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Person Behind the Face 6 | Business Matters 10 | Marketing 16 | Profi le 24 | People 26
SUSTAINABILITY IS KEY AT CRICK
More than 250 exhibitors are expected to head to Crick Marina for Britain’s biggest inland waterway event, the Crick Boat Show showing the latest products and innovation in the sector.
The event, which will take place over the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend, 3-5 June, is organised by Waterways World in association with the Canal & River Trust and Crick Marina.
More than 26,000 visitors are expected to attend the show, which this year has sustainability as a key factor.
“With environmental concerns increasingly on the minds of consumers, sustainability is a key area of innovation for the inland waterways sector,” said Matthew Symonds, National Boating Manager for the Canal & River Trust, explains.
“Each year, more boaters visit the Canal & River Trust Marquee at Crick Boat Show asking about ways to make boating more sustainable.
“Their concerns range from the damaging eff ect on wildlife of plastic pollution in our waterways, to electric engine charging points and waste disposal.”
And he explained how the Trust is working with a range of partners and projects to support the Government’s decarbonisation agenda and tackle the physical eff ects of climate change.
These include water sourced heat pumps for heating and cooling canalside buildings and generating hydro-electric power on rivers.
He added: “The Government’s Clean Maritime Plan states that by 2025 there must be a plan in place to ensure that all vessels, including those on the inland waters, are able to meet the zero emissions target by 2050.
“The Trust is committed to working towards a zero-carbon future for boating on our inland waterways, recognising that this needs to be a collaborative eff ort involving boaters, businesses, local authorities and the government.”
Free boating seminars will take place at the show off ering boaters advice on reducing their impact on the environment with green boating.
8 Around 250 exhibitors are expected to attend Crick Boat Show
2022
Brunswick Q1 2022 up 20%
Brunswick Corporation has enjoyed a strong start to 2022 despite the continued impact of supply chain issues on business.
First quarter highlights for the year show net sales of US$1,695.7 million, up 18.3% from the same period in 2021. Adjusted operating earnings are also up by 10.1% at US$267.5 million.
“Our businesses had a strong start to 2022, as continued focus on operational effi ciency and strengthening our supply chain enabled increased production levels,” said Brunswick chief executive, David Foulkes.
“The pace of retail sales continues to be dominated by the twin supply-side challenges of exceptionally low fi eld inventory levels and supply chain disruption. Global boat fi eld inventory levels were 6% lower at the end of the fi rst quarter 2022 than at the same time in 2021.
“Wholesale sales and production growth continue to be constrained most notably by the supply impact of the recent China lockdowns and associated freight and transportation delays.”
The Propulsion segment reported a 7% increase in sales due to continued strong global demand for all product categories whilst the Parts and Accessories segment reported a 34% increase in sales and an increase in operating earnings driven primarily by acquisitions completed in 2021.
The Boat segment reported an 18% increase in sales owing to increased sales volumes to dealers with Freedom Boat Club, which is part of Business Acceleration, contributing approximately 3% of sales to the segment in the quarter.
The company anticipates net sales of between US$6.8 billion and US$7.1 billion over the full year and continued progress towards its 2025 targets.
News
Trade growth Expansion programme Heightened demand pages 1-9
Sustainability
Solar charge stations New approach Sustainable tech pages 12-17
Inland Waterways
Hydrogen power system Triple pump out Moorings management pages 19-23
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OBITUARY - PETER LUCAS
Peter Lucas, head of the family sailmaking business W G Lucas & Son, has passed away.
Peter, 81, died following a short but courageous battle with cancer.
As head of the family sailmaking business W G Lucas & Son, he was a well respected and loved character around Old Portsmouth and Portchester.
Together with his wife, Sue, he can be credited with diversifying W G Lucas & Son from a traditional sail and tent making business to a world renowned specialist in tensile fabric structures, with projects ranging from the British Pavilion at Expo 1992 to shading for rooftop bars of world class restaurants.
Distinguished career
During his career, Peter chaired the Association of British Sailmakers and was a founder member the British Federation (now British Marine). He was a life member of the Royal Yachting Association.
