Southampton: Discovery Yachts Group acquires Southerly Yachts
Following the recent management buyout and with new investors, the Discovery Yachts Group has announced the acquisition of the acclaimed Southerly range of swing keel sailing yachts. The investment in the popular Southerly brand of yachts is a logical move for the MBO team at the Discovery Group who are aiming to become one of the UK’s leading sailboat builders with a versatile range of quality cruising yachts (monohull and catamaran) from 32 to 67 ft.
The popular variable draft Southerly Yachts range offer comfort and performance with the swing keel giving the freedom and versatility to sail in almost any waters. The swing keel was a unique concept when the first Southerly was launched in 1978. Today there are over 900 Southerly owners worldwide who enjoy the flexibility and freedom of a deep draft for powerful sailing performance and precise directional stability, as well as a shallow draft for exploring many of the normally inaccessible coastlines and inland waterways.
Discovery is recognised around the world for innovative designs and meticulous workmanship that will be applied to the build of the Southerly range of variable draft cruising yachts. Plans are underway to enhance the Southerly offering by adding a mix of the Discovery bespoke customisation and beautiful handcrafted joinery to make each yacht exceptional.
New-build programmes have already been entered into the 2017 Discovery production schedule and production of Southerly yachts will take place at Discovery’s Southampton-based manufacturing facility. A new product launch for the Southerly brand is expected for Southampton Boat Show in September.
Commenting on the announcement, Sean Langdon, managing director, said: “The purchase of the Southerly Yachts brand is a vital element in the exciting growth and investment strategy we are planning for the Discovery Yachts Group. Following our recent management buyout and key appointments to the senior management team we have restructured the group and will be using the global appeal and popularity of the Southerly brand to enhance our overall offering and complement our existing very high quality Discovery range of British built luxury cruising yachts. This purchase enables us to offer our clients a much more extensive size range, as well as the versatility of the variable draft designs. We plan to capitalise on the global appeal of the dual brands to become one of the UK’s leading quality sailboat builders. We look forward to welcoming the Southerly owners and prospective purchasers into the Discovery Groups family.”
Northshore Yacht Services, located at its shipyard at Itchenor, Chichester Harbour, will continue to be an approved specialist Southerly refit & repair centre and Southerly yacht brokerage.
