Suffolk yacht company Gunfleet has agreed a licensing deal which will see its Norfolk-based build partner Windboats also take on marketing, sales and after-sale service for the vessels.

Gunfleet, which is based at Fox’s Marina in Ipswich, was formed by Richard Matthews who previously spent 35 years building up yacht company Oyster, which he sold in 2008.

Windboats, based at Wroxham, previously built more than 250 yachts for Oyster and became Gunfleet’s build partner a year ago.

Under the new agreement, the established Gunfleet team of Robin Campbell and Nick Creed will continue to lead the sales, marketing and after-sale service from the Ipswich site.

Oliver James, chairman of Windboats, said: “We are very excited about our new role both selling and building Gunfleet yachts. Richard Matthews, who has to be one of the most experienced people in our industry, will continue to offer us help and guidance.

“With the help of designer Tony Castro, the Gunfleet team has created some class leading yachts and because we are now both selling and building, our low cost base and proven ability to deliver quality will enable Gunfleet yachts to become even more competitive.”

The current Gunfleet range includes the 43 and 58 models, with a new 74 model under development and more new designs expected to follow.