A keen and talented yachtsman, Peter spent as much time as possible on the water. He started racing in years in an Albacore dinghy, then later an International 14, progressing to a Ballad, Contessa 32 and then a J24 and was proud to have completed (and won) almost all major races in his fi eld on the British racing circuit.
He was thrilled to have crossed the Atlantic with his good friends, Sir Robin Knox Johnston and the late Sir Peter Blake in the catamaran Enza, which was then rated as the world’s largest racing sailboat. He believed this to be a trip of a lifetime.
Ever the entertainer, he kept a beautiful house and garden which he enjoyed showing off at every opportunity, generally with a glass of red wine and cigar in hand. He was a loving husband and father and is survived by Sue and his children Timothy, James, Joanna and Dominique.
A memorial service was be held at St Mary’s Church, Portchester, on Friday 22 April at 12pm.
The family ask that any donation in his name be made to the RNLI or Rowan’s Hospice.
8 Peter was head of the
family sailmaking business W G Lucas & Son
UK ANTENNA MANUFACTURING RETURNS
Marine antenna design company, Shakespeare Marine, is to bring manufacturing back to the UK for four of its VHF antennas.
The four antennas that will be manufactured in the company’s Lancashire factory are the 427-N 1.5m VHF antenna with nylon Ferrule, the 427-S 1.5m VHF with stainless steel ferrule, 5101-S 2.4m VHF with stainless steel ferrule and the 1.5m 427-N-KIT VHF Antenna with 4186 a nylon ratchet mount, designed to make lowering the antenna quick and easy.
“We are delighted to be bringing the manufacturing of our four most popular antennas back to the UK,” said Dave Manasseh, Shakespeare Marine, European sales manager. “This move ensures we can off er the best quality engineering and a more streamlined distribution across Europe, whilst utilising our Great British manufacturing expertise and capabilities.”
As part of the brand’s reorganisation, Shakespeare is also changing its distribution channels in the UK. The company will supply its antennas through Meridian Zero and SMG.
Shakespeare’s antennas are suitable for all boats from small craft vessels to large commercial ships utilising the VHF marine radio frequency.
VIEWPOINT
KATINA READ | Editor
kread@boatingbusiness.com
Fake marina gets the headlines
This month the national – and worldwide – headlines have been full of details that are not necessarily positive of various superyachts and mega yachts that have been seized by authorities throughout Europe.
The latest is the Scheherazade, a megayacht that allegedly belongs to Vladimir Putin. The vessel, thought to be worth around £500 million, was seized in Italy with a decree freezing any movement.
The climate of secrecy regarding the owners of these mega vessels makes it hard for the authorities to investigate the time-consuming process of ownership.
And it adds to a growing problem of what to do with the seized yachts and who is responsible for the associated mooring fees, all negative publicity for the industry.
And then there’s a fake marina at the inaugural Miami Grand Prix. I’ve heard it described as a Disneyfi cation of sport and entertainment, an extravaganza for the modern era. The ‘marina’ became something of a joke as pictures of it went viral across social media.
Formula One wanted the racing to take place around a Miami marina and ten yachts ‘moored’ in solid vinyl mock water on the inside of three of the turns was the result. It certainly got the headlines but are they the type of headlines that are good for the marine industry?
The marine industry contributes millions, if not billions of pounds to the UK economy each year and this side of the industry rarely gets a mention in the national newspapers.
Carbon initiatives
In other news, it’s been positive to see the increasing number of companies setting sustainability targets, working with community organisations and introducing initiatives to reduce their carbon footprint.
This month saw the European Boating Industry, in conjunction with a number of other organisations launch what is believed to be the fi rst-ever environmental qualifi cation for the nautical tourism sector.
The qualifi cation aims to sustainably manage recreational boating and nautical tourism to become a means to protect our marine and coastal ecosystems.
We all want cleaner and healthier oceans and waterways and if everyone takes steps then we’ll be well on the way.
More and more ‘green’ products are being launched and we’re fi nally beginning to get the infrastructure that’s needed – this month Plymouth’s electric marine charging network was one of the fi rst to be switched on.
The larger companies are hiring sustainability offi cers; boatbuilders are introducing more sustainable materials and practices and boat shows are also making it one of their priorities to focus on sustainability.
The expanded Green Tech Boat Show taking place for a second time in Plymouth next month is just one example of this, with more exhibitors and added features.
