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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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Spirit Yachts announces new ownership structure and management change

Wednesday, March 1st, 2023

Written by: Marine Industry News

Yacht design and build company Spirit Yachts has announced a new management and ownership structure. Following its original founder Sean McMillan taking a step back from his CEO role to become a consultant designer and brand ambassador, Spirit Yachts is now majority-owned by a group of Spirit yacht owners, who have committed significant capital to strengthen future business growth.

The company continues to be run by its existing managing director Karen Underwood , who is supported by strong design, production, and sales teams. Underwood will be assisted by a newly appointed production & design director and Spirit Yachts ’ marketing director, Helen Porter, who has raised the profile of the company for the past eight years.

Sean McMillan [pictured far left, with Karen Underwood and Mike Taylor] will continue to be closely involved in the design of Spirit’s custom yachts working alongside Spirit’s award-winning designer Tom Smith, and the company’s in-house team of designers and naval architects.

Underwood says: “Since Spirit Yachts was founded 30 years ago, Sean has instilled his creativity and vision into the DNA of the business. From humble beginnings in the Suffolk countryside to multiple award wins, yachts in two Bond films, and over 80 bespoke yachts located worldwide, Spirit Yachts is a unique success story that continues to push the boundaries.

“Today, the challenges are greater with supply chain hurdles, staff shortages, and the need to remain agile in the face of global events, but our commitment to quality, beauty, and lowering the carbon footprint of our yachts remains at the heart of Spirit Yachts. With a full yard, a strong sales pipeline, and secure investment, the team and I are well-equipped to deliver a prosperous future.”

In 1993, Suffolk-based Spirit Yachts was founded by Sean McMillan and Mick Newman, who set out to offer yacht owners a beautiful, unique, and sustainably sourced alternative to fibreglass production boats. This goal remains at the core of the company’s ethos today.

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Spirit Yachts

Led by yacht designer and builder Sean McMillan, luxury yacht builder Spirit Yachts develops “modern classic” sailing and power yachts ranging from 11.2 to 30.48 metres in Suffolk, United Kingdom.

History of Spirit Yachts

Established in 1933, luxury yacht builder Spirit Yachts manufactures yachts of wood and epoxy using the latest construction techniques. The shipyard has a portfolio of more than 125 designs that cover a wide range in diversity and are customisable to fit any owner’s preference. A winner of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, luxury yacht builder Spirit Yachts is dedicated to producing the most exquisite and aesthetically beautiful yachts in the world.

Notable Spirit Yachts

The 16.7m Spirit 54 is one of luxury yacht builder Spirit Yachts’ most notable designs. This luxury sailing yacht was featured in the film “Casino Royale”, as James Bond’s personal yacht. The Spirit 54 has won trophies in Spirit and Classic regattas and is comfortable with two double cabins and notable detailing. The 12.3m luxury motor yacht Spirit P40 is driven by two 260hp straight six turbo diesels to a top speed of 36 knots and 29 knots cruise speed.

Specialisations of Spirit Yachts

Luxury yacht builder Spirit Yachts specialises in manufacturing high quality wooden sailing and motor yachts using contemporary construction techniques.

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SPIRIT YACHTS HOLDINGS LIMITED

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NAME SPIRIT YACHTS HOLDINGS LIMITED

COMPANY NUMBER 14621451

COMPANY TYPE Private limited with Share Capital

BUSINESS ACTIVITY (SIC) 30120 - Building of pleasure and sporting boats

INCORPORATION DATE 27/01/2023 (1 years and 2 months old)

WEBSITE N/A

CONFIRMATION STATEMENT MADE UP TO 26/01/2024

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Ipswich Haven Marina New Cut East IPSWICH IP3 0EA

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SPIRIT YACHTS ANNOUNCES NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM

This month, Spirit Yachts has announced changes to its senior management team.

Previously Spirit Yachts’ Operations Director, Karen Underwood becomes joint Managing Director alongside Mike Taylor, former Head of Group Commercial at Oyster Yachts.

After nearly seven years as Managing Director, Nigel Stuart is moving into a non-executive director role and remains a company shareholder.

Spirit Yachts, CEO and Head of Design, Sean McMillan, commented, “This announcement marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Spirit Yachts. Karen and Mike’s combined experience makes for a strong duo at the helm of the company, which has continued to grow despite the pandemic. With Nigel in a non-exec role, Spirit will continue to benefit from his expertise and insight as we move forward.”

Hampshire-based Nigel is taking a step back from his current position at the Suffolk-based yard to work closer to home in a role outside of the marine industry.

Nigel Stuart commented, “As many people know, I am passionate about Spirit Yachts and I am delighted to be retaining an active interest in the company.”

Nigel added, “During the pandemic, Karen has shown exceptional management skills and has helped steer Spirit Yachts safely through a challenging period. Mike Taylor’s project management skills and wealth of experience in yacht construction are a great fit to help continue Spirit’s success.”

Managing Director and Head of Operations, Karen Underwood, added, “We are delighted to welcome Mike Taylor to Spirit Yachts. From a personal perspective, Mike and I were colleagues for many years during our time at Oyster and I am very much looking forward to working alongside him again.”

As joint managing directors, Karen and Mike will share the day to day running of the company. Karen continues to oversee the operations side of the business, whilst Mike will manage production.

After more than 30 years in the marine industry and having project managed over 70 yachts, Mike Taylor joins Spirit Yachts from his previous role at leading blue water cruising yacht company Oyster Yachts.

Managing Director and Head of Production, Mike Taylor commented, “Having sailed classic wooden yachts from an early age with my family, I have long admired Spirit Yachts’ passion for quality. The company has a bright future ahead with a healthy order book, a robust sales pipeline and a highly skilled in-house team.”

This year, Spirit Yachts will launch a Spirit 65DH (deckhouse) sailing yacht, a Spirit 72DH, a Spirit 30 day sailor and a P40 superyacht tender.

More from Spirit Yachts

Related articles, spirit yachts announces new management in its 30th anniversary year.

Founded in 1993, Spirit Yachts enters its 30th year with new owners and a strengthened management team.

SPIRIT YACHTS PROMOTES KAREN UNDERWOOD TO OPERATIONS DIRECTOR

This month, Spirit Yachts announced it has promoted Karen Underwood to operations director.

SPIRIT YACHTS WELCOMES NEW PRODUCTION & DESIGN DIRECTOR

This month, leading yacht design and build company Spirit Yachts has announced Julian Weatherill has joined the management team as Production & Design Director.

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SPIRIT YACHTS HOLDINGS LIMITED

Company number 14621451

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Officers: 2 officers / 0 resignations, gillespie, joseph andrew robert, underwood, karen jean.