A Poole-based sports boat and cruiser dealership has agreed a major deal to become the UK’s sole distributor of Brazilian luxury Schaefer Yachts.
Gibbs Quay Boat Sales is owned by Don Bissessar, who said he had "scoured the world" looking for a new yacht brand to sell alongside the others his business imports and sells.
Schaefer Yachts was founded more than 30 years ago and is the largest yacht manufacturer in South America. The shipmaker has a range of boats from 30ft to 85ft and has built more than 3,500 vessels to date.
Mr Bissessar said: “Schaefer Yachts really fit in well with us not only because they meet our high standards but because they are an established manufacturer with an impeccable reputation and are distinct from the other brands in the market place.
“Having visited the factory and seeing the build and design process I am totally confident in the brand and the people behind it. Schaefer will bring a touch of carnival and a dash of the Copacabana to the UK boating scene."
A number of Schaefer Yachts are due to go on display at the Southampton Boat Show in September, including the latest model. At just under 34ft, the V33 yacht is able to carry 10 passengers and sleep two. The Schaefer 303 - a 32ft sports cruiser aimed at a family of four - will also be on show.
“They are stunning-looking yachts with open bows and plenty of room, with full-height headroom in the cabins," said Mr Bissessar, who bought Gibbs Quay Boat Sales in 1986.
The business is more than a century old and was originally based on the banks of the River Thames, near Shepperton in Middlesex, before moving to its current site in Dorset in 2012.
