Key Yachting bought by new owners

Key Yachting has announced that Wayne Palmer and Hayley Quinn from Hampshire-based Thinking Space Systems have purchased Key Yachting.

Romsey-based Thinking Space Systems’ main business is in technical furniture.

“After 25 years, I am delighted to hand the helm over to Wayne and Hayley,” says Marie-Claude Heys, who founded Key Yachting in 1996 with her late husband Paul. “This year, as part of the logistics team from Miranda Merron’s Vendée  Globe campaign, it really made my mind up. The time is right for me to make a change, and I am keen to get back to my roots in offshore sailing.” Heys competed in four Figaro campaigns and two Whitbread Round the World Races.

Wayne Palmer founded Thinking Space Systems in 2003, which has offices in Australia, Canada, UK and the USA. Palmer is a keen sailor having competed in two Fastnet Races and currently races his J/109 Flying Jackal. Hayley Quinn is an accountant with a passion for managing leisure focused businesses.

“From a design, engineering and manufacturing perspective, there are many similarities between Thinking Systems and Key Yachting,” says Palmer. “Hayley and I cannot wait to get started in the new year. Key Yachting has world class brands, and it is rare to be able to acquire a business that has been in the same ownership for so long.”

Key Yachting sales director, Hannah Le Prevost will mentor the new owners into the business.

Key Yachting is the UK distributor for J Boats, Grand Soleil, Nautitech Catamarans and Tofinou.

Pictured above is (L2R) Hayley Quinn, Wayne Palmer, Hannah Le Prevost, and Marie-Claude Heys.

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