Revived British yard Fairline Yachts has announced a deal with Alberto Mancini Design Studio and Vripack to develop its forthcoming range.
The volume manufacturer, which was bought out of administration by two UK-based Russian investors in January, will hope to attract a new swathe of clients with this big-name partnership.
Fairline added that they considered many design studios before deciding on Alberto Mancini, whose previous credits include 55 metre yachts for Baglietto and Overmarine.
Mancini said: “In a romantic way, this partnership reminds me of a time from the 1950s and 60s when famous British car makers and the Italian styling houses of Pininfarina, Touring Superleggera and Zagato created some of the most beautiful and classic designs.”
He added that he has been given “a blank sheet of paper”, suggesting that the forthcoming designs will be a bold departure from the Fairlines of old. Further design details are expected imminently.
Meanwhile, Dutch firm Vripack will provide the naval architecture for the new Fairline range. Andrew Pope, head of design at Fairline Yachts, said: “The addition of Vripack and the excellence in naval engineering that they bring, will ensure each of our new models are at the leading edge of marine technology.”
The Fairline brand dates back to 1967 when founder Jack Newington launched a 6 metre river cruiser on the Nene Valley at Oundle.
Since then the yard has gone on to launch a wide variety of successful models, most notable of which being the 78 Custom range which includes D5, a 24.37 metre yacht.