In the esteemed world of yacht building, where heritage often dictates reputation, a relatively new name has emerged, quickly establishing itself through an unparalleled commitment to innovation and luxurious, performance-driven cruising yachts. Gunfleet Marine, founded by a titan of the British yachting industry, Richard Matthews, has carved a distinctive niche by focusing on variable draft capabilities and an uncompromising approach to quality and comfort.
The Origin Story
The genesis of Gunfleet Marine is deeply rooted in the extensive experience and visionary ambition of its founder, Richard Matthews. For over 35 years, Matthews meticulously built and led Oyster Yachts, transforming it into one of the UK's most successful yacht companies before its sale in 2008. Rather than retiring, the fanatical yachtsman sought a new challenge, driven by a desire to apply his vast knowledge to a new venture. In 2010, Gunfleet Marine was launched, with a core team comprising many former Oyster specialists, indicating a clear lineage of expertise and craftsmanship.
Matthews' vision for Gunfleet was clear: to create modern, sophisticated, and substantial cruising yachts that excelled in open ocean conditions yet offered the unique ability to access shallower anchorages, a capability often limited for larger bluewater vessels. This dual mandate for performance and versatile cruising formed the bedrock of Gunfleet's design philosophy.
The company's inaugural vessel, the Gunfleet 43, debuted in 2011. This groundbreaking yacht immediately garnered attention not only for its contemporary design and spacious interior but, crucially, for its innovative lifting centerboard system, a signature feature that embodied Matthews' vision for variable draft cruising.
History and Evolution
From its inception, Gunfleet Marine established a partnership with Windboats Marine, a historic British boatbuilder. Windboats Marine, celebrating over a century of boat building, handles the moulding and fitting out of Gunfleet yachts at its Norfolk sites. The final stages of launching and commissioning, as well as the sales office, are based at Fox's Marina in Ipswich, which has also been a proud supplier of stainless steel work and complete fit-outs for Gunfleet vessels.
The company's evolution saw the rapid expansion of its model range, building on the success of the Gunfleet 43. This included the introduction of larger models, such as the Gunfleet 58 and the flagship Gunfleet 74, further solidifying the brand's commitment to luxurious, capable cruising yachts.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Gunfleet Marine has cultivated a reputation for building performance-oriented, variable draft cruising yachts that are both modern and exceptionally comfortable. The brand is synonymous with serious bluewater cruising, catering specifically to experienced sailors, often couples, who desire expansive living spaces and the comforts of home while undertaking long voyages.
A hallmark of Gunfleet's design is the incorporation of a central cockpit, a layout highly favored for offshore sailing, paired with advanced variable draft systems. The yachts are constructed using robust materials, including fiberglass with Kevlar and carbon fiber reinforcements, ensuring strength and durability. Signature features include hydraulic centerboards and twin rudders, which allow for exceptionally shallow drafts—as little as 1.75m on the Gunfleet 58 with the board up—providing unparalleled access to secluded anchorages and shallow coastal areas.
The interior design emphasizes light-filled spaces and hand-crafted, sumptuous accommodation, ensuring maximum comfort for owners and their guests. Gunfleet yachts are designed for self-sufficiency during extended periods aboard, with thoughtful layouts for systems and ample storage.
Crucially, Gunfleet Marine has collaborated with the esteemed naval architect Tony Castro, who is credited with designing the entire Gunfleet range, including the Gunfleet 43, Gunfleet 58, and the larger Gunfleet 74. Castro's designs have imbued Gunfleet yachts with a blend of modern aesthetics, efficient sailing performance, and the practical innovations necessary for true blue water cruising.
Iconic Models and Legacy
While Gunfleet Marine has maintained a focused model range, each yacht has left a significant mark on the luxury cruising segment.
- Gunfleet 43 (2011): As the pioneering model, the Gunfleet 43 set the standard for the brand. Measuring 13.43m (44ft 1in) LOA, it was praised for its lively performance even in light winds, responsive handling, and remarkable stability. Its luxurious, well-appointed interior, designed around maximizing owner comfort, showcased the brand's commitment to high standards.
- Gunfleet 58 (2013): This model quickly gained critical acclaim, being named "Best Boats Flagship" by American Sail Magazine and earning a nomination for "Yacht of the Year" in Europe. The Gunfleet 58, designed by Tony Castro, exemplified the brand's innovative approach with its standard hydraulic centerboard and twin rudders, offering a minimum draft of 1.75m. Its modern, hand-crafted accommodation, featuring four spacious cabins including en-suite owner and VIP staterooms, underlined its appeal for serious cruising couples.
- Gunfleet 74 (2014): Serving as the brand's flagship, the Gunfleet 74 extended the design principles of its smaller siblings to a larger platform, catering to those seeking even greater space and capability for global voyaging.
The impact of Gunfleet models stems from their unique blend of true sailing performance, the flexibility offered by their variable draft, and an unwavering commitment to luxury and ergonomic design tailored for comfortable long-distance cruising.
The Builder Today
Gunfleet Marine, operating under the umbrella of Windboats Marine, continues to appeal to discerning yachtsmen and women who prioritize both sailing prowess and unparalleled comfort on long voyages. While some models previously listed are now categorized as discontinued, the brand's ethos of delivering highly engineered, state-of-the-art cruising yachts persists. The production process, involving moulding and fitting out at Windboats' Norfolk sites and commissioning at Fox's Marina in Ipswich, emphasizes bespoke construction and attention to detail, rather than serial mass production.
The ownership experience is characterized by a high degree of pride and satisfaction, with owners appreciating the gripping design and luxurious amenities of their Gunfleet yachts. While specific details about a formal owner community are not widely publicized, the nature of such high-end, specialized yachts often fosters a close-knit network among owners who share a passion for adventurous yet comfortable cruising. Richard Matthews remains associated with Gunfleet Marine through his role as a person of significant control within the LLP, reinforcing the continued influence of his original vision.
