A PRESTIGE Hampshire boatbuilder is to unveil a new model today in a move that will create up to ten new jobs and see the building of a new factory.

Marchwood-based Discovery Yachts is taking the wraps off only its second ever model - a 50ft luxury catamaran - at the London Boat Show, which starts today.

It's a major expansion for the privately owned company, which was founded in 2000 with two staff producing one vessel and today turns over £4m a year and employs 60 people.

Bosses hope the move, which follows interest from prospective buyers all over the world, will double turnover to £8m within two-and-a-half years.

The new factory will be created next door to Discovery's existing facility on land purchased from SEEDA.

Discovery's 55ft yacht, the only model so far produced, sells for £735,000, while its new stable-mate, the Discovery Spirit 50 catamaran, pictured, is expected to retail for about £645,000 when it is finally launched later this year.

Set to be available with either three or four double cabins, Discovery believes the new catamaran will repeat its monohull success and draw a wide range of new buyers to the Discovery brand.

Features include a vast saloon with galley and dining area. Buyers can customise their layouts.

Discovery's chairman John Charnley said: "The catamaran means we are going to expand our workforce and we are going to be building a new factory.

"Initially as we do the development we will be employing another eight to ten people and then as the orders come in we'll keep expanding. Skilled boat builders aren't readily available so it takes a while to build the sort of experience we have got.

"There is a definite trend towards catamarans in the blue-water cruising market and we will be looking to build on the success of our Discovery 55 as we expand into the multihull market.''