According to sales and marketing manager Karen Colam, Cornish Crabbers was looking to expand when Poland approached them soon after the sudden death of his partner, Derek Chardin, last year.

"We found there was a good synergy between the companies, " she told BB . "We build completely different boats, but both have loyal clients."

Hunter asked us if we would build its Landau 29 under license so they could get it to the London Boat Show this year, said Colam, and that was a good way to learn we could work together.

The Select Yacht Group now boasts a range of 20 different models. "We have six traditional boats and seven modern sailing boats. We also acquired Red Fox Yachts, which has given us trailer sailers we can offer in kit form or fully built, " said Colam. "We have traditional luxury motor launches in he shape of the Cornish Diva and the more modern motor launches in the shape of the Landau Launch Company, which is the 20 and the 29."

Colam said they have no plans to make any changes and that Frank Colam would be making full use of the Ryanair service to Stansted to get the Hunter Rochford factory.

The 20 Hunter employees join the Crabber staff of 30 to give Select Yachts a total of 50 employees and the combined turnover of the group should be "about £3 to £3 1/2 million", making it a good-sized company.

Hunters and the Landau 20 will be built by the Hunter team in Rochford, while Cornish Shrimpers, Crabbers, the new Landau 29 and the new Riviera motor yacht range will be built in Rock, Cornwall.

The sales offices at Hamble Point and Rock will sell the entire Select Yacht Group range.

Poland told BB the sale was the best way to secure a rosy future for the company and its staff. He remains with the company as a part-time consultant for the time being and says he hopes to stay in the marine industry.