Will video footage help shine a light on what happened? The Italian coastguard has reportedly visited local homes and organisations to gather footage of the sinking from CCTV cameras.

Was the keel a factor? Italian media reported that divers found the Bayesian's keel - a flat blade on the bottom of yachts that sticks down into the water to boost stability - was partially retracted. Some yacht safety experts believe that may have contributed to the sinking. But a spokesperson for Italian Sea Group, which owns the company that built Bayesian, told The Telegraph: "Even without the keel completely out, the ship is stable and only a massive entry of water could have caused the sinking."

Was the crew prepared? The weather event that sank the yacht has been described as a “black swan event”. But Giovanni Costantino, CEO of The Italian Sea Group, has claimed human errors are responsible for the sinking and that it could have been avoided. He told Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera that it is good practice to have a guard on the bridge while a ship is at anchor, to look out for storms and take necessary measures.

'Moving one metre inside wreckage can take 24 hours' says fire service as difficult search continues

A spokesperson for the Italian fire service has said search teams “would need a crystal ball” to work out when the sixth and final missing person might be found.

Four bodies were recovered from the wreck of Bayesian yesterday, while a fifth was brought to shore this morning. Of the six people rescue teams have been working to find since the yacht sank on Monday, one person remains missing.

"We would need a crystal ball to know when we'll be able to find the next body," Luca Cari of Italy’s fire rescue service, which has been leading the search operation, told Sky News.

"It's very difficult to move inside the wreckage. Moving just one metre can take up to 24 hours.”

Passages inside the wreck - which is lying on the seabed at a depth of around 49m - have been obstructed by furniture and other wreckage, making access very difficult.

No decision yet made on whether to recover yacht - coastguard

A spokesperson for the Italian coastguard has said no discussion has yet been had, regarding whether the wreck of the Bayesian will be recovered from the sea floor.

Spokesperson Vincenzo Zagarola told the PA news agency: "This is not a topic on the agenda. It will be, but not now."

The wreck of the luxury, 56-metre-long (184ft) yacht is resting on the seabed off the coast of Sicily, at a depth of 50 metres (164ft).

Who is missing Hannah Lynch?

11:36 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Hannah Lynch is the sixth and final missing yacht passenger who is yet to be found, according to reports.

Hannah is the 18-year-old daughter of British billionaire tech tycoon Mike Lynch. She is understood to be the youngest of two girls.

She was on board Bayesian with both her father and her mother, Angela Bacares, when it was hit by severe weather shortly before 5am on Monday.

Mrs Bacares managed to escape the yacht on a lifeboat along with 14 other people, but Mr Lynch and Hannah were among six people who were lost in the sinking.

Expert divers have spent more than three days searching the wreck, which is lying on the seabed at a depth of around 50m.

They have recovered Mr Lynch’s body along with those of four others, but are yet to locate Hannah, according to reports.

Hannah Lynch is a former pupil of prestigious west London private school Latymer Upper School. The £25,000-a-year school in  Hammersmith  counts Alan Rickman,  Hugh Grant  and Heston Blumenthal among alumni.

She is understood to be a gifted pupil, who recently completed her A-levels and secured a place to read English at the University of Oxford.

The teenager has been described by friends as a “supernova” - a gentle, kind, clever young woman who was a staunch feminist, according to The Times.Latymer Upper School said in a statement on Tuesday: “We are all incredibly shocked by the news that Hannah and her father are among those missing in this tragic incident and our thoughts are with their family and everyone involved as we await further updates.”

Read more here .

Mike Lynch 'a hugely significant and pioneering figure' in tech sector

Tech trade association TechUK has paid tribute to tycoon Mike Lynch as “a hugely significant and pioneering figure”.

A spokesperson told The Independent: “Mike Lynch was a hugely significant and pioneering figure in the UK technology sector.

“Our hearts go out to all of the families and friends who have been impacted by these tragic events.”

Royal Academy of Engineering pays tribute to Mike Lynch

10:52 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The Royal Academy of Engineering has paid tribute to its “mentor, donor and former council member” Mike Lynch following reports of his death.

