From left: Nigel Stuart and Mark Waterhouse of Discovery with Sue Grant and Dominic May of Berthon

09/03/2010

International yacht brokerage and refit specialist, Berthon, has been exclusively chosen by Discovery Yachts  as the preferred broker for all pre-owned Discovery Yachts. The new partnership will further enhance Discovery’s existing service to its customers and will open up a new international audience for Discovery owners wishing to sell their boats.

Already familiar with Discovery’s award-winning 55 model, Lymington based Berthon specialises in high quality sailing, motor and performance yachts from 40 to 120ft making them the ideal choice as broker for Discovery’s outstanding, luxury bluewater cruisers. Discovery owners will benefit from Berthon’s dedicated brokerage team and professional advice whilst retaining the full support from Discovery. With offices in the UK, France, Spain and the USA, Berthon offers a fantastic international platform from which to showcase these highly sought after yachts.

New owners purchasing pre-owned Discovery Yachts through Berthon’s brokerage service will also benefit from full support from Discovery Yachts both before and after the purchase, including access to Discovery’s worldwide support team. As well as using their expertise to guide new owners through the purchase process, Berthon will also be able to help sell their existing craft in order to facilitate the purchase of a pre-owned or new Discovery. Those requiring maintenance or refit work will be able to take advantage of Berthon’s extensive and modern boatyard facilities.

Discovery Sales Director, Mark Waterhouse sees the new alliance as a very positive move for both the company and its owners. Commenting he said, “Teaming up with Berthon as our preferred broker means that we are now able to offer our owners access to a first class international brokerage service as well as opening up opportunities around the world for new owners to purchase a Discovery. We will be working closely with Berthon on each sale but it is only natural that, with their experience in this field, Berthon lead the sales process. With a healthy order book and new Discoverys being launched we anticipate more pre-owned Discoverys coming to the marketplace in the  future so this new partnership is very timely.”

Berthon’s Sales Division MD Sue Grant said “We are very excited about this new alliance with Discovery Yachts, giving us the opportunity to offer for sale and to refit pre-owned Discoverys, which we consider to be the very finest blue water cruising yachts in their segment. The Discovery team have exactly the same philosophy as Berthon in terms of commitment to client service and care, and we look forward to working closely with them”.

Discovery Yachts is also working with Berthon on the government’s Apprentice Expansion Programme and is one of a number of marine companies currently providing workplace experience to a group of apprentices who have joined the scheme, which is being led by Berthon. The programme provides funding to support Apprenticeships in Marine Engineering, Boatbuilding, Marine Electrical and Painting and reduces costs for local businesses whilst improving skills across the marine sector.

Nigel Stuart, MD of Discovery Yachts Ltd

24/02/2010

Discovery Yachts has announced the continued creation of new jobs in the local area as well as plans to expand its existing 31,000ft² production facilities following a record year of sales. Discovery is currently recruiting Naval Architects, project managers, laminators and joiners at its Marchwood headquarters, with plans for further new positions in the near future.

The announcement follows the highly successful launches of the company’s latest bluewater cruising yachts, the Discovery 67 and the Discovery 50 Catamaran, which recently made its world debut at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show. The demand for these stunning semi-custom yachts, which also includes the award-winning Discovery 55, has led to a very healthy order book for the leading British boatbuilder over the next two years, resulting in their latest recruitment drive.

“The past year has been quite a milestone for us and the company has gone from strength to strength. The introduction of two new models and the response we have received as a result has been nothing short of outstanding in view of the current challenging market conditions,” says Discovery’s Managing Director, Nigel Stuart. “Last year’s Southampton Boat Show was a huge contributing factor to our current order book where we sold a record number of our Discovery 55’s.  This has led to us having to expand our existing highly skilled team with the possibility of a further recruitment drive in the coming months. This is very positive for both us and the local area.”

Discovery Yachts is a rare example of a true British manufacturing success story in a market, like many others, that has gone through an extremely tough time in the last 18 months. Stuart attributes much of its success to the close relationship that the company has with both its customers and its employees. “Discovery has a true family ethos. Our management style is very hands-on and we are very open to feedback from our production team and believe in rewarding good ideas. We encourage our owners to visit the factory and see their boats through the build process and back this up with our outstanding ‘Owner Care’ programme.”

Aimed at the more accomplished and discerning yachtsman, Discovery yachts are designed for couples who want to live their dream of sailing the world without compromising on comfort or performance. Prices start at £795,000 ex VAT for the Discovery 50 Catamaran.

