Boating Business November 2022

boatingbusiness.com

NOVEMBER 2022

News 1-11 | Person Behind the Face 6 | Business Matters 12 | Professional Services 32 | People 33 | Profile 34

Ex-BOSS ORDERED TO PAY £1m

News

Boatbuilder buys premises Distributor is acquired; Boatyard founder dies pages 1-11

Metstrade Preview An ex-boss of Discovery Yachts Group will have to pay over a million in compensation to a couple who sued the company over their leaking boat.

Both Discovery Yachts Group and boat builder Discovery Yachts Ltd, are in liquidation – but Discovery Group’s exdirector Sean Langdon, 58, will now have to pay £1.12m compensation in person after losing a lawsuit.

Former paratrooper and deep-sea diver Andrew France and his wife Maria bought the 58-foot Discovery sailing yacht ‘Elusive’ for £1.5 million in January 2017.

They then sued Southampton-based Discovery Yachts Sales Ltd (DYS) and Discovery Yachts Group Ltd – claiming the boat was ‘not watertight’, after one of the cabins flooded just three days after delivery.

Following a Supreme Court trial in December 2019, Judge Justice Teare upheld the claim against both companies and

8 Discovery Group’s ex-director Sean Langdon, 58, will have to pay £1.12m compensation in person after losing a lawsuit

awarded the couple more than £1 million in compensation and costs. Mr Langdon then challenged a Supreme Court decision last year which found that he was personally liable.

But the latest court hearing chucked out the appeal and upheld rules which automatically hold executives liable for their company’s debts.

It was also ruled that Mr Langdon is responsible for payout after he admitted to unknowingly violating Section 16 of the Insolvency Act by continuing to use the name ‘Discovery’ following the liquidation of Discovery Yachts Ltd. Discovery went into voluntary liquidation in January 2022.

Following that, Ocean Shipyard secured exclusive rights to hand build the Southerly 42, Southerly 48 and Bluewater 50 Catamarans.

48 nominations Type approval Endorsement pages 14-24

Deck Hardware

Joint shipyard MD dies Henk Wiekens, joint MD of Pendennis Shipyard has died.

Henk was a time served engineer who managed his own yacht building companies in Holland and New Zealand for 12 years before joining Pendennis in 1988 after yachtsman and entrepreneur Peter de Savary bought a local yacht building firm and relocated it to Falmouth Docks.

Henk and his fellow MD, Mike Carr, carried out a management buyout in 1993 with their first major project being a rebuild of the 1903 classic 170ft schooner Adela.

“Henk has been instrumental in the growth and development of Pendennis and has inspired generations

of talent from all areas of the marine industry,” said the shipyard in a statement.

“Henk was so proud and felt privileged to have worked with so many wonderful people over the years and his love for life, energy and endless enthusiasm will be missed by many across the world and of course by the whole team at Pendennis.”

When Mike and Henk took over the yard there were around 70 staff on site.

Pendennis has since seen considerable growth and currently employs around 450 tradespeople.

Next generation Contemporary interpretation New power jammers pages 26-30

I consider Chris and the Knot Agency team respected members of our Barton Team, taking key roles to expand and build our image. The value of their advice and marketing support is outstanding. Easily measured by our growth and appeal globally.

Suzanne Blaustone - CEO Barton Marine

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NEWS S British yacht builder, designer and racing sailor, Jeremy Rogers MBE has died at the age of 85.

Founder of the Jeremy Rogers boatyard in Lymington in 1961, Jeremy was evacuated to rural Canada during the Second World War where he and his brothers occupied themselves by building model boats.

After the war the family returned to the UK and he began sailing dinghies, building his first Cadet when he was just ten.

His boatbuilding career continued throughout his school years with his younger brother Jonathan recalling how Jeremy was the only pupil who was allowed time off lessons and given a key to the workshop: “There were Canoes, a Planet with a sliding seat, he rebuilt several Finns as well as a number of old 1920s Austin 7s which were salvaged from scrap yards.”

Wooden boat After leaving school, Jeremy completed a five-year apprenticeship with wooden boat builder Jack Chippendale, before opening his boatyard aged 23.

Boats built included a Nordic Folkboat, Finn and Ok dinghies, before Jeremy moved into a factory and began constructing larger GRP boats, building a GRP Folkboat followed by

BRITISH YACHT BUILDER DIES

KATINA READ | Editor

kread@boatingbusiness.com

Physical shows are still vital

8 Jeremy Rogers MBE has died at the age of 85

8 Jeremy Rogers in 1979

Contessa 26 yachts.

The Contessa 32 followed, co-designed with David Sadler and launched in 1971, along with further Contessa designs, largely launched aimed at the cruiser-racer market.