In a statement, the academy said: “The trustee board, fellows and staff of the Royal Academy of Engineering are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mike Lynch, and send our profound condolences to his family.

“Mike became a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2008 and we have fond memories of the active role he played in the past as a mentor, donor and former council member.

The Trustee Board, Fellows and staff of the Royal Academy of Engineering are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Mike Lynch OBE DL FREng FRS, and send our profound condolences to his family. Mike became a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering in 2008 and we have fond… — Royal Academy of Engineering (@RAEngNews) August 22, 2024

“He was also one of the inaugural members on the enterprise committee.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

Bystanders solemnly watch on as search for sixth body continues

10:32 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Boat manufacturer CEO claims human mistakes led to sinking

10:22 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

How the Bayesian - built by Italian high-end yacht manufacturer Perini and presumed to have top-class fittings and safety features - sank so rapidly has baffled naval marine experts who believe it should have been able to withstand the weather.

Giovanni Constantino, CEO of the Italian Sea Group , which includes Perini, has now claimed the luxury yacht was "one of the safest boats in the world".

He said he believed the disaster was caused by a chain of human mistakes and that the storm had been expected, in interviews with Italian media.

"The ship sank because it took on water, from where investigators will have to say," Mr Constantino told television news programme TG1 last night.

Citing data from the yacht's automatic tracking system and based on available footage, he said it took 16 minutes for Bayesian to sink, after it began being buffeted by the wind.

Mr Constantino said the Milan-listed group has suffered "enormous damage" to its reputation, with shares falling 2.5 per cent since the disaster.

Prosecutors have opened an investigation into the sinking, and authorities have started questioning passengers and witnesses. Captain James Cutfield was reportedly interviewed for around two hours on Tuesday.

NSPCC chair pays tribute to Jonathan and Judy Bloomer

The chairman of children’s charity the NSPCC has paid tribute to Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy, following news of their deaths.

Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Mr Bloomer formerly served as honorary treasurer of the NSPCC.

“We are deeply saddened that the deaths of Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy have been confirmed after the yacht they were on tragically sank off the coast of Sicily,” said charity chairman Neil Berkett.

“Jonathan and Judy were great supporters of the NSPCC over many years, with Jonathan joining our board of trustees in 2008 and serving as the honorary treasurer from 2009 to 2016.

“We remember Jonathan from his time with us as a very kind individual with a great sense of humour, and Judy as formidable and passionate.

“We are so grateful for everything they did for children and the NSPCC and our thoughts are with their family, friends and colleagues at this desperately sad time.”

'We were all hoping for a miracle' - friend of Mike Lynch

Brent Hoberman, a friend of renowned British tech tycoon Mike Lynch, has described news of his death as “unbelievably tragic”.

Mr Hoberman told Sky News: “We were all hoping for a miracle - we knew it was unlikely but you still hold out hope.

"It's just so unbelievably tragic for him to go through what he went through over the last 12 years, defending his name and not really living a full life, to now for his death to be confirmed is obviously incredibly sad."

Mr Lynch spent 12 years trying to clear his name after being accused by US firm Hewlett Packard (HP) of fraud and conspiracy.

The father-of-two was finally acquitted in June following a trial in the US.

The yacht trip was a celebration of his acquittal. His wife Angela Bacares and daughter Hannah, friends, colleagues, and lawyers who helped clear his name were among passengers on board.

Body of tech tycoon Mike Lynch 'recovered from yacht' - reports

09:17 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

The body retrieved from the wreck of Bayesian this morning is that of British tech magnate Mike Lynch, a source close to the rescue operation has reportedly told news agency Reuters.

The source said Mr Lynch’s 18-year daughter Hannah Lynch is still missing.

That would mean the four bodies recovered yesterday are those of the four other missing people - Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy Bloomer, and lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

The Italian Coastguard has confirmed to the PA news agency that the sixth and final person yet to be found is a woman.

The identities of those recovered have not yet been confirmed by authorities.

