Southerly Yachts has long been a true design and build innovator in the shoal-draft, drop-keel category of blue water cruisers. Yet, the company has ben through a few rocky patches and differetnj owners. Most recently the brand with all. the molds has been acquired from the previous owners Discovery Yachts by Concept Yachts in Southampton, England. Concept is essentially saving the Southerly brand. Their press announcement is below. Check out the new Southerly Yachts website here.
In a stunning turn of events, the storied UK-based yacht building company, Southerly Yachts, finds itself on the brink of revival after being saved by the international marine contractors and boatbuilding experts, Concept Yachts. With a rich history and legacy in the Southampton region, Southerly Yachts faced an uncertain future due to various challenges in the maritime industry. However, the timely intervention of Concept Yachts has injected a much-needed lifeline into the company, rekindling hopes for a bright future.
Established in the mid-1970s, Southerly Yachts quickly gained recognition for its innovative and high-quality sail yachts. Known for their lifting keel technology, the company’s vessels became synonymous with exceptional sailing performance and versatility. Over the years, Southerly Yachts earned a devoted customer base, with yacht enthusiasts from around the world eagerly seeking their designs.
As the maritime industry evolved, the former holding company encountered escalating challenges, notably financial hardships. Despite Southerly Yachts’ longstanding reputation, its previous owners struggled to provide the brand with the requisite presence and management team it rightfully deserved.
In a twist of fate, Concept Yachts, an internationally renowned marine contractor, and boatbuilding company, recognised the immense potential in the Southerly Yachts brand. Concept Yachts has built a reputation for excellence in constructing bespoke luxury yachts, naval vessels, and commercial boats. Their expertise, coupled with a global presence, positioned them as the perfect saviour for the iconic UK yacht builder.
The acquisition of Southerly Yachts by Concept Yachts has been celebrated as a strategic masterstroke. This collaboration brings together the rich heritage of Southerly Yachts with the modern expertise of Concept Yachts, promising to usher in an era of innovation and growth for the Southampton-based firm.
As Concept Yachts takes the helm, they are committed to retaining the soul of Southerly Yachts and preserving the brand’s legacy while infusing it with new energy and contemporary design elements. By blending the traditional craftsmanship and design finesse of Southerly Yachts with Concept Yachts’ state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques and cutting-edge materials, the revived entity aims to set new benchmarks in yacht building.
Under the fresh ownership, Southerly Yachts has undergone a comprehensive rebranding and has already successfully delivered a Southerly 480 and Southerly 420 to two clients in North America. Additionally, they proudly showcased the Southerly 420 at the prestigious Southampton International Boat Show 2023. The striking vessels combines the trademark lifting keel technology of Southerly Yachts with Concept Yachts’ penchant for sleek aesthetics and advanced engineering, creating a yacht that promises exceptional performance, comfort, and versatility.
The newfound collaboration has breathed fresh life into Southampton’s maritime industry, injecting optimism and stimulating economic growth in the region. As Southerly Yachts continues to reassert its position as a market leader under the guidance of Concept Yachts, it is expected to open new employment opportunities and attract more yacht enthusiasts to the area.
The acquisition of Southerly Yachts by Concept Yachts marks a pivotal moment in the history of UK yacht building. The marriage of tradition and modernity holds great promise for the future of the Southampton-based company, ensuring that its legacy endures for generations to come. As the revamped Southerly Yachts sets sail towards new horizons, it does so with the unwavering support of a global partner that shares its passion for excellence in yacht building.
ABOUT US
Established in 2003, Concept Yachts delivers excellence as a world-class, internationally mobile superyacht and marine contractor company. Often hailed as ‘a mobile shipyard,’ We take pride in providing contractor teams encompassing all key marine trades, ensuring one-to-one customer service and personalised attention to detail throughout every project.
Responding to industry demand led us to establish Concept Yachts Shipyard, featuring expansive 20,000 square foot facilities. Here, we not only manufacture Southerly Yachts but also extend our support to companies seeking full turnkey outsourced manufacturing solutions for their builds.