It’s clear the scales have well and truly tipped from the minority trying to do their bit to the majority becoming involved.
BRIEFS
Insights
Key trends in the yacht charter market include smart technology, short-term rentals and a focus on sustainability, according to market research. A study has tracked yacht charter sales in more than 20 countries and found that sales are expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of more than 5.4% over the next decade. Cutting-edge technology plays a key part as yacht builders attempt to lure guests with the latest smart devices to make their holidays as memorable and luxurious as possible.
Autonomous
Mahi Two, an uncrewed surface vessel (USV), has become what is believed to be the fi rst boat to cross the Atlantic Ocean using only solar power. The autonomous robotic boat left the coast of Spain in September 2021 and made landfall in Martinique, 4,300 nautical miles and six months later. This is the second time Project Mahi has attempted the crossing – in 2019, the fi rst crossing attempt capsized in a storm in the Bay of Biscay. The knowledge learnt was used to build Mahi Two, a 4m composite hull built for strength, effi ciency and durability.
Acquisition
Recreational boat and yacht retailer MarineMax has acquired Superyacht Management (SYM). SYM is a superyacht management company based in Golfe Juan, France. The acquisition is expected to be accretive in its fi rst full year.
MARINE TECH FIRM ENTERS GREEK MARKET
Scottish marine electronics fi rm Seall, has signed a partnership deal with Greek based Intermarine Electronics.
Under the agreement, Seall will provide software for its new range of ECDIS products expanding global reach, as well as within the Turkish and Cypriot markets.
“This partnership refl ects our vision to continuously drive effi ciency and safety improvements in marine navigation, ensuring that a wider range of customers across an ever-growing geographical reach can access our technology to enhance the safety of those at sea,” said Barry Booth, Seall chief commercial offi cer.
Better accessibility
Intermarine, which is headquartered in Pireaus, Greece, develops, builds and supplies marine electronics equipment to a large range of shipping and ship management companies, as well as private and governmental organisations, fi shing boats and large off shore operators.
While it has marketed an ECDIS system for a number of years and designs and produces all of its hardware in house, the company now wants to update this with a new product featuring the latest software technology.
Intermarine Electronics will be stocking the fi rst 25 ECDIS systems with the new Seall software next month.
Seall now powers more than 38,000 licensed products globally.
8 Seall’s ECDIS is expanding
its global market
INTERNATIONAL TRADE GROWTH RECOGNISED
Digital Yacht has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise recognising its growth in international trade.
In addition, Coltraco Ultrasonics has won its second award in the same category.
Digital Yacht, headquartered in Bristol, designs and manufacture marine navigation and communication products for ships and yachts and has grown export sales by more than 50% in the past three years.
The company exports to more than 100 countries with export sales representing more than 70% of revenues.
Last year, the company opened a new European offi ce in Rouen, France. The company also has a Boston based offi ce for the US and Canadian market.
“This award is an amazing team achievement that celebrates everything we do from product development, local manufacturing, international marketing, logistics and our corporate social responsibilities,” said Nic Guerin who heads up business development.
Founder and CEO, Nick Heyes added: “Digital Yacht started back in 2011 with just a handful of products. Since then, we’ve organically developed innovative products and solutions spending 15% of revenues on R&D. We think about the global marketplace right from the outset.”
Coltraco exports 90% of its output to 120 countries with 150 plus distributors in 80 countries.
The company has experienced three years of increased international trade by opening new sectors in markets where it already has a presence.
During the pandemic, Coltraco developed its manufacturing and created a new science-led organisation that comprises the company, its Institute and its Centre.
It has focused on science, exporting and diversifi cation and says it is now a multi-sectoral company, which its Research and Development Plan and Global Distribution Strategy emphases.
Wayne Ross, MD of Servowatch Systems has died.
Wayne was appointed CEO of Servowatch on 31st March 2014 by the company’s previous owners, Larsen & Toubro.
His mission was to take what had been a small family run fi rm with obvious potential but lacking the leadership needed to turn it into a profi table, and successful business in the naval automation and merchant marine controls arena.
And, highly respected by his peers throughout the industry, that is what he did, said a company statement.
