Good news arrived overnight from New Zealand with the announcement of a new order for Fitzroy Yachts to build a 37.5 metre sailing yacht.
Having extensively chartered sailing yachts, the owners arrived at the decision to appoint Fitzroy as builder of their Dubois-designed sloop after a painstaking two-year research process.
Rodney Martin, managing director of Fitzroy Yachts, comments: 'Fitzroy Yachts is known for its award winning superyachts and we are delighted that after compiling a shortlist of some of the top builders in the world, the owner recognised Fitzroy Yachts as the best builder for the job'.
Lloyd's registered and MCA compliant, this new all-aluminium project, currently known by her hull number FY17, will have clean, strong lines and a fixed keel, making her a worthy regatta competitor in the future.
The interior, styled by Design Unlimited, will accommodate eight guests in four cabins - a full-beam master and two doubles aft of the raised saloon, and a further double cabin forward with the crew quarters and galley.
The construction of project FY17 will begin in May, and her completion is scheduled for early 2014.
Meanwhile, construction of the 50 metre flybridge sloop G50 is nearing completion with Fitzroy Yachts expecting to launch it in September.