Yachts were exported across the world with construction taking place over five factories with

200 employers at the yacht’s height. The business went into receivership in the 1980s and the Contessa 26 and 32 moulds were sold, with Jeremy continuing to build Etchells keelboats and one-off racing and cruising yachts.

In 1995 Jeremy bought back the Contessa 32 moulds and restarted production, while also refitting and refurbishing older 32s.

The business was passed to Jeremy’s son Kit in 2012 with Jeremy remaining a key team member.

Changes to marine flare disposal New arrangements for disposing of redundant marine pyrotechnics - flares - are being rolled out across the leisure marine industry.

The arrangements, supported by British Marine and the Royal Yachting Association (RYA), involve businesses across the UK providing drop off points for flares that are no longer required and will replace the voluntary and temporary scheme which

VIEWPOINT

HM Coastguard (HMC) has been providing since 2010 from 17 of its stations, which will end on 31 December 2022.

“This is a very important breakthrough and I’m very grateful to British Marine and the RYA together with the wider marine and waste disposal industries for working to find and provide a solution to this ongoing challenge,” said Claire Hughes, director of HMC.

“Providing disposal services for these redundant marine pyrotechnics is really important as they can put public safety and the marine and coastal environment at risk.”

The Coastguard’s scheme has been free to users but has cost taxpayers in excess of £230k annually.

The new industry led solution is funded entirely within the sector.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

What a difference a year makes.

This time last year many of us had made plans to travel to Amsterdam for METSTRADE and many exhibitors had already shipped their products and exhibition stands to the RAI. At the last minute however, Covid lock downs were introduced and there was initial uncertainty that the show would be able to go ahead.

The result was that a large proportion of visitors decided not to attend the show and several exhibitors pulled out.

2022 has, for the most part, seen physical shows and events around the world return and while we all adapted to video meetings and virtual boat shows, this year has shown us that despite the digital advances and marketing innovations that were a side-effect of the Covid lockdowns, we still want to see, touch and feel products and physical shows are still important.

At every show I’ve attended, it’s been clear that we’ve all been delighted to get out and about and meet up with friends and colleagues we don’t see very often.

The marine industry is a face-to-face industry. We still want to be able to network face-to-face, and we want to be able to chew the cud and find out about what’s going on with our friends.

Then there are the additional events that often take place at shows – from conferences and forums to the presentation of awards and talks by expert speakers.

‘‘

The marine industry is a face-to-face industry

And we mustn’t forget about the product innovations with shows being used to launch new products and craft.

This year, the marine industry has been under immense pressure, first with Covid and then with supply issues, a surge in market demand, rising costs and staffing shortages.

However, manufacturers have still managed to innovate and develop new products and there are more than 100 applications for the DAME Award which celebrates the industry’s efforts to improve its designs.

Out of these, the jury has chosen 48 nominations across seven categories and the winners will be announced at the annual METSTRADE Breakfast Briefing.

It’s clear that in the uncertain world we’re currently living in, with the cost-of-living crisis and predictions of recessions around Europe, we need exhibitions and shows more than ever before.

I’m very much looking forward to seeing not only the winning products but also experiencing everything that makes METSTRADE a success.

NOVEMBER 2022 | 3

KICKER.COM

NEWS

BOATBUILDER BUYS PREMISES Diverse Marine has completed the purchase of the freehold of the Medina Yard and Medina Village at Cowes on the Isle of Wight.

The site consists of 12 acres, part of which is already used by the boatbuilder.

“The acquisition of the Medina Yard and Medina Village not only protects the future of Diverse Marine, its staff and contractors but also gives security to other tenants on the site that support us in our day-to-day activities,” said Diverse Marine director, Ben Colman. “We look forward to engaging with all stakeholders to consider how to collectively and collaboratively improve the site to meet the needs of all tenants and stakeholders and look to development plans and opportunities on the site for the greater good of Cowes and the Isle of Wight.”

BRIEFS Approved

Diverse Marine builds a varied fleet of workboats, primarily offshore wind crew transfer vessels. Recently the company has diversified into building amphibious

watercraft, search and rescue craft, crew boats for the HMS Prince of Wales aircraft carrier and a number of small workboats and RIBs. The company also carries

8 Diverse Marine has secured the freehold of the Medina Yard in Cowes

out refits and repairs. The site was bought from the Peter Harrison Trust.

