Discovery Yachts of Southampton bucks the trend

Discovery reports successful 2008

By IBI Magazine

Despite challenging market conditions, UK boatbuilder Discovery Yachts claims to have ended 2008 on a strong note. The sale of another Discovery 55 (pictured) this week completes the company's 2009 build programme at its Marchwood factory in Southampton, where the Discovery Spirit 50 catamaran, the Discovery 55 and Discovery 67 yachts are designed and built. The company now has a full order book into 2010.

"Discovery Yachts seems to be bucking the trend of gloomy news as we saw substantial growth in net profits for the year ended August 2008," says the company's founder and chairman John Charnley. "Although the market has obviously slowed slightly, interest remains strong, with the sale of another of our hugely popular Discovery 55 models this week. "

Sales director Mark Waterhouse adds: "This latest sale fills the yard's capacity for 2009 and shows that the market for high quality yachts endures even the toughest business climates. The introduction of our new 67 and the moulding of our first catamaran, which will be launched next spring, has attracted unprecedented interest with two 67s already in build, together with our first 50 Cat. We fully anticipate following this success into 2009 and attracting more owners into the Discovery style of yachting."

Founded by John Charnley in 1998, Discovery Yachts builds monohull and catamaran sailing cruisers in-house at a purpose-built factory by Southampton Water. The company has built around 30 cruising yachts to date.

(5 January 2009)