Northshore Yachts, a name synonymous with innovative shallow-draft sailing, has carved a distinctive niche in the marine industry. From its origins as Fairways Marine in the early 1970s, the company embarked on a journey to build versatile cruising vessels, culminating in its renowned Southerly range, celebrated for its unique swing keel technology.
The genesis of Northshore Yachts lies with Fairways Marine, founded in 1971 by David Skellon. His vision was to produce specifically designed cruising vessels crafted from GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic). Fairways Marine initially focused on the Fischer line of motorsailors, with designs by Gordon Wyatt, though Fairways Marine primarily handled marketing, with Northshore later taking on the molding. This marked the beginning of a builder committed to robust, adaptable yachts.
History and Evolution
Over its history, the company, operating as Northshore Yachts in the UK, expanded its portfolio to include the well-regarded Vancouver and MG lines, alongside the distinct Fischer motorsailors. However, it was the Southerly brand that would become its most recognized and defining offering. The Southerly range quickly gained renown for its innovative lifting keel technology, a feature that would become the hallmark of Northshore's design philosophy.
Despite its success and employing up to 165 people at one point, Northshore Yachts faced significant financial challenges, experiencing two bankruptcies in 2013 and 2014. In 2017, a pivotal moment arrived when the Southerly brand was acquired by the Discovery Yachts Group, another prominent UK yacht builder. This acquisition aimed to integrate Southerly's unique designs into a larger operation, with Discovery Yachts aspiring to become a leading UK yacht builder.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Northshore Yachts, particularly through its Southerly brand, established a formidable reputation in the sailing world for producing yachts with exceptional sailing performance and unparalleled versatility. The core of this identity lies in its pioneering lifting or "swing" keel technology. This innovative system allows the keel to be raised, dramatically reducing the boat's draft to as little as 0.84 meters (3 feet).
This variable draft capability offers numerous advantages, allowing Southerly owners to navigate shallow waters, explore secluded anchorages, and even "beach" their yachts, standing upright on the seabed. This freedom of movement opens up cruising grounds inaccessible to most fixed-keel yachts, making Southerly a preferred choice for adventurers and those seeking maximum flexibility in their cruising. Over the years, Northshore collaborated with respected naval architects, including Dick Carter, who designed early iconic swing-keel models like the Southerly 105 and Southerly 115. Later, Ker Yacht Design was brought in to revamp the range, starting with the Southerly 46RS.
Iconic Models and Legacy
The Southerly 105 was groundbreaking as the first swing keel model in the range, setting the standard for what was to follow. Building on this success, Northshore produced a line of highly successful and sought-after models, including the Southerly 115, 135, 420, 42RST, 47, and 32. These models, with their distinctive lifting keels, allowed thousands of sailors to access cruising areas previously out of reach, contributing to a loyal and active owner community. The brand's enduring appeal is evident in the fact that there are over 1,100 Southerly owners worldwide. While the Southerly brand is the most recognized, Northshore Yachts also built the sturdy Fischer motorsailors and the well-regarded Vancouver and MG sailing yachts.
The Builder Today
Today, the Southerly brand is proudly part of the Discovery Yachts Group, having been acquired in 2017. Under Discovery's ownership, the production of Southerly yachts has been restarted, aiming to continue the legacy of innovative design and quality craftsmanship. The modern Southerly boats continue to appeal to cruisers who prioritize versatility, comfort, and the ability to explore diverse waterways, from deep oceans to shallow estuaries. The strong community of Southerly owners worldwide continues to thrive, testament to the unique and enduring appeal of these shallow-draft specialists.