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Marine Results has been appointed as a Lloyd’s Register (LR) approved service supplier for the survey of masts and rigging. The appointment includes all fore and aft rigged and Dyna rigged yachts and follows a rigorous audit procedure of the rigging and survey company. Marine Results is one of only a handful of suppliers in the world to be approved by LR for the survey of masts and rigging. LR requires each of the Lloyd’s classed sailing vessels to be inspected only by a Lloyd’s Approved Service Supplier for the periodic surveys which include masts and rigging.

Cooperation

Rolls Royce and Neste, producer of renewable diesel, are to cooperate to promote the use of sustainable fuels. The two companies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to build what they call a strategic partnership on the implementation of sustainable fuels for diesel engines. The agreement covers promoting the use of existing internal combustion engines for sustainable fuels, advancing the transition from fossil fuels to sustainable fuels and knowledge sharing on high-quality renewable diesel (HVO).

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Castoldi has opened a permanent base in the US to handle American sales across all the company’s markets.

Castoldi USA will be headed by James Langner, who will look after new sales in the territory and also handle after sales service.

27/10/2022 15:20:32

NOVEMBER 2022 | 5

NEWS BRIEFS

UK DISTRIBUTOR IS ACQUIRED

Dual fuel Volvo Penta and CMB. TECH have signed a partnership agreement to accelerate the development of dual-fuel hydrogenpowered solutions. The collaboration will include joint projects ranging from pilots to small scale industrialisation. CMB. TECH owns, operates, and designs applications powered by hydrogen and ammonia – fuels that it manufactures and supplies to its customers.

The companies have worked together in pilot projects since 2017 successfully adapting Volvo Penta engines to run as a dual-fuel hydrogen and diesel solution via a conversion kit.

Showroom Boat dealership idealboat. com has expanded to MDL’s Hamble Point Marina. The dealer has taken 1,500sqft of sales showroom at the marina which includes external boat sales space next to the new showroom to display new and used craft. The new location for idealboat.com brings its number of sales locations to four, two along the South Coast, and two in Wales - one in Pwllheli and one on The Warren in Abersoch.

Accreditation MDL Marinas been accredited with three ISO standards following a series of assessments over the last 12 months by the British Assessment Bureau. The three standards which MDL has received are ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management, ISO 14001:2015 Environmental Management and ISO 45001:2018 Occupational Health and Safety.

6 | NOVEMBER 2022

Atlantis Marine Power has been bought by Italian based SAIM Group.

The acquisition is aimed at strengthening SAIM’s presence on international markets and provide the company with more distribution opportunities in the UK. AMP was founded in 1986 and distributes a range of marine mechanical and electrical equipment to leisure craft and commercial boat manufacturers including Kohler generators.

The company was

8 The Saim Group has bought Atlantis Marine Power

acquired in 2005 by Paul Lakey and Peter Middleton. Peter will stay in the company as partner and director.

SAIM says the acquisition will give AMP the opportunity to become a more powerful company, quicker in response and more diversified in its offer in addition to adding more components to its product range.

SAIM Group will have the chance to sell its products directly in the UK and

become a partner to the British boatbuilders and shipyards, as is already the case in Italy and in the Emirates. The acquisition is a first step for SAIM towards territorial diversification.

The Group is investing in new business opportunities in new markets and technologies, especially as far as the renewable energy solutions are concerned.

It follows on from a collaboration agreement signed in September 2022 between SAIM Marine and Swiss Ocean Tech (SOC), a start-up for the development of safe anchoring.

The agreement provides for an investment for the development of the AnchorGuardian patented technology and the exclusive distribution to SAIM in the Italian market.

In addition to providing the necessary funding for the development of the project, SAIM will work with SOC to optimise the launch strategy.

The market launch of the AnchorGuardian is scheduled for 2023.

THEPERSONBEHINDTHEFACE Dave Manessah

How I got into this industry...

By accident. I took a summer factory job and have been in the industry ever since – But love it.

Best advice I’ve ever received...

You have two ears and one mouth. Listen more than you talk.

One thing the industry needs less of is...

I suppose regulations against international trade. The marine industry is a global industry, so we need to able to do business internally as simply as possible.

Most hated buzzword or workplace expression...

“Let’s have a meeting to discuss.” NOPE. Just make a decision.

One thing I couldn’t live without...

My daughter.

Best place I’ve been...

I’m lucky enough to have travelled the world with my job, but I love Amsterdam.

Along with Singapore when I get the chance.

How I cope with stress...

Running… slowly…I took up running to unwind at the end of the day.

I have now completed six marathons, three ultra runs and a few other events.

Don't worry about...

Things you cannot control.

As it stands today the global market is a topsy turvy place, but only concern yourself with things you can influence.

If you cannot – let it go.

Something about you that people might be surprised by...

I’ve run 100km in 22hrs, and the National Three Peaks Challenge three times.

