2011 Discovery Yachts 55, USD 575,000

The Discovery 55 Mkll is a result of evolution, rather than revolutionary changes. The original boat, designed at the end of the 1990s, was the product of two years of research with the aim of producing a superlative blue-water cruising yacht that could easily be handled by a couple.

All aspects of crew comfort are considered on the basis that this is essential to minimise fatigue. For instance, a feature common to all the designs is that the raised saloon is closely connected to the cockpit – they are separated by only three steps, which facilitates easy communication between people above and below deck. An almost all-round view from the raised interior navigator’s seat enables much of a watch can be safely carried out below decks. This can be an enormous help in terms of maintaining crew comfort and energy in challenging weather – both in strong winds and intense sun.

All Discovery's boats are built and equipped to a very high standard and are practically ready to sail round the world when they leave the factory. All have heating and air conditioning, electric winches and Bosch or Miele washer/driers as standard. There’s also a large, well insulated walk-in engine room that makes access to the systems easy and all wiring is tinned, with waterproof connectors to maximise reliability.

This example has been with its current owner from new, and at the time ticked most of the options list, (for the build sheet please email).

The boat is currently in use and being maintained by the owners.