Only three week delay on the launch of Gunboat 6803

Spirits were high at the Gunboat factory as the third Gunboat 68 of the series was launched. This launch, the company says, carried particular significance as a marker of adaptability beyond the typical call of duty, even for yacht building.

“Completing 6803 in the current environment definitely was not business-as-usual amidst lockdowns and border closings,” says Benoit Lebizay, Gunboat managing partner.

“Nevertheless, the launch date has only been delayed by three weeks, which is a testimony of the hard work and dedication of the build team and more broadly of the entire Gunboat team and all our partners and suppliers.

“We have received incredible support from the owner and absolutely no pressure to rush the completion of the boat.

“With careful consideration, we were able to make the call collectively that there was a way to combine both protecting our workforce and continuing the build. This was not a small endeavour, and there is enormous pride in achieving this milestone today.”

Gunboat is taking Sea Tilt to Cannes Yachting Festival. The second in the series, commissioning progressed quickly from basic equipment checks and hoisting sails for the first time to load testing. The sea trials crew, says Gunboat, were rewarded with thoroughbred performance.