Spirit Yachts shares stunning images of Q Class project in-build
Spirit Yachts has shared images of its Q Class project being rolled over at its Suffolk yard. This key stage of the yacht’s construction marks the start of the interior fit out.
“The rollover is a showcase of Spirit craftsmanship, revealing the inside of the timber hull construction,” says Spirit Yachts’ production and design director, Julian Weatherill. “It is a visually impressive process as it involves lifting the hull and turning it over to allow the team to start fitting it out. During the next stage, the customised interior will take shape; bulkheads will go in, furniture will be fitted, and electrical cabling run in.” The company was commissioned for the build in April this year.
The project was commissioned by founder of Q7 Yacht Designs, Peter Silvester, who owns an original Q Class yacht named Falcon (sail number Q7), which the current yacht is modelled on. Falcon was designed by Burgess, Swasey & Paine to the Universal Rule of Measurement and built in 1926 by the Herreshoff Manufacturing Company.
“Our goal is to celebrate Falcon’s centenary in 2026 by re-imagining how she might have sailed if her original designers had access to the best systems, technologies, and materials available today,” says Silvester. “We want to inspire the next generation of sailors by showing this classic Q Class design can have a modern future.”
Naval architect firm Dykstra was appointed to adapt Falcon’s original line drawings for modern construction at Spirit Yachts. The new 14m yacht will be named Victoria and will launch in spring 2026.
“There has been a significant amount of interest in ‘The Falcon Study’, particularly in the USA,” continues Silvester. “I believe this is driven by the historical link to the original Q Class yachts racing on the Great Lakes at a time when their big sisters, the Js, were competing in the America’s Cup. I would love to see a fleet of modern Qs on the water, and I welcome discussions with anyone interested in joining the project.”
The hull of the Q Class yacht in build is made from Sipo Mahogany ringframes, over which Douglas fir planking and double-diagonal layers of Khaya veneers were laid. While the hull lines and underwater appendages stay true to her original design, she will have some modern features such as an electric drive system, a luxury interior, and modern spars, sails and deck equipment.
All images courtesy of David Chatfield.