Favourite meal...

Fillet steak, chunky chips, peppercorn sauce.

Dave Manasseh is European sales manager at Shakespeare Marine

Obituary: Bob Wylie Bob Wylie, renowned sailor and yacht project manager, has passed away after a long battle with cancer.

A native Australian who grew to call Yorkshire, England, his home, Bob’s expertise at designing efficient Grand-Prix boats and raceboats made him as popular with fellow racers as he was with owners.

He was probably best known for being behind both the builds and campaigns for Graham Walker on his various Indulgence campaigns.

Bob’s first project was for the IOR racer, Indulgence, which was sunk in the 1983 Admiral’s Cup when it hit the Empress Queen wreck.

He was later behind the top scoring yacht in the 1985 Admiral’s Cup and won the Admiral’s Cup along with the British Team in 1989.

One of the many Indulgence vessels he was involved with won the 3/4 Ton Cup in 1986. He also became synonymous with many America’s Cup successes over the years.

More recently, he project managed two Wally Yachts and was part of the Skorpios super maxi.

He was regular crew on Magic Carpet and despite his pain, only recently sailed in this year’s Maxi Worlds.

Bob leaves behind his wife Anne and daughter Maddy and he will be missed by many in the sailing world.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

NEWS Sunseeker’s annual Supplier Awards recognise the contributions of its supply chain partners.

The boatbuilder has more than 800 active suppliers in its purchasing system, with more than 100 Tier One suppliers.

“While we continue to nurture the valuable relationships we hold with our suppliers on a daily basis, the awards are a fantastic opportunity to show our gratitude and share in a special celebration, highlighting the tireless efforts made by our teams and the partners we work with,” said Matthew Francis, Sunseeker supply chain director.”

The award categories and winners for 2022 were: Technical support: Hexcel, which mitigated the impact of restricted supply and provided ongoing technical support.

Business improvement: Scott Bader, led by Sean Palmer, has provided an ongoing focus on both

SUPPLY CHAIN CONTRIBUTIONS RECOGNISED

technical and commercial innovations.

Customer service: M.S.A Manufacturing, led by Max Osmond, which Sunseeker says has continued to demonstrate outstanding customer support.

Supplier agility: D A Watts has helped Sunseeker to transition to synthetic teak

8 Sunseeker has recognised its top suppliers

options and sustainable sourced plantation teak.

On time delivery performance: Anixter Sunseeker partnered with Anixter for consumable and integral lineside parts three years ago, and the supplier has now rationalised its

parts range, delivering cost savings and, providing an on-time delivery service of more than 99% for the last three years.

A special commendation was given to Paul Boggas and his team at the Anixter Poole Facility.

Outstanding individual service: Jason Stubington of Marine Concepts who has stood out in his ability to understand Sunseeker’s requirements, both technically and commercially.

New supplier: Midway Metals that has provided prompt service, excellent feedback and demonstrated processes of the highest quality.

Outstanding service: Sleipner which has provided a first-class reaction to requests with consistent supply.

Best internal supplier (production director nominated): Technology Centre Interiors Indirect Supplier: Jade Aden

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BRIEFS Advanced Lloyd’s Register and Capital C Design and Technology are to collaborate to develop a scheme for the yacht sector to define a vessel’s sustainability throughout its life. The system, from ‘cradle to grave’, will enhance LR’s existing eco notation and incorporates designs and specifications from Capital C that incorporate technology that demonstrates reduced greenhouse gas emissions, advanced energy recovery systems and the use of certified sustainable materials for superyachts and passenger expedition yachts.

Ahead

River Canal Rescue’s callouts are set to reach an all-time high by the end of the year. The inland waterways rescue organisation says figures up to September 30 are already 3318, ahead of 3235 logged for 2021, and 2850 rescues in 2020. The callouts have generally been for electrical, fuel and engine issues, flat batteries, over-heating and gear box failures, with the rise due to the high number of people unable to visit and maintain their boats during lockdown, resulting in minor niggles becoming larger problems.

Distribution Mercury Marine has opened its new, purposebuilt distribution centre to support its parts and accessories business.

The new 512,000sqft facility is located near Indianapolis, Indiana, and will improve delivery and service and will add capacity for scale, stability, and reduced logistics costs.

NOVEMBER 2022 | 7

NEWS

Spending MDL is to spend more than £7 million on its marina network over the next 12 months. The organisation has already allocated more than £30 million to be spent in the next five years. In excess of £1.5 million is being spent on replacing and re-decking pontoons, quay walls upkeep and corrosion protection. £500K will be spent on dredging, a further £500K on refurbishing onsite toilet and shower facilities and £400k on new plant, including two new dry stack forklifts.

