Moody Yachts
 | |
| Owner | HanseYachts AG |
|---|---|
| Produced by | HanseYachts AG |
| Country | Germany |
| Introduced | 1827 |
| Website | www.moodyboats.com |
Moody is an English brand for sailing yachts. It is originated in the former Moody shipyard in Swanwick that was founded in 1827 by John Moody. Since 2007, the brand belongs to German yacht builder HanseYachts AG, Greifswald.
History
Repair Yard and Timber Construction (1827–1964)
Moody's origins date back to the 19th century. In 1827, the boat builder John Moody founded a shipyard company in Swanwick on the banks of river Hamble, which dealt in particular with the repair and overhaul of fishing boats.[1] When John Moody died in 1880, he left the business to his son Alexander, who also started to build small dinghies.[1]
More than a century later, in 1935, the Moody shipyard produced its' first sailing yachts in timber construction. The first model, the Vindilis, was designed by T. Harrison Butler.[1] The service operations continued in conjunction with the boat building activities. In addition, the site in Swanwick was expanded so that the company could build larger yachts. During this period the Moody family also expanded into marina ownership.[1]
Sailing Yachts Made of Fibreglass (1965–2004)
In 1965, Moody began to produce fibreglass sailing yachts which were appreciated for their comfort and long distance suitability. With designs of naval architects like Laurent Giles, Angus Primrose and Bill Dixon, Moody developed into a leading European manufacturer of sailing yachts.
The world oil crisis 1973 and the following slump on the powerboat market prompted Moody to join together with David King from Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd, the manufacturer of Princess motor yachts.[1] The cooperation of the two companies was very successful. They produced up to 400 sailing yachts per year, 27 to 64 ft in length.[1] Bill Dixon and Angus Primrose were responsible for the design of all models.
Due to falling sales in the sailing yacht business, the companies disbanded the connection in 2003. During their 30-year cooperation, they had developed 39 models and sold 4,233 boats.[1] In search of new production halls, Moody found a new partner with the VT Halmatic Ltd. A new model series was launched, consisting of the models Moody 49, Moody 56 and Moody 66.[1]
Shutdown, Sale of the Brand, Restart in Germany (2005–present)
In 2005, the founding family sold the yard to Premier Marinas Ltd, Swanwick. A year later, the production was discontinued. In 2007, German HanseYachts AG, Greifswald, acquired the brand and started to produce newly developed Moody sailing yachts.[2][3] Furthermore, HanseYachts appointed Bill Dixon as naval architect for all new Moody models.
Model Lines
Until the brand's takeover by HanseYachts, Moody was known for its comfortable centre cockpit yachts. As of 2007, Bill Dixon developed two still comfort-stressed model lines with significantly modified concept:
- the AC line (also: Classic) with aft cockpit and classic yacht lines above the waterline (retro design)[4][5]
- the DS line with aft cockpit, deck saloon and high bulwark[6]
Moody Owners Association
An active association for current and potential owners of Moody yachts is based in the United Kingdom, which is also active in Ireland, France, the Mediterranean, Australasia, Americas and Northern Europe.[7] The association promotes information exchange amongst members via an active website and publishes a regular magazine.[8]
The association's website also includes a copy of the previous Moody website, that contains details, specifications, plans and photos of the 58 yacht models previously constructed by A. H. Moody & Son Ltd between 1973 and 2005 (Moody 27 to Moody 64).[9]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h Moody, David (2007). The Moody Legacy – An Illustrated History 1827–2005. Warsash: Warsash Publishing. ISBN 0948646853.
- ^ Rieker, Jochen (March 30, 2007). "HanseYachts kauft Moody". Yacht online. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
- ^ Lewis, Gareth (April 6, 2007). "Moody production is in German Hanse". Southern Daily Echo. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
- ^ Schüpbach, Lori (December 2008). "Modern Times" (PDF). marina.ch (December 08/January 09): 38–42.
- ^ Pillsbury, Mark (March 25, 2014). "Moody Aft Cockpit 41". Cruising World. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
- ^ Gunkel, Fridtjof (January 22, 2014). "boot-Premieren, Teil V: Moody 54 DS". Yacht online. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires|journal=(help) - ^ "Welcome to the MOA". Moody Owners Association. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
- ^ "Moody Owners Association - a Network of Friends". Moody. Retrieved 11 January 2018.
- ^ "Moody Boat Archive". Moody Owners Association. Retrieved 11 January 2018.