For further information, please contact Discovery Yachts on Tel: +44 (0) 23 8086 5555

10/02/2010

Discovery Yachts will be showcasing the new Discovery 50 Cat at the Salon Atlantique du Multicoque (Atlantic Multihull Boat Show) set to take place in Lorient, France from 15^th to 18^th April 2010. Designed by the renowned Bill Dixon, with an interior styled by superyacht specialist Ken Freivokh, the Discovery 50 Cat is the first multihull from this highly respected British yard which has gained an enviable reputation for its 55 and 67 foot ocean going monohulls. 

Dixon Yacht Design has produced a really stylish yacht with a very fine bow, sweeping deck profile and stunningly shaped windows which together provide an elegant and sleek profile, unique in its class. The hull configuration has been developed to ensure a comfortable sea motion and rapid passage making capability.

The Discovery 50 Cat follows the concept of the company’s other yachts, being developed for effortless sailing by just two people with complete safety and comfort. The deck layout is designed for easy handing for two, while the forward facing navigation seat in the main saloon allows an all round view for passage watches from below.  The Discovery 50 Cat is capable of cruising the world’s oceans in total luxury, certified to the European Recreational Craft Directive Category A (Ocean).

The mainsail includes electric in-mast reefing with the option of a fully battened slab reefed main. The foresail configuration offers jib, genoa, code zero and asymmetric options. With all winches electrically operated the yacht can be sailed, reefed and sails stowed without helm or crew leaving the cockpit – important for shorthanded cruising.  

Discovery Yachts is known for its high quality of craftsmanship and attention to detail and the Discovery 50 Cat displays all of these qualities. The superb interior has a choice of layouts proving comfortable sleeping arrangements for up to eight in four cabins each with en suite heads and showers or six people in three cabins featuring a massive owners suite forward, with “his and hers” heads and showers. The main saloon, and galley area is sumptuous in its fittings and enjoys panoramic views around the yacht. The outside area is ideal for entertaining many guests in outstanding comfort. The foredeck has an inbuilt hot tub for further enjoyment of the time at anchor.

The ‘Salon Atlantique du Multicoque’ is the first event of its kind in the world dedicated to multihull craft and associated equipment.  The Discovery 50 Cat will be making its first appearance after its world launch at the London International Boat Show and this latest design from Discovery is sure to make an impact on visitors.

 John, Caroline and Mark sailed the boat to London departing Southampton on Tuesday 5th January just before the Southern half of the UK became covered in snow. They left in crystal clear skies but quickly ended up in a snow storm with bone chilling winds. They made good time arriving at the show entrance 23 hours later with 5 inches of snow on the coach roof! They were all thankful for the ability to do their watch from within the warmth of the saloon with only the occasional dash outside to adjust the sails.

 The first three days of the show were extremely busy on the boat with a high number of people keen to look at the internal layout. We have received many positive comments from the press and public with many amazed by the amount of space in the cabins and saloon area.

 If you are unable to make the Boat Show for a viewing of the catamaran, we are pleased that she will be back in Southampton from after the Show until the end of March before travelling to France for the Lorient Boat Show in April.  Please call Mark Waterhouse on 023 8086 5555 to arrange a viewing.

Please join us for the World Launch of the Discovery 50 Catamaran at The Tullett Prebon London Boat Show 2010.

 Friday 8th January to Sunday 17th January 2010 – Marina Berth D018.

The First Discovery 50 Catamaran

Discovery 55 Saxon Blue  has just been launched. This is the first Discovery 55 with the alternative open plan saloon layout and restyled saloon windows. It has also had modifications to make the yacht suitable for long term cruising in the ice as they plan to see the polar bears before travelling down the east cost of America towards the Caribbean. They are keeping the yacht in Southampton until the spring whilst they make their final preparations.

Discovery 55 Ticketeeboo is handed over to the new proud owner Alan and Sue Douglas. Their plan is to set off to Turkey once they have familiarised themselves with the yacht. Alan has created a website of build process and launch from the owners point of view www.ticketeeboo.co.uk

Nick Pochin on Festina lente a Discovery 55, has passed the hurdle of 50,000 miles and is currently on his way to Alaska having travelled up the west coast of the Americas after rounding Cape Horn earlier this year. Follow his progress at http://blog.mailasail.com/festina.lente

The first Discovery 67 ‘Tilly Mint’ set off on it worldly adventure. The Fortescue family, with friends, slipped their lines from Southampton earlier this month. They headed off to the Channel Islands with the plan to head towards Gibraltar at the earliest opportunity. Follow their progress at http://blog.mailasail.com/tillymint.fortescue

‘Tilly Mint’ – the first Discovery 67, makes her debut performance in the prestigious RIR, Cowes.