Official Wetwheels Foundation, conceived and founded by disabled yachtsman Geoff Holt MBE DL, is to be the official charity of SBS BoatLife. Geoff has been championing and working with young adults and the disabled community for more than 30 years. Wetwheels Foundation allows participants to build confidence and improve physical and mental wellbeing. The boats provide full wheelchair access – including a ramp to the steering position and adapted steering controls - with everyone being an active participant rather than a passenger.

Yacht owner and businessman Peter de Savary has died, aged 78.

Founder of Pendennis Shipyard in Falmouth, Peter owned more than 30 yachts in his lifetime and led the British challenge for the America’s Cup in 1983. The team made it to the finals of the Cup, losing out to Australia II which defeated the New York Yacht Club for the first time in 132 years.

His family paid tribute to him in a statement. “He was a man of tremendous vision with boundless energy, enthusiasm and attention to detail and he inspired tremendous loyalty from all those who worked with him,” said the statement.

“He was at his happiest smoking a large Cuban cigar, on a vintage sailboat with his trusty chihuahua by his side and despite all his many achievements and successes, he always maintained the most important thing in life was family.”

Born in 1944 on a farm

TRIBUTES PAID TO PETER DE SAVARY

Photo courtesy desavary.com

BRIEFS

in England, Peter was an international entrepreneur who applied his ample skills in a range of areas, including the petroleum industry, shipping, shipyards, property and the hospitality industry.

As well as founding Pendennis Shipyard in 1988, he owned Falmouth Docks, establishing the region as a bunkering port when he founded Falmouth Oil Services.

A passionate sailor, he participated in the Admirals Cup in 1981 and was a member of the Royal Thames Yacht Club, The Royal Burnham Yacht Club, The Royal Cornwall Yacht Clube, Royal Dart Yacht Club and the New York Yacht Club.

8 Peter de Savary founded Pendennis Shipyard

INTRODUCING

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Dedicated Al Seer Marine, MB92 Group and P&O Marinas have signed a memorandum of understanding for a joint venture dedicated superyacht refit and repair facility in Dubai.

The shipyard construction is scheduled for completion in 2026, with the joint venture offering its superyacht repair and refit services from 2023.

8 | NOVEMBER 2022

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NEWS

SALES DOWN BY 18%

Emergency

talk of a global recession have grown.”

The figures also show supply chain constraints are easing and inventories are becoming more balanced with the NMMA’s Monthly Shipment Report showing wholesale shipments of outboard engines increased 6% year over year.

The figures also show the wholesale retail

Business brisk at Princess Princess Yachts is recovering from the operational disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic with a return to turnover levels not seen since 2019.

The luxury yacht builder’s 2021 accounts show a 23% increase in turnover to £308.3 million compared to £251.3 million in 2020, a gross profit before exceptional costs of £7.1 million against 2020’s loss of £17.7 million and an operating loss before exceptional costs of £3.7 million (2020: £18.7 million).

Whilst the pandemic saw a marked upturn in the number of people enjoying the water, the lockdowns brought challenges in the form of restricted working conditions, employee absenteeism and huge disruptions to the supply chain.

Despite this Princess is now seeing a return to prepandemic turnover levels

BRIEFS

Photo courtesy NMMA

New powerboat sales in the US are down 18% year on year according to the latest National Marine Manufacturing Association (NMMA) figures.

187,000 boats were sold up to July, with overall new powerboat sales decreasing 11% compared to January through to July in prepandemic 2019.

However, several categories continue to outpace pre-pandemic year to date sales levels, including new pontoons, wake sport boats and yachts.

“In the first seven months of the year, new boat sales have dipped below our 2019 pace demonstrating that the combination of economic uncertainty and the expected return of competition for consumers’ attention are starting to show their impact,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, NMMA president. “This is not unique to boating as most industries are experiencing pressures as inflation, a volatile stock market and

and a significant increase on EBITDA to £0.2 million compared with a loss of £14.9 million in 2020.

“Princess benefitted from its decision to maintain its product development despite Covid restrictions,” said director, Paul Mackenzie. “2021 saw the launch of three classleading new models, the V52, Y72 and X80 which, together with the rest of our renewed product range, drove enormous improvement in all key commercial indicator.”

Business is brisk with an order book now at £701 million compared to £440 million in 2020 and an increase in retail sales from 209 to 316 yachts.

In response to this, Princess is investing in facilities and processes to meet line rates of 300 boats per year, an initiative kicked off in late 2021 and known as ‘Project 300’.

ratio through to July for freshwater fishing boats, personal watercraft, and wake sport boat categories indicate improved product availability compared to earlier in the boating season.

