The Fairlie 55, the first in a new ‘Spirit of Tradition’ class of quality sailing yachts, was
Unveiled at an exclusive preview event on Friday (10 December). An invited group of media, leading marine industry figures and potential buyers witnessed the birth of the first yacht in this family of classics currently under construction by Fairlie at their premises on the Hamble River in Hampshire.
The team responsible for the creation of the exquisite new wooden yacht hosted the event against the backdrop of the first Fairlie 55 hull frames. Guests viewed a specially commissioned DVD detailing the build process to date along with a collection of images and a display of traditional yacht memorabilia over festive mince pies at mulled wine at the pre-Christmas event.
Using the finest quality materials, exceptional craftsmen and unrivalled knowledge, Fairlie has forged an enviable reputation for building high quality yachts for private clients worldwide.
The Spirit of Tradition yachts will comprise the Fairlie 55, the Fairlie 66, the Fairlie 78, and the Fairlie 110. The Fairlie 55 currently under construction is the first Spirit of Tradition yacht to be built and it is anticipated that the first two boats could be delivered in time to turn heads at next year’s Classics season.
Paul Spooner, designer of the Fairlie 55, said the new classic represents “a fusion of modern day performance with the unsurpassed elegance of a bygone era”.
“It’s a privilege to oversee the birth of this new classic. It is being built to reflect the elegance and style of the golden age of yachting but also incorporates state-of-the art luxury and performance that would never have been possible in days gone by,” Spooner said.
Nick Griffith, Managing Director of Ancasta Yachts, said he was “delighted” that Ancasta has been appointed to manage the sales and marketing of the Fairlie 55.
“Fairlie’s name has become synonymous with quality and style over the last two decades, and the Spirit of Tradition yachts are set to cement that association. The Fairlie 55 is being constructed to the very highest standards by a team of exceptional craftsmen, and we are proud to be able to offer such a special yacht to our discerning customers around the world,” Griffith said.
“The popularity of Fairlie’s classic yachts is testament to the unrelenting appetite for yachting’s golden days. The new Fairlie 55 ‘Spirit of Tradition’ yacht brings together decades of unmistakable Fairlie build quality, sparkling performance and exquisite finishing with a splendour that is clearly influenced by the designs of William Fife,”Griffith added.
Over the last two decades, Fairlie Restorations has built, maintained and restored more than 20 of the world’s most famous classic yachts. From legendary racing yachts such as Mariquita, Tuiga and The Lady Anne to elegant cruising yachts such as Kentra and Altair, Fairlie Restorations has been responsible for defining the current high standards for classic yachts worldwide and the Spirit of Tradition class is set to be no exception.