Hunter Boats Limited, nestled in the heart of Southampton, stands as a beacon of British boat building excellence. Since its foundation in 1969 by Michael Polard, Hunter Boats has pioneered the design and manufacturing of glassfibre sailboats, evolving from the Essex Boat Company to a cherished brand within Lauren Marine's umbrella.
Hunter Boats dazzled the sailing world with its first launch, the Squib, designed by Oliver Lee in 1967. This marked the beginning of a remarkable journey, with creations like the Hunter 19 (later known as Europa) and the Hunter 701, bearing Lee's visionary designs. The 1970s saw Hunter Boats embrace innovation under David Thomas's leadership, rolling out the Hunter Sonata and the Impala 28, and transitioning into a progenitor of racing sailboats.
The 1980s heralded a new era for Hunter Boats, focusing on cruising sailboats like the Horizon series, acclaimed for their twin keels and unparalleled performance. This period underscored Hunter Boats' ethos: combining competitive spirit with comfort and resilience.
The acquisition by Lauren Marine in 2009 rebirthed Hunter Boats as British Hunter, emphasizing its distinguished British heritage while scaling new heights in sailboat innovation. Today, Hunter Boats continues to leave an indelible mark on the sailing world with designs that blend historical craftsmanship with modern functionality.