“While the persistent supply chain turbulence and challenges are far from ideal, they have prevented us from overproducing as some other industry

8 US new powerboat sales are down year on year

sectors did throughout the past two years. Marine dealer inventories remain fairly lean signalling that pipelines are still being refilled, leaving the industry in a healthier position than past slowdowns in recent history,” said the NMMA president.

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Anderton Boat Lift, near Northwich, will reopen to boats in spring 2023 after undergoing a £450,000 repair package.

The repair work to the lift, which carries around 3,000 boats each year, is due to start midNovember. The lift has not operated since early August when a safety mechanism in one of the lift’s gates failed, due to a broken shoot bolt bracket. Over the winter, the Canal & River Trust will undertake two repair projects - two giant hydraulic ram cylinders, which each propel a caisson transporting boats up and down, will be given an overhaul.

And each of the lift’s ten sets of gates will also have two new ‘fall and arrest’ safety systems installed, which will act like a giant seat belt in an emergency.

Key players

Key players in the superyacht industry have come together at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show to promote sustainability in the sector. The yacht show and the Superyacht Builders Association, together with Water Revolution Foundation and Superyacht Life Foundation, were the main partners behind the Sustainability Conference – an open-door discussion that aimed to provide a snapshot of how the superyacht industry is making progress in the area of sustainability.

Fundamental to the movement was the new Sustainability Hub, launched at this year’s show as a way to highlight innovative projects and companies offering sustainable solutions to the superyacht industry.

NOVEMBER 2022 | 9

NEWS BRIEFS Completion The acquisition of Privilège Marine SAS by a consortium led by longtime CEO Gilles Wagner has been completed.

As part of its portfolio strategy, HanseYachts AG has parted from its stake in the French catamaran manufacturer based in Les Sables d’Olonne.

HanseYachts AG had concluded the agreement on a corresponding right to sell in June 2022.

Record Winnebago has reported record results for the financial year 2022 thanks in part to a strong performance from the recently acquired pontoon boat manufacturer, Barletta.

Strong customer demand and pricing actions also helped revenues increase by 36.6% to US$5 billion with operating income up 43% at US$583.5 million compared to the previous year. Revenues for the Marine segment were US$122.1 million for the fourth quarter.

Segment adjusted EBITDA was US$17.5 million, an increase of US$15.8 million over the previous year and adjusted EBITDA margin was 14.3%.

Appointment Marine electric propulsion systems and services company, ePropulsion, has expanded in Europe with the appointment of KGK Motor AB as its Swedish distributor. KGK Motor, a privately owned company, is daughter company to KG Knutsson AB which has a net of 107 marine dealers and partnerships with several boat builders.

10 | NOVEMBER 2022

NEW HOME FOR BOAT SHOW The Green Tech Boat Show is to move from Plymouth to Southampton and become part of the South Coast Boat Show.

The Green Tech Boat Show was founded by MDL to highlight the marine industry’s green products and technologies, from electric outboards to recyclable boats.

Eco-friendly and innovative products designed to make boating more sustainable will now be shown alongside power and sail brands.

“We’ve taken the decision to make the Green Tech Boat Show a feature of our popular South Coast Boat Show as boat purchase and sustainable boating are no longer a separate conversation with the boat buying public,” explained Tim Mayer, MDL sales and marketing director.

“By bringing the Green Tech Boat Show Actisense and Garmin won big at the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) Product of Excellence Awards 2022.

Actisense was named as Manufacturer of the Year at the event which was held at the Sheraton Park Hotel in Anaheim, California.

A previous recipient of the Product of Excellence Award at the NMEA Awards, Actisense took the award home this year for its Actisense-i, a live diagnostics tool with NMEA network and voltage checker.

“This year has presented challenges to us along with the rest of the industry, notably with supply chains being stretched more than ever before. But our team has shown fantastic spirit and resilience in facing these challenges and we are immensely honoured to receive this award, especially as they’re voted for by our industry peers in the NMEA membership.”

8 MDL’s Green Tech Boat Show will take place at Ocean Village Marina in Southampton in 2023

to Southampton, the epicentre of boat sales along the south coast, we’re able to give green marine technology and the

companies producing it greater visibility. Exhibitors confirmed so far for the 2023 Green Tech Boat Show include ePropulsion, Optima Electric Boats, Pixxi Electric Boats, RS Electric Boats, Vulkan Industries, Vetus Ltd and Vita Yachts.

As a feature of the South Coast Boat Show, the Green Tech Boat Show will have designated areas, both on the water and shoreside, for eco-focused exhibitors.