Photos show fifth body being brought to shore

Photos from photographers at the scene show the fifth body being brought to shore by rescue personnel.

The remains were recovered from the wreckage this morning, and a fire service boat with flashing blue lights returned with a blue body bag to the port of Porticello just after 8.45am local time (7.45am in the UK).

The search continues for the sixth and final missing person.

What we know so far

08:19 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Five bodies have been found on the wreckage of the Bayesian superyacht. Four were brought to shore yesterday, with the fifth recovered this morning.

One person remains missing . Search teams are this morning resuming efforts to find them.

The yacht is believed to have been hit by a waterspout - a tornado over the water. Eyewitnesses say it sank within a matter of minutes, but how and why it sank so quickly has yet to be established.

Search efforts have been hampered by debris that has blocked access to the yacht’s sleeping cabins. The operation has also been complicated by the angle and depth of the yacht, which is lying on the seabed around 49m (160.7ft) beneath the surface.

Authorities have been searching for six missing people : British tech billionaire Mike Lynch and his 18-year-old daughter Hannah; Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife, Judy Bloomer; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo and his wife, Neda Morvillo.

Italian authorities have not yet officially identified the bodies that have been found.

Fifteen of the 22 passengers and crew escaped Bayesian on a lifeboat . One man - yacht chef Recaldo Thomas - was found dead at the scene on Monday.

Fifth body recovered

A fifth body has been recovered from the wreck of Bayesian.

The body was one of five located yesterday but divers had to abandon their recovery after night fell last night.

Five bodies have now been recovered from the wreck. One person remains missing.

'The world has lost a genius' says friend of Mike Lynch

07:43 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

David Tabizel, who co-founded software giant Autonomy with Mike Lynch in 1996, has paid tribute to him as “a giant of a man”.

Around 9.30pm on Wednesday, after news was confirmed that five bodies had been found on the Bayesian, Mr Tabizel wrote on X: “It looks like we’ve lost our dear Dr Mike Lynch. RIP. The world has lost a genius. His family have lost a giant of a man.”

It looks like we’ve lost our dear Dr Mike Lynch. RIP. The world has lost a genius. His family have lost a giant of a man. #MikeLynch #Autonomy pic.twitter.com/eBesEwOe88 — David Tabizel (@Tabizel) August 21, 2024

Speaking to Sky News earlier this week, Mr Tabizel described Mr Lynch as “one of the most influential, intelligent and most honourable human beings I have ever had the honour of knowing”.

In a piece for the Standard, Mr Lynch’s friend Rohan Silva recounted visiting the tech tycoon while he was under house arrest in the US awaiting his fraud trial, and wrote how after his name was finally cleared Mr Lynch had messaged him to say he was “exhausted” but that it was “so wonderful to be home” in the UK with his wife and two daughters.

Silva said Mr Lynch is “beloved by London’s tech community”, and said he will remember him not just for his “glittering academic and business achievements” but “for his thoughtfulness, generosity, empathy and kindness”.

Mr Lynch rose to become one of Britain’s most successful entrepeneurs, after founding Autonomy.

He sold the firm to Hewlett Packard (HP) for £11bn (£8.64bn), generating himself an $800m windfall. But he then spent 12 years trying to clear his name of fraud and conspiracy, after HP accused him of over-inflating the value of Autonomy.

The 59-year-old was finally cleared in June. He had organised the trip on the Bayesian - a yacht owned by his wife Angela Bacares - as a celebration of his acquittal.

Who are the six people search teams have been looking for?

Search teams have spent more than three days searching for six people who were missing after the Bayesian yacht sank before dawn on Monday.

The bodies of five people have now been found, though it has not confirmed which missing people they belong to.

The six people authorities have been searching for are British billionaire tech tycoon Mike Lynch ; his 18-year-old daughter Hannah Lynch , a former London schoolgirl ; Morgan Stanley International bank chairman Jonathan Bloomer and his wife Judy Bloomer ; Clifford Chance lawyer Chris Morvillo , and his wife Neda Morvillo .

Photos show search teams resuming operation

07:09 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Photos from the scene this morning show the search mission appears to have resumed.

