Southampton based luxury yacht builder Discovery Yachts has announced the continued creation of new jobs in the 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 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 the 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 55s. 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.