A Royal visit for Spirit Yachts

British Marine member, Spirit Yachts, welcomed Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal on Tuesday 19 December for an official visit to its waterside headquarters in Ipswich.

Spirit Yacht’s CEO Sean McMillan commented: “As a keen sailor, Her Royal Highness was very taken with the boats in build in our yard and it was a pleasure to introduce her to our team of world class boatbuilders, who are all very passionate about what they do. She was incredibly knowledgeable, had a great deal of enthusiasm for our craft and was a delight to talk to.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to welcome The Princess Royal to Spirit Yachts for the first time and hope our paths may cross again, perhaps where we are both happiest – out on the water!”

The Princess Royal met members of the Spirit team, including Managing Director Nigel Stuart, naval architect Lawrence Peckham and workshop manager Adrian Gooderham. Her Royal Highness toured the yachts being built in the Spirit yard, starting with Spirit Yachts’ pioneering 34m superyacht, the Spirit 111′, which is in the process of being planked ahead being rolled over in the new year.

Sean added: “As the largest single-masted wooden yacht built since the 1930’s, the Spirit 111’ is a significant project and a feat of engineering. We were very proud to introduce Her Royal Highness to this incredible yacht and what will be Spirit’s biggest build to date.”

Her Royal Highness was accompanied by The Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, Clare Countess of Euston, during the visit at New Haven Marina. Her Royal Highness was also met by the Mayor of Ipswich, Sarah Barber; Sue Cook, Chief Executive of Suffolk County Council; Sandy Martin MP, the member of parliament for Ipswich; and Russell Williams, Chief Executive of Ipswich Borough Council.

Sean added: “Welcoming a member of the Royal Family is a privilege and, as a Suffolk company with customers around the world, The Princess Royal’s visit will help cement the region’s position as a hub for international business.”

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