“Never afraid to make tough decisions, Wayne was a tenacious man, focused on his task and persistent in its application.
“He shaped the business into a lean, effi cient, and eff ective organisation, building up his management team, and leading from the front. His vision was to take Servowatch out from the little leagues and set the business on its present trajectory,” continued the statement.
The company, a supplier of integrated marine automation solutions, was acquired by Rolls-Royce in 2020. The acquisition was a fi tting tribute to Wayne, who raised the reputation and credibility of the company, leaving a lasting legacy.
“It is with a heavy heart that we write this obituary on behalf of the management team and all at Servowatch for a man we came to admire and respect through eight years of working together at Servowatch,” said the company statement.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Deborah.
OBITUARY – WAYNE ROSS
Expansion programme for MST
Marine Specialised Technology Group has acquired the Carmet Shipyard from Carmet Tug Company on the banks of the River Mersey for an undisclosed sum.
MST will move its boat building, servicing and maintenance operations to the new site later this year.
“We secured these new premises at just the right time as we embark on several major contracts for our fl agship ‘HPB’ high-speed patrol boat range which have been, up until now, limited to a maximum 19m in length due to launching and logistical restrictions,” said Philip Hilbert, MST’s sales director.
“The new larger facilities with its direct access to water now enables us to not only manufacture more craft at any one time but also to manufacture signifi cantly larger vessels and we already have a 23m design being worked on.”
MST is carrying out a £1m refurbishment to the 80m main and 50m secondary boat building halls, adding new offi ces and carparking facilities and is erecting additional composite and fabrication facilities.
The new facility will have 25 tonne overhead travelling gantry cranes, a 90m 700 tonne slipway and a 100 tonne WISE amphibious boat travel hoist.
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BRIEFS
Smart ships
A new research centre exploring maritime autonomy has been launched at Warsash Maritime School, part of Solent University, Southampton. The Warsash Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) Research Centre (WMRC) will examine diff erent aspects ranging from smart ships and smart ports to the human elements of working in tandem with smart systems, together with maritime teaching and consultancy.
Funding
X Shore, electric boat manufacturer, has raised more than 50 million Euro of new capital in its latest funding round. The funding was oversubscribed in a day, with new investors including Peter Carlsson founder and CEO of Swedish battery developer, Northvolt. The money is on top of further investments from existing owners, board members, and management and will be used to ramp up production at X-Shore’s new factory - X Shore Industries 1 - in Sweden.
Premises
Marine seating and mattress manufacturer Neptune is due to move into its larger premises. The company is currently constructing an extra 500m2 attic at its current workshop in ZwaagdijkEast in the Netherlands. The space will provide increased production capacity, with a focus on producing ship and project upholstery. The extra space is in addition to Neptune’s recently renovated 850m2 workshop.
BRIEFS
Grant
UKSA has been awarded a grant from the TK Foundation worth more than £600,000 over the next three years. The Isle of Wight based charity provides water-based adventures, education, and maritime training. It will use the grant to fund a number of places on its Superyacht Cadetship and Sea Change Foundation programmes for those who would not otherwise be able to participate. The grant will also enable the purchase of new keel boats.
Investment
MarineMax, the world’s largest recreational boat and yacht retailer, has invested further in technology with Boatzon, a 100% digital, online boat and marine retailer. Boatzon provides online access to boats, engines, trailers, marine products and more, with its platforms allowing consumers to browse, fi nance, insure, purchase, and arrange delivery of boats and marine products entirely online. It is thought to be the fi rst of its kind in the boating industry.
Partnership
SILENT YACHTS is partnering with other shipyards, sharing information on its propulsion systems to create eco-friendly vessels. The fi rst vessel resulting from the initiative is a 24m, aluminium hybrid catamaran built in collaboration with VisionF Yachts. The model will be equipped with a new hybrid drivetrain and is a move forward into using hybrid technology.
MARINE CHARGING SWITCHED ON
The UK’s fi rst e-marine hub of shore-side charging facilities for electric maritime vessels has been switched on in Plymouth.
The system consists of a series of high-power DC electric charging stations: a 150kW charging facility at Mount Batten, a 75kW site at Queen Anne’s Battery, and a 25kW installation at the Barbican landing stage.
