The lineage of Shipman yachts began in 1968, rooted on the historic Swedish island of Visby. This initial venture, known as Shipman Sweden AB, quickly established itself in the Scandinavian boating scene. A significant early creation was the Shipman 28, a sailboat designed by the renowned Swedish naval architect Olle Enderlein. Launched in 1969, this cruiser became a notable success, with approximately 1,000 units built, reflecting its popularity and the foundational design philosophy of practical, capable cruising.
History and Evolution
For two decades following its inception, Shipman grew in prominence, establishing itself as one of the best-known boat builders. However, the narrative took a significant turn in the early 21st century. In 2002, the Shipman name was acquired, marking a pivotal moment for the brand. The following year, in 2003, the company and its assets were taken over by Seaway, a Slovenian group renowned for its expertise in boat development. This acquisition heralded the birth of Shipman Carbon Yachts, shifting the brand's focus dramatically towards innovative, high-performance luxury cruising sailboats crafted from advanced carbon composites. Overview
Design Philosophy and Identity
The modern Shipman brand, under the stewardship of the Seaway Group, has carved out a distinct reputation in the global sailing world. It is celebrated for its commitment to building large, high-performance, luxury cruising yachts that are remarkably easy to handle, often by a short crew or even singlehandedly. 3, Overview This unique blend of speed, comfort, and manageability is achieved through a meticulous design philosophy that leverages cutting-edge technology and materials.
A hallmark of the modern Shipman identity is the extensive use of carbon fiber in hull construction. This allows for significantly lighter displacement compared to traditional production cruising yachts of similar size, directly contributing to superior performance. The company collaborates with leading experts in hydrodynamics, singlehanded sailing, and high-tech boatbuilding. Crucially, Shipman Carbon Yachts has extensively partnered with J&J Design, a prolific Slovenian design office credited with over 300 sailboat designs and recognized as a world leader in production sailboat design. This collaboration underscores Shipman's commitment to pushing the boundaries of yacht design and construction.
Iconic Models and Legacy
From its early days in Sweden to its modern incarnation, Shipman has produced several iconic models that have left a lasting impact.
In its original Swedish era, the Shipman 28 stands out as a testament to Olle Enderlein's design prowess, with around 1,000 boats produced, solidifying Shipman's early reputation as a builder of reliable cruisers.
The modern era, under Seaway, is defined by the "Shipman Carbon Yachts" range, distinguished by their advanced composite construction and performance-oriented cruising capabilities:
- Shipman 50 Carbon: Launched in 2003, this model was the first all-carbon yacht under the new Shipman banner. It garnered significant acclaim for its fast sailing characteristics, ease of handling, and comfort, notably winning the prestigious "European Yacht of the Year" award in 2004. Its displacement was roughly half that of comparable production cruising yachts.
- Shipman 63: Developed with input from top experts, the Shipman 63 is lauded as a "racer's ocean cruiser." It combines speed, strength, and ease of handling with sophisticated comfort features, including hydraulic winches and onboard amenities.
- Shipman 72: Representing the third generation of Shipman Carbon Yachts, the 72-footer offers an enhanced level of living space, comfort, and performance. It exemplifies the brand's dedication to creating high-performance, shorthanded capable, and luxurious carbon composite family sailing yachts.
- The range further expanded with the introduction of the Shipman 80 and Shipman 100, both launched in 2008, showcasing the builder's capability to scale up its innovative carbon construction to larger superyacht sizes. The Shipman 59 Carbon Yacht also forms part of this distinguished range.
To date, nearly forty Shipman carbon yachts are actively cruising the world's oceans, a testament to their enduring quality and design.
The Builder Today
Today, Shipman operates as the "Shipman Carbon Yachts" division of the Seaway Group, a prominent Slovenian company recognized as a world leader in boat development. Overview, 23, 27 Located in Begunje, Slovenia, the company continues to focus on crafting large, high-performance, and luxurious cruising sailboats. Overview
The modern Shipman yachts appeal to a discerning clientele who prioritize cutting-edge technology, exceptional sailing performance, and the ability to comfortably cruise long distances with minimal crew. The ownership experience is characterized by innovative design and advanced composite construction, offering a unique blend of speed and luxury in the global market. The legacy of innovation and collaboration, particularly with design firms like J&J Design, continues to drive the brand's identity.
