From its humble beginnings on the serene waterways of Wroxham, Norfolk, Windboats Marine has carved a distinguished legacy in the annals of British boatbuilding. Established in 1920, the yard has witnessed a remarkable journey of transformation, adapting to changing materials and market demands while maintaining a core commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
The Origin Story
The story of Windboats begins with Graham Bunn, a master craftsman and yacht designer, who founded his boat building yard in Wroxham around 1920. Bunn, whose father was also a master boatbuilder, inherited and honed his skills within the family tradition. His early reputation was built on excellence in boatbuilding, initially focusing on small wooden cruising yachts and developing motor cruisers for the burgeoning hire market on the Norfolk Broads. Bunn even christened his own fleet of vessels "Windboats," a name that would later become synonymous with the yard itself. Many of these early wooden craft, celebrated for their beauty and durability, continue to grace the waters today.
History and Evolution
The formal introduction of the "Windboats" name came in 1946, following the purchase of the yard in 1945 by Donald Hagenbach. Under Hagenbach's leadership, Windboats grew in prominence, becoming one of the founding members of the Ship & Boatbuilders National Federation, now known as British Marine.
A significant transition occurred in 1974 when Donald Hagenbach retired, and the business changed hands for the third time. Trevor James, Windboats' own production director and a naval architect, acquired the company, ensuring continuity of expertise and vision., 5, 7, 16] During this period, Windboats continued its work with innovative materials, building and fitting out Seacrete vessels for both pleasure and commercial applications., 6] This included the well-regarded range of Endurance yachts., 6]
A pivotal shift in the company's trajectory came in 1983 when Windboats moved into GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) yacht production. This marked the beginning of a remarkable 30-year association with Oyster Marine, a globally renowned luxury yacht builder. After three decades of crafting Oyster yachts, Windboats diversified its operations, taking on projects for other quality yacht brands such as GT Yachts and expanding its commercial vessel outfitting services. The company's expansion continued in 2013 with the acquisition of Hardy Marine, a well-known and respected power boat builder. The year 2014, marking the fortieth year of ownership by the James family, saw the formation of a new partnership with Gunfleet Marine, a luxury British yacht brand founded by Richard Matthews, who had previously sold Oyster Marine.
Design Philosophy and Identity
Windboats Marine cultivated an early reputation for excellence in boatbuilding, a hallmark that persisted through its various ownerships and material transitions. While initially known for its elegant wooden craft, the company demonstrated a strong adaptability, embracing composite materials like Seacrete and later GRP., 5, 6] This flexibility allowed Windboats to build a diverse portfolio, from the robust, offshore-capable Endurance yachts to sophisticated luxury cruisers for Oyster Marine. Trevor James, himself a naval architect, contributed to the company's technical prowess, overseeing production and design aspects., 16] The yard's strength often lay in its precise manufacturing and fitting-out capabilities for designs by acclaimed naval architects associated with brands like Oyster, Gunfleet, and the Endurance series. For example, a 1958 motor yacht built by Graham Bunn Ltd was designed by R.M. Martins.
Iconic Models and Legacy
Throughout its history, Windboats Marine has been instrumental in the production of several notable boat ranges. In its early wooden boat era, the yard produced many beautiful craft, some of which, like the Annanetta built in 1939, are still cherished today. The Seacrete era saw the production of the popular Endurance yacht series, known for their sturdy construction suitable for offshore adventures, alongside some Nelson motorboats.
However, arguably the most impactful period for Windboats Marine was its long-standing partnership with Oyster Marine. For three decades, Windboats was a primary builder for Oyster, contributing significantly to the construction of their globally recognised luxury sailing yachts. Following this, Windboats diversified its GRP expertise, building for GT Yachts, including the GT35 offshore cruising yacht which emphasizes superb sailing qualities. The acquisition of Hardy Marine also brought a range of respected motor yachts under the Windboats umbrella, with notable projects including two Hardy 42s commissioned by the RNLI and a Hardy 36 for Raymarine as a test boat. Furthermore, Windboats Marine operates the Gunfleet brand, which focuses on performance-oriented, variable draft cruising yachts.
The Builder Today
Windboats Marine Limited, a cornerstone of Norfolk's boatbuilding industry for a century, entered administration in April 2020. This decision was attributed to a "general downturn in orders and the untimely impact of the Covid-19 pandemic." Following the administration of The Windboats Group, its subsidiary, Hardy Marine, was subsequently acquired by Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding, ensuring the continuation of the Hardy brand, which was noted to be healthy at the time of the acquisition. While the Gunfleet brand continues to be associated with Windboats Marine, its operational structure might have adapted following the administration of the main company. Despite the challenges, Windboats Marine's long history stands as a testament to its enduring legacy in British boatbuilding, marked by adaptability, quality craftsmanship, and significant contributions to both sailing and motor yacht sectors.