Further installations are being developed along the city’s waterfront, with
8 A series of high-power DC
electric charging stations has been installed around the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Photo credit - University of Plymouth
additional sites also being identifi ed in Devon and Cornwall with a view to providing electric charging facilities every ten miles along the counties’ southern coastline.
The charging network has been created through the Marine e-Charging Living Lab (MeLL) initiative, a consortium led by the University of Plymouth in partnership with Plymouth City Council, Princess Yachts Limited and Aqua superpower.
“While a full battery electric yacht may not be feasible with existing technology above around 12m, the MeLL project and its legacy has real world relevance and benefi t to the growing interest we see in hotel service batteries and hybridisation,” said Nick Smith, head of product planning at Princess Yachts. “The benefi ts are marked with charging times nearly 40x faster than many marina shore power connections, and the launch of this project in our brand home of Plymouth is fantastic for the city.”
Alex Bamberg, CEO of Aqua superpower, added: “In deploying our dedicated marine fast charge network as part of the project, we are creating the right landscape towards decarbonisation of the marine environment, responding to the Maritime 2050 route map for maritime net-zero.”
THEPERSONBEHINDTHEFACE
Ian Stevenson
One thing the industry needs less of is...
Brexit, red tape.
Interview by Alice Driscoll
One thing I couldn’t live without...
My cafetiere
How I got into this industry...
I was working for Kraft foods, it was a choice of selling Dairylea to Asda or selling boats to nice friendly folk. My fi rst job was at Buckden Marina in Cambridgeshire, then it was onto Ronstan, Bainbridge, Lewmar and in 2010 I started with Osculati, a committed family company which is great.
Best advice I’ve ever
received...make sure your work, is something you enjoy.
Most hated buzzword orworkplace expression...
Commodity Codes & UKCA
Best place I’ve been...
Himachal Pradesh, google it and go…
Don't worry about...
The price of beer.
Favourite meal...
A braai on the beach, at East Head.
How I cope with stress...
walking the dogs via the Coal Exchange pub in Emsworth helps.
Something about you that people might be surprised by...
I had a pilot’s licence, which I got whilst I was in Australia. A bit rash really, as I can’t aff ord a plane.
Ian Stevenson heads the UK selling marine accoutrement for Osculati
Innovation recognised with award
KPM-Marine has received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2022 – for excellence in innovation.
The award recognises the company’s shock mitigation seating that protects users against whole body vibration and severe impacts.
The company is one of 225 organisations nationally to be recognised with the Queen’s Award.
“Innovation is at the heart of our business and integral to everything we do,” said Julian Morgan, joint MD at KPM-Marine.
“Winning it is recognition of all the hard work we have put in to continuously develop new innovative products and drive the company forward through these unprecedented times.”
Based in Birmingham, KPM-Marine was set up in 1995 and currently employs 14 people.
The company specialises in the design and manufacture of safety critical products for the marine industry with its products including seating, modular vessel interiors, engine room air management systems, high performance bilge pumps and sea strainers.
KPM-Marine recently merged with seat manufacturer Scot Seat, a move designed to enhance KPM-Marine’s innovation resources, as well as scale up its advanced manufacturing capabilities and expand its product off erings.
Caol Regeneration Company, a not-for-profi t community organisation, has signed a £1 million deal with Gael Force Group to build the third and fi nal phase of its £3.5m Thomas Telford Corpach Marina project at Fort William, Scotland.
The contract will deliver a forty-berth marina with space also for smaller boats, comprising fl oating breakwaters, pontoons and an all-ability access walkway, helping strengthen the area’s brand as the ‘Outdoor Capital of the World’.
The works are scheduled to be fi nished by August, with some facilities, including a public slipway, opening earlier in the summer.
Huge challenges
“There were many occasions when we thought this wonderful facility wouldn’t come to fruition - we were faced with huge funding challenges, a complete redesign of the facility buildings, and of course Covid,” said Andy McKenna, chair of Thomas Telford Corpach Marina.
“But we have come through all of that with really positive plans to contribute something big to the local community and to watersports in the area,” he added.
Construction works will be carried out at Gael Force Group’s nearby Corpach boatyard, with assembled components being fl oated across to the marina site.
