UK boatbuilder expands business at MDL’s Mercury Yacht Harbour

UK yacht designer and builder GT Yachts is expanding its presence at MDL’s Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park on the River Hamble.

GT Yachts now occupies the 7600ft² Building 4 at Mercury Yacht Harbour, marking the beginning of a new era for the yacht building operation, which designs and manufactures high performance offshore cruising yachts.

“We’ve previously outsourced all fabrication, assembly, and boatbuilding,” explains Conrad Cockburn, director at GT Yachts. “However, while outsourcing looks good on paper, it comes with its challenges. Our strategic move to Mercury Yacht Harbour allows us to build in-house with our own highly skilled team, which we’ve taken time and great care putting together.

“When looking for suitable premises, Mercury Yacht Harbour stood out as a unique opportunity for GT Yachts, offering a large construction hall with direct access to the water. Situated on the banks of the beautiful Hamble river, arguably one of the major yachting capitals of Europe, if not the world. The premises also offers an excellent client reception area and is close to marina berthing and the on-site restaurant at Mercury, the Gaff Rigger. 

“This provides an excellent location for commissioning and trials for owners, making the whole operation from build to delivery very efficient, and all in one place. We’ve already received some very serious enquiries and we’re looking forward to hosting a series of demo days.”

Tim Mayer, sales and marketing director at MDL comments: “We’re really delighted to be able to help GT Yachts expand its business at our Mercury Yacht Harbour and Holiday Park. Knowing that our marinas are helping to facilitate the growth of marine businesses confirms that our provision of commercial buildings is well placed in supporting the marine industry. It’s great to have a UK boat manufacturer on the Hamble and we hope that GT Yachts goes from strength to strength in its new home.”

Set a mile and a half up the River Hamble, Mercury Yacht Harbour offers deep water berthing for 360 boats up to 24m, with access at all states of tide. Located very close to the village of Hamble-Le-Rice, Mercury Yacht Harbour is one of three MDL marinas on the Hamble.

A limited number of business units are still available across MDL’s marinas for companies interested in modern office space with adjacent hardstanding and/or berthing. For further information contact Tim Mayer.