To set a new benchmark in luxury performance sailing catamarans. Shift challenges the status quo through distinctive design, advanced engineering, and uncompromising attention to detail, delivering yachts that are faster, lighter, safer, and more refined than anything in their class.
Built on a philosophy of effortless performance, inherent safety, and industry-leading fit and finish, all in service of an unparalleled yachting experience.
Shift is more than a brand. It is a decisive move away from the excess, inefficiency, complexity and compromise. A move toward clarity of purpose, engineering integrity, and ownership without frustration.
For those who understand what matters, Shift represents a clear advantage and a decisive shift in expectations, a shift in the benchmark of excellence, and a shift in the seascape itself.
Our Mission
Founded by father son duo Paul and James Hakes, both with a history of excellence in their respective disciplines. Shift Yachts Ltd. is a New Zealand company designing, constructing and selling luxury performance catamarans. At Shift Yachts Paul is responsible for overseeing the construction of the yachts, working on-site at our manufacturing facility imparting his decades of experience ensuring each and every yacht is a masterpiece. James is responsible for the design & engineering of the Shift Yachts, from conception through all development stages, all the way to creating detailed shop floor drawings.
Who we are
One of the world's most experienced composite boat builders, Paul started his career over 40 years ago, trained in NZ with the finest race yacht builders at that time. He went on 16 years later to set up his own boatyard Hakes Marine that earned a global reputation constructing racing winning TP52s, IMOCA 60s for the Vendee Globe Race and the Supermaxi Zana. He has project managed Americas Cup builds, refits, and 13 years ago became a founding partner in the successful HH Catamarans brand. He is now recognized as one of the world’s foremost performance yacht constructors.
Paul Hakes
Designer, Engineer, Sailor, Surfer. James graduated from the Australian Maritime College with an honours degree in Engineering Naval Architecture. He has worked alongside his father for a decade and led the design of the most successful models at HH Catamarans, and has been heralded by industry peers as a generational talent. His designs have won multiple awards, and was a finalist for Designer of the Year at the 2023 International Boat Industry awards.
James Hakes
We spent a year searching for the perfect build partner, which we have found in Adventure Yachts. The values that Adventure Yachts stand for align perfectly with the mission of Shift Yachts, lightweight high quality construction with meticulous attention in every detail
True artesian yacht construction, in a really enjoyable environment. Adventure yachts is located in Thailand, with easy access to some of the worlds most beautiful cruising destinations on its doorstep. We love working with them and we are sure you will too!
