Spirit Yachts, of Ipswich, has launched its first yacht of over 30 metres, the 100 foot sloop Gaia, which is now undergoing sea trials, prior to its official launch at the Southampton boat show.

The company’s brief was, essentially, to design and build a 100ft “day boat” that combined classic looks with performance and was capable of crossing oceans! The result is a sailing superyacht with stainless steel frames and mahogany planking.

The Gaia is, which is believed to be the largest single masted wooden boat built in England since the second World War, is said to have cost about £4 million.  After handover, the yacht will be used, privately, in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, by English owner.

LOA 100'0" 30.6m
LWL 70'7" 21.6m
Beam 19'0" 5.8m
Draft 11'5 3.5m
Displacement 42 tonnes
Ballast Ratio 35%
Sail Area 4566 sq ft. 427 sq mtrs.

Photo Jo Cowley/BYM News

More Gaia images

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 04 September 2007 )