Having joined Spirit in August, new managing director Nigel Stuart is settling in at Spirit Yachts and outlines his plans for the future.

What do you think is so unique about Spirit Yachts?

For me, there are many things that make Spirit Yachts stand out from the crowd but above all I am always impressed with the unrivalled passion and care that goes into building a Spirit. Sean (McMillan) really is incredibly talented and has built a team of exceptionally talented people around him from a naval architect to joiners, varnishers to mechanical and engineering experts. The team can offer both custom and standard designs, always staying true to the values at the heart of Spirit Yachts – beautiful, stylish, wooden yachts built using the latest in modern technology.

What particular experience do you plan to bring to Spirit?

My experience is working with yachts worldwide and I plan to build awareness of Spirit Yachts not only in the UK but in Europe and the US as well, through boat shows, regattas and by working with the media. It’s fantastic that Spirit Yachts Asia is now up and running in Hong Kong and we plan to collaborate closely with them to broaden our experience and portfolio.

I always make sure client service is at the core of everything I do so I will be looking to maintain and develop Spirit’s existing high levels of customer care. In difficult economic times, it is crucial that as well as building unrivalled, stunning yachts, we always ensure that our customers feel 100% supported before, during and after their boat is delivered.

What’s in store for Spirit for the rest of this year and into 2015?

We have just launched our new e-newsletter, which will provide regular updates on all things related to Spirit Yachts from what we are building in the factory, what’s on the drawing board and what the Spirits are up to on the water. Along with the newsletter, Spirit’s new Facebook and Twitter pages will help us to better engage with our customers and I would welcome your feedback.

2015 will see new builds in the yard in Ipswich from January onwards and we will be at the boat shows, including Dusseldorf, Singapore and Southampton, with more dates to be confirmed. Our new office in Hong Kong, Spirit Yachts Asia, has recently opened so next year will also bring activity and developments from the team over there.

There is so much going on; that really is just a snapshot of our plans!