VISIT TO DISCOVERY YACHTS, MARCHWOOD. Makers of probably the finest bluewater cruising yachts in the world.

Wed, Dec 4th 2013 at 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

Club Service organised visit to Marchwood. We saw the luxury hand built yachts being built from start to finish.


Discovery Yachts are constructed on a purpose built site at the end of Crackmore Hard, Marchwood. Close to the Southampton Water. These are not the average sailing boat but British designed and manufactured luxury high performance bluewater cruising sailing yachts in monohull and multihull models from 55 feet to 67 feet.

12 Members  met with the managing director Nigel Stuart  but spent most of the morning with Mark Williams, the Sales Manager, who gave us a half hour question and answer session (with coffee and chocolate biscuits!) then a tour of a number of massive hangers which housed boats in various stages of completion. Over 60 staff work at the yard and while some specialist parts such as rigging, winches, instruments and the like are bought in, most of the boats from the moulding for the hulls to the cabin furniture are designed and hand made on site. The decks are built separately. alongside the hulls, and only fitted at the end. The quality of workmanship is truly stunning and of the very highest standard both in luxurious style, practicality and safety. The boats are huge - see the hull photos on this site - but amazingly are designed to be sailed round the world  by a couple, normally man and wife, although the 67 foot monohull is best handled with the help of a a couple of crew. Electric winches and hydraulics play a large part in the ease of  handling. You do not buy one of these lightly. They take about 12 months to build to your order and cost, depending on your choice of kit, from about

'What We Do' Main Pages:

Clive Rutland handing over eggs.

We assisted the Totton Spiritualist Church in their project to give an Easter Egg to all children being supported through the Churches food bank. Also additional food and clothing for the Food Bank itself.

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Joint event organised by New Forest & Hythe Clubs in April '24

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Some of the treasure with Viv from Honeypot and our George.

'Treasure gathered by our Rotary Club from Rotarians, schools and scouts for children who are carers for their loved ones.

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Annual Gateway Sports at Brockenhurst College, Sports Hall. Volunteers welcome. Sponsored by New Forest Rotary. Break for lunch at local hostelry.

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A splendid day out for children organised by Rotary

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Sponsored by New Forest Rotary & Wessex Heartbeat with Meon Valley Heart Start. FREE although you may wish to donate on the day. Maximum places 30. Visit www.heartbeat.co.uk to book & for information. Starts 9:45am.

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We look after the plant 'creche' and raise money too.

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Presentation by Tina Richardson of Wessex Heartbeat to President Ian Frame of Certificate of Support on completion of pledge to raise £1,500.

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What is Rotary? Who are we? What on earth do we do? Do we enjoy ourselves? (definitely yes!!)

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The following document by Laura Luff, the Senior Development Manager, sets out the LifeLab initiative.

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