Fairline CEO: Doubling down on the 40–60ft market

Fairline is going against a trend in the yacht market. While some competitors are moving towards larger boats, the British builder is doubling down on the 40–60ft segment with a new 58ft model designed to deliver the feel and functionality of a much larger yacht.

The launch of Fairline’s latest model the Targa 58 GTO confirms its focus says Oliver Southwell, Fairline’s CEO.

The idea is to deliver a “bigger boat in a smaller package”, reducing both the purchase price and ongoing ownership costs (insurance, berthing, fuel) compared to 60-70-foot vessels. The company’s plan is to attract buyers trading down from larger boats, and accelerate the upgrade path for smaller boat owners.

“We’re doing exactly what we said we would do 16 months ago,” he tells MIN on a test drive in Southampton. “If anything we’re doubling down on that segment.

“As a company, we have great vast expertise in the 40 to 60-foot market,” he says, noting that shipyard competitors are moving away from the segment. But he’s predicting growth.

“One of us is right, and one of us is wrong. My money is on us being right.”

The Targa 58 GTO marks a step change for Fairline. The boat combines the enclosed comfort of a GT with the openness of a traditional sports yacht. This is achieved using a hydraulic patio door system, which allows the yacht to transform from an enclosed cruiser into an open-air entertainment space in seconds.

Customer-centric design and dealer involvement ‎

The dealer network has been actively involved in the design process of the GTO, resulting in strong commercial buy-in and eliminating the need for difficult order placement conversations, says Southwell.

“We very much brought our dealer network into the loop, and I’m sure many of our dealers could walk this boat and say: ‘That, that was my idea’.”

The dealer network has been “reshaped” over the last 16 months.

“I’ve spent a lot of time personally on that. And it will continue to be reshaped. I don’t think our dealer network will ever not evolve. It’s something that we need to always be looking at, making sure that we’ve got the right people ready to service our retail customers.”

He anticipates the network will expand further as the company moves forward.

Global outlook and long-term vision

With global expansion in mind, Southwell’s keen to point out that the Targa 58 GTO can go from Scandinavia to Australia and anywhere in between.

“That’s how we’re trying to design the boats moving forward.”

Plus, on the option list, there’s a specific US pack.

“It’s a ‘one size fits all’ for anyone in the US to tick to make sure they’ve got the relevant sockets … the relevant power … voltages, etc. And it’s about making these boats more accessible to more markets.

“This isn’t just a British boat for British customers. This a global brand.”

Southwell is one of four shareholders of Fairline Yachts and has been in place for around 16 months – he took over in April 2025 – and came into the marine industry from a background working on behalf of lenders to secure, and help, distressed assets.

The longest he’s been in place in a company prior to Fairline is nine months.

“I’m not leaving anytime soon,” he says. “Nor are any of the other shareholders. This is a long-term investment for us.

“We feel like we’re just getting started in terms of what the vision is for Fairline.”

Read more about the Targa 58 GTO on Fairline’s website.