8 The shows will take place from 21-23 April 2023 at Ocean Village Marina.

EXCELLENCE AWARDS FOR MARINE ELECTRONICS

said Andy Campbell, chief engineer, Actisense.

Excellence awards Garmin International meanwhile, was named Manufacturer of the Year in the large manufacturer category for the eighth consecutive year.

8 Actisense chief engineer, Andy Campbell, accepts the Manufacturer of the Year at this year’s NMEA Awards

The company also won five Product of Excellence awards in the following categories: MFD – GPSMAP 8616xsv; Autopilot – Reactor 40

Hydraulic Autopilot with SmartPump v2; Multimedia Entertainment – Fusion Apollo RA770; Marine Application, Utility – ActiveCaptain and AIS – Vesper Cortex M1.

In all, 20 products gained top honours in three separate award competitions at the awards where NMEA members cast their votes online in 18 categories, while a panel of independent judges pick the winners in both the NMEA Technology Award and Best New Product contests.

Other award winners included the ICOM M510 in the Marine VHF category and Furuno, which took home four five awards in the Radar, NMEA 2000 sensor, Marine specialty, Fishfinder and Commercial categories.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

NEWS INEOS Britannia, the British America’s Cup team, has launched its first test boat for the next edition of the international sailing competition.

Code-named T6, the 40ft boat is designed and built-in collaboration with Mercedes-AMG F1 Applied Science, a division of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas PETRONAS F1 Team.

T6 was built at Carrington Boats in Hythe. The new ‘flying’ boat was then transported to Brackley, UK, the home of the MercedesAMG PETRONAS F1 Team for its fit out.

The boat’s work will begin with an extensive testing period, primarily aimed at validating the team’s design tools and testing key componentry ahead of the design deadline to start the build of the team’s AC75 race boat.

“We understand from our F1 experience the vital importance of creating the best suite of tools for designing and

FLYING TEST BOAT LAUNCHED

8 The new test boat for the INEOS Britannia America’s Cup team

engineering the vehicle,” said James Allison, chief technical officer of the Mercedes-AMG Petronas PETRONAS F1 Team. “We also understand the crucial role that validation plays in improving and coming to trust those tools.”

He added: “T6 has been

designed for that purpose, and we’re all looking forward to getting to grips with the data she can provide.”

T6 will operate throughout the winter from the team’s new base in Palma de Mallorca with live test data and results streamed back to the design, engineering and performance teams at the

8 T6 was built at Carrington Boats in Hythe

team’s UK headquarters in Brackley.

Work is already underway on the research and design of what will become the team’s AC75 race boat, competing for the 37th America’s Cup. The next America’s Cup will be raced in Barcelona in the 2024.

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BRIEFS Integration A new deal will see the integration of Raymarine’s navigational products into autonomous leisure boat solution, the Avikus NeuBoat.

The two companies will work towards reducing difficulties in boating, such as docking and navigation in heavy traffic areas. They will also cooperate on exploring the future of autonomous leisure boating and joint development.

Warehouse HP Watermakers has expanded into the States with the opening of a new warehouse in Fort Lauderdale. The new warehouse follows on from the inauguration of a Dubai showroom and will provide a base for the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. It adds to branches in the Maldives and South Africa and to the 50 dealers operating around the world.

Collaboration

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For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

Drive System Design (DSD) and Alvier Mechatronics are to collaborate to support the development of sustainable electrified propulsion.

The agreement will combine DSD’s experience of simulation, prototyping and validation of electrified propulsion system design, with Alvier’s powder metallurgy and electromagnetic design capabilities.

The companies aim to decrease time-to-market, increase sustainability and leverage advanced technology for development of electrified propulsion.

NOVEMBER 2022 | 11

BUSINESSMATTERS JAMES HOCKLEY: Associate at BDBF

What happened in this case?

The claimant, Mr Hope, was employed by the British Medical Association between June 2014 and May 2019. By February 2019, Hope had raised around seven grievances and said that he wished to discuss these grievances informally with his line manager.

However, as the grievances related to more senior managers, his line manager did not have authority to resolve them.

Hope refused to progress any of the grievances to a formal stage. Instead, he sought to reserve his right to do so at a future date while not withdrawing the grievances. However, the employer treated the complaints as formal, and a grievance hearing was scheduled to take place in March 2019.

The claimant refused to attend the hearing despite being informed that attendance was a reasonable management instruction. He was also told that if he persisted with filing frivolous grievances this may be treated as a disciplinary issue.

12 | NOVEMBER 2022

Photo by Glenn Carstens-Peters on Unsplash

Dealing with employees who have lodged a grievance is not easy. But what happens when an employee brings a claim and is both difficult and troublesome?

