A HAMPSHIRE yacht builder is preparing to unveil its latest designs for a stunning blue-water cruiser at the PSP Southampton Boat Show later this month.

The new Discovery 57, which will come with a £1.4m price tag, will be the latest model in the company’s range of luxury cruising yachts.

Production of the first yacht is already under way with launch and test sails due to take place next year.

Marchwood-based Discovery earlier this year expanded it production capacity from eight to 12 yachts when it took over the remaining units on the Cracknore Industrial Park in Harbour Close.

Southampton MP and shadow business secretary John Denham, who recently visited the site, said: “I’m very keen to see UK manufacturing success stories and I have seen first-hand how British boatbuilders and their supply chain have a reputation for good design, innovation and quality.”

The expansion followed the launch of the award-winning Discovery 50 catamaran late last year.

World-renowned designer Ron Holland is behind the hull, deck and rigging of the new Discovery 57, which has been styled by Ken Freivokh, best known for his work in the superyacht sector.

The Discovery 57 will be a fast passage performance yacht designed to be sailed double-handed.

The design launch for the new Discovery 57 will take place on September 16 at berths M246/M248 at the PSP Southampton Boat Show.