Spirit Yachts welcomes new production and design director

British yacht builder Spirit Yachts has appointed Julian Weatherill as the firm’s new production and design director.

The news comes after the Suffolk-based company confirmed details of a new ownership structure and management overhaul in March 2023.

Weatherill has worked in the marine industry for 30 years. In addition to sales and client management roles at several well-known British boat builders, he has previously overseen the design and construction of sailing superyachts. Weatherill also spent 10 years as a full-time skipper onboard cruising yachts ranging from 65-100ft, sailing over 80,000nm to remote locations, including Alaska and across the South Pacific.

“Julian’s reputation is well known across the marine industry,” says Spirit Yachts’ managing director Karen Underwood. “He is professional, highly experienced, and he has a great rapport with clients and staff. In his first few weeks, he has already made a positive impact, and we are delighted to have him on board as we grow the business.”

Weatherill says he is looking forward to his role as production and design director with Spirit Yachts.

“I have always admired Spirit Yachts from afar, and I have been even more impressed with the quality of their yachts up close and out sailing,” he says. “The team is passionate, and their work is world-class. I am looking forward to a bright future with the company.”

Spirit Yachts recently launched a Spirit 30 and its second Spirit 72DH yacht, which will be followed by a 68DH and a third 72DH later in the year.

Spirit Yachts, which was founded in 1993, recently lifted the lid on its clean energy drive and solar sails strategy. Last year, the firm announced that more than half the boats on order with the company were repeat orders for existing owners, but each repeat order owner was moving from diesel to electric.