John Charnley – Chairman

John Charnley

I wanted to build the ideal cruising yacht so, back in 1998, I was privileged to be able to commission Ron Holland, one of the world’s greatest yacht designers, to create the perfect boat for world cruising – without compromise. Discovery Yachts was born!

I am a lifelong sailor and founder of Sunsail – one of the world’s biggest and most successful yacht charter companies. I am also a veteran of single-handed transatlantic and other long distance races so, with the experience of running charter fleets and a lifetime of cruising and racing behind me, my vision was to build a fast cruising yacht that one could sail anywhere in the world: a yacht you could handle effortlessly on your own and that offered genuine comfort and reliability.

From our personal sailing experiences, my wife Caroline and I know that it is attention to the smallest detail as well as to the overall design that makes owning a Discovery such a joy. We hope we can inspire you to join us.

Nigel Stuart – Managing Director

I joined Discovery Yachts in August 2007. My background of supporting over 600 boats around the world for First Choice, including building new boats, led me to Discovery to help support the production effort and ensure that our high standards of quality, craftsmanship and service are maintained. We want to build for you the yacht of your dreams so that you can begin your adventure in style and confidence.

I am privileged and excited to be able to carry John Charnley’s dream forward, providing the ultimate cruising yacht to like-minded couples and families who dream of setting sail on board their ideal yacht. Being an experienced yachtsman and with my own family, I can fully appreciate the design and detail that goes into every yacht we build. I very much look forward to meeting you and to working with you to help you create the yacht of your dreams.

Mark Waterhouse – Sales Director

I joined Discovery Yachts in January 2005. My background has always been in technical sales but with a passion for the sea, yachts and sailing, I eventually succumbed to the lure of the marine industry when I chose to work for Discovery Yachts; I saw a new and brilliant brand that was in its infancy providing a huge and very exciting opportunity to play a large part in its growth. The icing on the cake was seeing the boat itself. As an experienced yachtsman with blue water cruising under my belt, I immediately had an affinity with the Discovery 55 and could see the benefits of the design and why it would be a successful, live aboard cruising yacht.

Nearly 5 years on, I am very proud to be part of the organisation and to be launching the brand new Discovery 67 and Discovery 50 Catamaran, two new products which are establishing the Discovery brand in the market place. I would be delighted to have a chat with you about the boats we build and provide you with a tour around our facilities in Southampton. Please feel free to call me. We are here to help you begin your adventure.

Ben Collett – Production Director

I was lucky enough to join Discovery Yachts in April 2003 at the start of production in our new factories, and was responsible for setting up our Joinery Department, introducing CNC machining and 3D modelling.  My professional involvement with sailing goes back to 1981, sailing extensively both in the Med and transatlantic.   At Discovery I enjoy contributing my experience and passion for quality, design and sailing to every boat we build.  I am delighted to work with a team of some of the most experienced craftsmen in Britain, and we look forward to building you an exceptional boat.

Claire Langholz – Owner Care Manager

I started with Discovery Yachts in 2006. I’m a sailor, currently racing dinghies in the national Merlin Rocket fleet. My background is in yacht design so I have a good understanding of how boats are constructed and what makes them ‘go’. I have worked my way up the ranks at Discovery and am very proud to be the Owner Care Manager looking after all Discovery owners around the world.

My role with my team is to work with you on the build of your new boat from the moment you decide to purchase a Discovery yacht and for the life of your ownership. With you, we will drive the decision process for your ideal specification including any customisation you might like to personalise your boat. Through this process we ensure your boat is delivered on time and to the specification that you would like. Our relationship does not stop after delivery as, with the help of my team, we will provide support for you during the warranty period and beyond, wherever you are in the world. As long as you are an owner of a Discovery Yacht, whether it be a brand new yacht or a pre-owned Discovery, we will be supporting you in your cruising.