This phase follows on from the earlier development of a car park, public slipway and facilities building, which were completed during the last two years. A recently-agreed package has enabled these fi nal works to go ahead thanks to funding from the Highland Council, Crown Estate Scotland, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Mowi Scotland.
SCOTTISH MARINA NEARS COMPLETION
Photo: David Dixon/Geograph Britain and Ireland
8 The ‘Outdoor Capital of
the World’ – the area around Fort William in Scotland
List of stockists to be found at www.marinecomponents.co.uk Contact: sales@marinecomponents.co.uk / 01202 624244
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BRIEFS
Training
Teams from the Arleigh Group’s Aquafax and Midland Chandlers have taken part in a practical training event organised by International Paint. The day gave the staff fi rst-hand experience with the new OneUp Primer Undercoat and Toplac Plus products. Aquafax customers also attended a training day at International Paint’s facility giving them a practical experience of products with further customer training placements planned for later in the year.
Gold Anchors
Troon Yacht Haven has been certifi ed under The Yacht Harbour Association’s marina quality assurance scheme. Troon has been awarded the 5 Gold Anchors award largely owing to a £1.5 million investment in its facilities. Over the last few years, upgrade work has included refurbishing berth holder’s washrooms and toilets, adding a new launderette, installing electric car charging points and creating a comfortable berth holder lounge.
Submersible
An Italian startup is building a high-tech electric submersible hydrofoil. The iSpace2o DeepSeaker DS1 project intends to create and market a composite craft which, in addition to navigating the surface in hydrofoil mode, can dive up to 50 metres deep with the use of mobile ballast to produce neutral buoyancy. iSpace2o has already obtained funding to begin the build.
BRIEFS
First designs
The fi rst new Hardy designs are in build following Cockwell’s acquisition of Hardy Marine’s assets in 2020. Cockwells Modern & Classic Boatbuilding launched its Hardy 45 at last year’s Southampton Boat Show and the fi rst vessel has been sold to an owner of a Hardy 42 who was looking to upgrade and customise.
MTA dinner
The British Marine Trades Association (MTA) Awards Dinner will return this year, taking place on Monday 20th June 2022 at the Grand Café, Southampton. The marine industry event, sponsored by A-Plan Insurance and Marine Resources, will off er opportunities for colleagues, friends, and fellow members to come together the night before Seawork 2022. Attendees will have the chance to network and reconnect with welcome drinks, a meal, entertainment, and awards presentation.
Relocation
North Sails has relocated all its sales and service into one location, doubling the size of its Palma based loft. The relocation of all its sales and service into one location in Palma will make it one of the largest dedicated sailmaking and service facilities in the city. Previously the company had two loft sites in Mallorca.
New market
Jeanneau has entered into a new market with its DB/43 day boat The DB/43 has been designed to combine style with an open boat layout for entertaining. It’s the fi rst in the new DB line, revived from the 1980s.
HIGH DEMAND CONTINUES
Heightened demand continues in US,
The American boating industry has seen further growth levels of fi rsttime boaters entering the market.
In 2021, 420,000 fi rst-time boat buyers of new and pre-owned boats entered the US market, on par with 2020 and levels the industry hasn’t seen since 2007.
First-time boat buyers accounted for 34% of the boat sales.
The fi gures come from the National Marine Manufacturers Association - NMMA - and Info-Link, a market intelligence fi rm serving the recreational boating industry.
“The boating industry has seen tremendous growth over the last two years as more Americans discovered the freedoms, special moments and accessibility of the boating lifestyle, giving us valuable momentum and creating a strong foundation,” said noted Ellen Bradley, NMMA senior vice president of marketing and communications.
But she warned that maintaining the momentum is important given potential headwinds including competition for consumer spending in the leisure market, infl ation, continued supply chain disruptions, and the war in Ukraine.
And she warns that the industry should be thinking about how to manage itself through these impacts while reinforcing eff orts to retain new boat owners, engage long-time customers, and also attract the next generation.
The report predicts that 2022 should continue to see
8 430,000 first-time buyers
entered the US boat market in 2021
healthy levels of new boat owners entering the market as manufacturers work to refi ll the pipeline and fulfi l the backlog of new orders, although the trajectory will soften as boat sales begin to normalise.
