Gosport home to Spirit Yacht’s latest Spirit 111 commissioning

Earlier this year, Ipswich-based yacht builder, Spirit Yachts, chose Gosport Marina and its specialist boatyard, Endeavour Quay, as the base to commission its brand new 111 foot superyacht.

Built by a team of boat builders using the highest quality sustainable timber and incorporating traditional techniques with the latest technology, the Spirit 111 is said to be one of the most environmentally friendly superyachts created. She is also the largest single-masted wooden yacht to be built in the UK since the J-Class Shamrock V in 1930, which was built and commissioned at the very same boatyard in Gosport (then Camper & Nicholsons).

The Spirit 111 is one of a handful of superyachts capable of cruising without professional crew. She boasts energy efficient Lewmar hydraulic deck hardware and OneSails GBR (East) 4T FORTE sails (made from recyclable materials) fitted to a Hall Spars carbon fibre mast with in-boom furling.

The magnificent yacht was delivered to Gosport Marina in March for sail trials, class certification and commissioning. However, the lockdown meant much of the activity was delayed during April and May. Now back on track, Nigel Stuart, Spirit Yachts’ MD, is pleased with how the final commissioning stages have progressed as the lockdown has eased.

“Whilst adhering to the latest government coronavirus guidance, a skeleton team of staff has been able to continue commissioning the Spirit 111. We are grateful to the team at Endeavour Quay, who have been efficient and professional during a challenging time,” Stuart says. “We were really pleased with the sea trials on the Solent last week as we continue to use Gosport as our base away from Spirit’s Suffolk headquarters.”

“This is an exciting project to be a part of and further cements our reputation as the go-to service centre for superyachts in this part of the UK,” says Endeavour Quay’s yard manager, Tim Newell. “Endeavour Quay has been a home from home for the Spirit Yachts team, offering ample deep water berths with access in all states of tide, close proximity to good sailing in the Solent, as well as the all-important facilities of the shipyard to draw on when needed.”

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