A classic and modern design inspired by the 1930s
Spirit Yachts was founded in 1993 by Sean McMillian and Mick Newman with the goal of offering a more sustainable alternative to fiberglass production boats. A philosophy that is still relevant today as the yard is world renowned for building modern classic yachts in sustainable wood; custom models from 30 to 111 feet. The yard, based in Ipswich, Suffolk, on the east coast of the UK, also produces some powerboats.
The Spirit of Tradition yachts (modern in technology and construction and classic in design) have an elegant profile inspired by the yachts of the 1930s.
Spirit 54, the Casino Royale yacht for a cruise on the Venetian canals
It is undoubtedly its reputation and the quality of its boats that convinced the producers of the James Bond saga to feature these incredible sailing yachts twice. This partnership began in 2006, in the film Casino Royale .
Daniel Craig and Eva Green enjoy a cruise in Venice aboard a Spirit 54 (no longer in the Spirit Yachts range). Hand-built in the British yard in Suffolk, the yacht is then shipped to the Bahamas. The boat was then transported to Puerto Rico and through the British Virgin Islands for filming. After the Caribbean scenes, the yacht was shipped back to Croatia for a sail to Venice. During the shooting, the boat had to be dismasted 10 times so that it could pass under the different bridges of the city's canals. It is also the first sailing boat to go up the Grand Canal in 300 years according to its manufacturer. We discover it in the trailer of the film at 1:13 min.
Spirit 46, a sailing jewel to accompany James Bond in his retirement
Spirit Yachts returns to the screen to accompany the famous secret agent 007 in 2021 in Dying can wait the latest production to date. James Bond has left the secret service (before finally returning to service) and is enjoying a well-deserved retirement in Jamaica, where he is sailing on a Spirit 46. The boat appears several times in the film and can also be seen in the trailer below (0:21 min).
"The Spirit 46 is one of Spirit Yachts' original designs and an example of the level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every yacht from the shipyard. I think this boat fits Bond's character very well, it combines beauty and functionality." explains Sean McMillian.
