Universal Yachting has been appointed exclusive UK distributor for French motor yacht brand Rhéa Marine, with the first boat under the partnership set to make its UK premiere at Swanwick Yachting Showcase later in September.
Universal Yachting, based at Swanwick Marina on the River Hamble, has represented Dufour Yachts in the UK for more than 18 years. The Rhéa appointment marks an expansion into motor yachts for the business.
Rhéa Marine was founded in La Rochelle in 1995 and builds motor boats influenced by the working fishing and oyster boats of France’s Atlantic coast. Its range now includes open day boats, enclosed wheelhouse models and cruising motor yachts.
Chris Warwick, managing director of Universal Yachting, said the company had been looking for a suitable motor boat brand to complement its existing business.
Modern boats
“There is a real authenticity to the boats,” he said. “They have a very distinctive style, but beneath that traditional appearance they are thoroughly modern boats designed to be used and enjoyed at sea.
“The combination of build quality, seakeeping, practicality and understated French design makes them particularly well suited to the UK market.”
The first model to arrive is the Rhéa 23 Origine, based on Rhéa’s 6.5-metre hull. The vessel is 6.9m overall including its bathing platform, with a 2.5m beam and has a modern GRP hull by Joubert-Nivelt powered by an outboard of up to 200hp, giving speeds approaching 40 knots.
Universal Yachting will represent the full Rhéa Marine range in the UK, covering Open, outboard HB, Timonier and Trawler models.
It will also provide commissioning, servicing, technical support, maintenance and owner assistance through its Swanwick operation and Universal Yacht Services division.
