Vancouver Yachts, a revered name in sailboats manufacturing, embarked on its journey in 1970s under the proficient eyes of the British firm, Pheon Yachts. The brand derived its name from the Vancouver line of sailing vessels, symbolising durability and robustness, characteristics they sought to emulate in their own sailboats. The yard began its operation in Northampton, England, creating a legacy of high-quality yachts designed primarily for cruising. The company’s mainstay in the initial years was the Vancouver 27, a robustly built, long-keeled, blue-water cruiser.
However, the Vancouver brand's journey was not always smooth sailing. Following the insolvency of Pheon Yachts, the brand underwent a series of ownership changes and production shifts. First, it was acquired by Tradewind Yachts and later by Northshore Yachts, who then relocated the production to Itchenor, West Sussex. Despite these changes however, Vancouver's reputation for manufacturing solid and seaworthy boats remained unchanged.
Vancouver's brand and its rich heritage of crafting dependable cruising yachts today lies with Northshore Shipyard, now known as the parent company, Discovery Yachts Group. Their yachts are still synonymous with robustness and high-quality craftsmanship, with models ranging from Vancouver 27 to Vancouver 34, as well as the Vancouver 32 and 36, cementing their legacy in the sailing industry. These boats often feature a pilothouse, setting them apart from many similar-sized cruising yachts. While their geographical location has shifted over the decades, Vancouver's commitment to quality and durability has remained steadfast, earning them an illustrious reputation amongst passionate sailors worldwide.