It is now just after 8am in Sicily. The Italian fire service, which has been leading the operation, has not yet released a statement this morning but previous days have seen firefighters resume their search at first light.

Search for sixth missing person to resume

07:03 , Lydia Chantler-Hicks

Good morning, and welcome to the Standard’s live blog.

Today will see divers search the wreckage of the Bayesian yacht for the final person who remains missing after the luxury vessel sank off the coast of Porticello, in northern Sicily, in the early hours of Monday.

Rescuers have spent three full days searching for six missing passengers - four Brits and two Americans. After difficulty reaching the sleeping cabins where they believed the missing people to be trapped, divers finally managed to gain access yesterday afternoon and found five bodies.

Four of those bodies have been recovered. The whereabouts of the missing sixth person remains unknown.

We will be bringing you updates throughout the day as the operation continues.

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PORTICELLO, Sicily -- The Italian coast guard said Thursday the body of British tech magnate Mike Lynch is among those recovered off the coast of Sicily from the wreckage of a superyacht whose builders had called unsinkable.

One woman remains missing. She has not been identified, but Hannah Lynch, Lynch's 18-year-old daughter, is reportedly unaccounted for. The family had been celebrating his recent acquittal on fraud charges with the people who defended him at trial in the United States.

Five others were recovered by rescue crews following Monday's tragedy.

The Bayesian, a 56-meter (184-foot) British-flagged yacht, went down in a storm early Monday as it was moored about a kilometer (half a mile) offshore. Civil protection officials said they believe the ship was struck by a tornado over the water, known as a waterspout, and sank quickly.

Termini Imerese Public Prosecutor's Office investigators were collecting evidence for a criminal investigation, which they opened immediately after the tragedy despite no formal suspects having been publicly identified.

The chief executive of The Italian Sea Group, which owns the Bayesian's manufacturer, told AP in an interview on Thursday that superyachts like these are "designed to be unsinkable."

"And it is unsinkable not only because it is designed in this way, but also because it is a sailing ship and sailing ships are the safest ever," CEO Giovanni Costantino said.

Costantino added that "obviously they must not hit the rocks violently, discarding the hull, and they must not take in water," suggesting the second possibility was the most likely in this case.

Investigators are now looking at why the Bayesian, built in 2008 by Italian shipyard Perini Navi, sank while a nearby sailboat remained largely unscathed. Fifteen of the 22 people aboard survived by escaping in a lifeboat, including a mother who reported holding her 1-year-old baby over the waves to save her. They were rescued by the sailboat Sir Robert Baden Powell.

The sailboat's captain, Karsten Borner, said his craft sustained minimal damage - the frame of a sun awning broke - even with winds that he estimated had reached 12 on the Beaufort wind scale, the highest hurricane-strength force on the scale.

He said he had remained anchored with his engines running to try to maintain the ship's position as the forecast storm rolled in.

"Another possibility is to heave anchor before the storm and to run downwind at open sea," Borner said in a text message. But he said that might not have been possible for the Bayesian, given its 75-meter (246-foot) tall mast.

"If there was a stability problem, caused by the extremely tall mast, it would not have been better at open sea," he said.

Yachts like the Bayesian are required to have watertight compartments that are specifically designed to prevent a rapid, catastrophic sinking even when some parts fill with water.

Lynch is the only person confirmed dead; the other bodies have not been formally identified by the Italian coast guard.

Besides Hannah Lynch, those missing are Christopher Morvillo, one of Lynch's U.S. lawyers, and his wife, Neda; Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley's London-based investment banking subsidiary, and his wife, Judy.

The body of chef Recaldo Thomas was the first to be recovered, on Monday. His death was confirmed by his family.

Divers have struggled to find the bodies in the yacht's hull on the seabed 50 meters (164 feet) underwater.

"We would need a crystal ball to know when we'll be able to find the next body," said Luca Cari, spokesperson for the fire rescue service.

"It's very difficult to move inside the wreckage. Moving just one meter can take up to 24 hours," Cari said.

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