NOISE WARNING OVER LATEST HS2 BILL
The Inland Waterways Association says The High Speed Rail Bill for HS2 Phase 2b West doesn’t address noise.
IWA has responded to the latest HS2 Bill highlighting the need for noise protection at crossings of the Middlewich Branch, the Trent & Mersey Canal and the Bridgewater Canal.
The High Speed Rail (Crewe to Manchester) Bill for HS2 Phase 2b West was deposited in January 2022, with a public consultation on the Environmental Statement to the end of March. IWA has previously made no bones about its protest against the current plans for this part of the development.
It warns that the provision for noise impact on this part of the HS2 proposal is inadequate.
The association said that HS2 Ltd seeks to dismiss all canal users as ‘transitory’, with only short exposure to the noise from HS2.
This ignores the facts that people live on their boats when underway, can moor for up to 14 days in most places and often stay overnight on their moorings, whether these are offi cially residential or not.
The main aff ected locations include The Trent & Mersey Canal in the Dane valley, where three viaduct crossings (River Dane, Puddinglake Brook, Trent & Mersey Canal) will aff ect visitor moorings at Bramble Cuttings and permanent moorings at Oakwood Marina.
Also, at The Bridgewater Canal at Agden near Lymm, a viaduct 11 metres high will be installed directly above the Lymm Cruising Club moorings, which will be lost during the construction period of over three years.
In its full response to the Bill, IWA has called for noise fencing four metres high to be installed at each of the viaduct sites with fencing or earth barriers on adjacent embankments.
8 IWA says that noise
impacts have been inadequately addressed in the new Bill pictured, The Bridgewater Canal
The inaugural London Luxury Afl oat boat show has been heralded a ‘great success’ by organisers British Marine, exhibitors, sponsors and visitors alike.
The four-day event took place at St Katharine Docks Marina from 21-24 April saw a line-up of luxury craft from luxury yachting brands including Sunseeker, Oyster, Fairline, Hallberg-Rassy, Pearl Yachts, Azimut, Falcon, and RYCK, plus Float8’s ecoconscious fl oating home.
Shoreside there were a number of selective displays featuring smaller craft, products and services including Helm Yachting Holidays, Raymarine, Ultimate Stream, Waterlodge UK and Fliteboard superyacht accessories.
The show hosted the offi cial launch of the new Oyster 495, attended by F1 legend Eddie Jordan and double Olympic gold medallist Shirley Robinson.
Bentley Motors, the exclusive Luxury Automotive Partner for the event, also showcased three models from itsrange: the Continental GTC Speed, Continental GT Mulliner and the Bentayga Hybrid.
“We are absolutely delighted with how well the debut London Luxury Afl oat has gone,” said Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine. “We have been working closely with the luxury sail and motor yacht market to develop an event tailored to their respective buyers and to see it all come to fruition has been fantastic.”
She added: “We are also extremely pleased to have a partnership in place with St. Katharine Docks for London Luxury Afl oat, from which we can develop and grow this fantastic event and be able to provide the luxury yacht market with a platform to showcase their brands to prospective buyers.”
LUXURY SHOW A GREAT SUCCESS
Photo credit Paul Wyeth/British Marine
8 The first London Luxury Afloat was a great success
JUNE 2022 22 23 TO
Southampton United Kingdom
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23 June - 9:00 BST - Hybrid & Electric Propulsion
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BRIEFS
Chosen
Dura Composites’ marine products have been chosen for the new Noss-on-Dart Marina in South Devon. The products include d2 Dura Grating Mini Mesh, d2 Dura Platform 40 and d2 Dura Profi le beams. Dura Composites was engaged by Premier Marinas, which owns the marina, to work with its engineering company to produce a composite fl oor structure around a travel hoist supported by large 305mm GRP Dura Profi le beams between 6-10m in length.
New home
The yacht builder has readied itself for the next 20 years with a new home which is nine times larger than its existing one. Still located within Ijmuiden, The Netherlands, the new facility covers a total of 7000m2 of land with 4000m2 of buildings and came already equipped with 12 overhead cranes with the ability to lift 64 tonnes each. A renovation of the new facility which will allow the company to build 35 Saffi er Yachts at a time is underway.
