French motor yacht brand Rhéa Marine strengthens its UK presence with Universal Yachting, with the Rhéa 23 Origine set to make its UK premiere at the Swanwick Yachting Showcase this September.
Universal Yachting has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Rhéa Marine, bringing the distinctive French motor yacht range to UK customers from its base at Swanwick Marina on the River Hamble. The appointment marks a significant expansion into the motor yacht market for Universal Yachting, which has been based on the River Hamble for more than 18 years and is already well established as the UK distributor for Dufour Yachts.
Established in La Rochelle in 1995, Rhéa Marine has built an enviable reputation for producing distinctive, highly capable motor boats that combine traditional Atlantic-inspired styling with modern hull design, construction and engineering. Originally inspired by the working fishing and oyster boats of France’s Atlantic coast, Rhéa boats are instantly recognisable by their elegant lines, flared bows and purposeful hull forms. Today, the range extends from versatile open day boats through to enclosed wheelhouse models and cruising motor yachts, while retaining the character and seakeeping ability for which the marque has become known.
Chris Warwick, Managing Director of Universal Yachting, commented: “We have been looking for some time for the right motor boat brand to complement our existing business, and Rhéa immediately stood out to us.
“There is a real authenticity to the boats. 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.
“Rhéa also remains a relatively small and specialist boatbuilder, which was important to us. There is a personal approach to the way the boats are built and supported that fits very well with the way we operate Universal Yachting.”
UK PREMIERE FOR THE RHÉA 23 ORIGINE
The first boat to arrive in the UK under the new partnership is the Rhéa 23 Origine, which will make its UK premiere at the inaugural Swanwick Yachting Showcase, 19–27 September.
Based on Rhéa’s proven 6.5-metre hull, the 23 Origine is a distinctive interpretation of the classic open day boat and has been created to celebrate the core values and heritage of the Rhéa brand. At 6.9m overall including its bathing platform, with a 2.5m beam, the 23 Origine combines a practical, easily managed layout with traditional detailing and a modern GRP hull designed by Joubert-Nivelt.
Powered by an outboard of up to 200hp, the boat is capable of speeds approaching 40 knots, while its relatively light 1,200kg displacement makes it an accessible proposition for owners looking for a versatile day boat.
The boat will be available to view throughout the Swanwick Yachting Showcase from Universal Yachting’s new waterside premises at Swanwick Marina, with demonstrations and sea trials available by prior arrangement.
“The 23 Origine is a great introduction to Rhéa,” continued Warwick. “It is small enough to be easy to own and use, but it still has all the character that makes the brand different. We collected our first boat directly from the factory in La Rochelle this summer and we’re really looking forward to giving UK customers their first opportunity to step aboard at Swanwick.”
A COMPLETE RANGE OF FRENCH MOTOR YACHTS
Universal Yachting will represent the complete Rhéa Marine range in the UK, encompassing Open, outboard HB, Timonier and Trawler models.
The current range includes:
Open
Rhéa 23 Origine
Rhéa 23 Open
Rhéa 27 Escapade
Rhéa 27 Open
Rhéa 35 Open
HB – Outboard
Rhéa 29 HB Open
Rhéa 29 HB Timonier
Rhéa 32 HB Open
Rhéa 32 HB Timonier
Timonier
Rhéa 730 Timonier V2
Rhéa 800 Timonier
Rhéa 850 Timonier
Trawler
Rhéa Trawler 34
The breadth of the range allows Rhéa to offer boats for a wide variety of uses, from simple day boating and watersports through to fishing, coastal cruising and longer-distance cruising. All models share the same underlying philosophy: practical boats designed for genuine use at sea, distinctive styling that avoids short-lived trends and an emphasis on construction quality and seaworthiness.
RHÉA MARINE AT SWANWICK
The appointment coincides with Universal Yachting’s recent move to larger premises at Swanwick Marina, where the company now has offices, an in-water display area and dedicated technical and aftersales facilities.
Alongside new boat sales, Universal Yachting will provide UK Rhéa owners with commissioning, servicing, technical support, maintenance and ongoing owner assistance through its Swanwick operation and Universal Yacht Services division.
Visitors will be able to see the Rhéa 23 Origine alongside Universal Yachting’s Dufour sailing yacht display during the Swanwick Yachting Showcase from 19–27 September 2026.
Private appointments and sea trials can be arranged directly with Universal Yachting.