A case in the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT), Hope v British Medical Association, has shown employers that they don’t need to pander to difficult employees. In the case, a tribunal ruled that the dismissal of an employee who brought numerous ’frivolous and vexatious’ grievances was fair because he refused to progress or withdraw the claims or attend a grievance hearing.

HANDLING GRIEVANCES FROM DIFFICULT EMPLOYEES

In April 2019, he was invited to attend a disciplinary hearing to respond to three allegations made against him. These were that he had submitted numerous frivolous grievances against two senior managers; had failed to follow a reasonable management instruction to attend the grievance hearing; and there had been a fundamental breakdown of the working relationship between him and senior management.

The disciplinary chair concluded that each of the allegations was made out and Hope was dismissed for gross misconduct. He brought a claim for unfair dismissal. The Employment Tribunal found that the dismissal was fair. Hope then appealed to the EAT. What did the EAT decide?

Hope argued that the Employment Tribunal had made an error in failing to consider whether the alleged misconduct was capable of amounting to gross misconduct in the contractual sense.

He suggested that the Employment Tribunal should have considered whether his conduct amounted to either a “deliberate and wilful contradiction of the contractual terms” or “very considerable negligence”.

He also argued that the Employment Tribunal’s decision was perverse, and his conduct did not justify dismissal.

The EAT held that the British Medical Association had not raised contractual gross misconduct as a reason for the dismissal and, on that basis, a contractual analysis was not required. The EAT disagreed with Hope’s submission that whenever the label ’gross misconduct’ is used an analysis of whether the conduct amounts to either a wilful contradiction of the contract or gross negligence is required.

A breach of contract amounting to gross misconduct may be one factor to consider, but it is not the only one and not relevant in every situation.

In this case, the correct question to ask was the statutory one, namely, whether the employer had acted reasonably in treating the conduct as a sufficient reason to dismiss. It held that it had.

The EAT also concluded that the Employment Tribunal’s decision was not perverse. Importantly, the EAT noted that the proper purpose of grievance procedures is to resolve concerns, not to act as a repository for complaints to be left unresolved and resurrected at will. It was

unreasonable for Hope to raise numerous complaints and expect to leave them unresolved. His failure to attend the grievance hearing could also be regarded as wrongdoing in the circumstances.

Therefore, the Employment Tribunal was entitled to conclude that the dismissal fell within the band of reasonable responses of a similarly sized employer.

Hope’s appeal was dismissed.

What does this mean for employers?

This decision confirms what many employers already know, specifically, that a dismissal is fair if it complies with the requirements of section 98 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 – there is nothing that requires the employer to always show contractual gross misconduct or negligence when effecting a dismissal on the grounds of conduct. However, this does not mean that dismissing an employee for misconduct is straightforward. There are still statutory questions to address including whether the misconduct is sufficient to justify dismissal and whether a fair dismissal procedure has been followed. Failure to satisfy both elements put an employer at risk of an unfair dismissal claim.

An employer should also consider the substance of a grievance and the employee’s actions in raising it before taking a decision to discipline, and potentially dismiss, an employee. For example, if a grievance relates to an allegation of discrimination or qualifies as a whistleblowing disclosure, an employee may have protections against victimisation. If either of these two protections apply, and the employer subjects an employee to a detriment (such as initiating a disciplinary process against the employee) or dismisses the employee, the employer may receive an Employment Tribunal claim for detriment or automatic unfair dismissal. Importantly, neither of these claims require an employee to have a qualifying period of service to bring a claim, and the compensation available, unlike for standard unfair dismissal, is uncapped.

While employers should tread carefully when it comes to handling grievances and considering disciplinary action, this decision shows that the raising of multiple frivolous grievances and refusing to progress them formally or withdraw them so that they cannot be resolved, may justify dismissal. Employers may wish to update their disciplinary rules and policies to specify that such action will be treated as gross misconduct. An employer should also make the employee aware, as the British Medical Association did in this case, that if the employee decides to continue with such a course of conduct it threatens to breach the implied duty of trust and confidence and may lead to a formal disciplinary process.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

METSTRADE Forty-eight products from 104 entries have been nominated for a 2022 DAME Design Award.

This year has marked a full return of an international jury of leading design and user experts to the DAME Design Award’s assessment room at RAI Amsterdam.

Following detailed previsit scrutiny of submitted entry information, the eight members of the Jury, chaired by yacht designer Andre Hoek, spent two intensive hands-on days looking at products in detail.

“The DAME Design Award has a long history of setting the bar high and it is not easy to satisfy all the design criteria we consider – including function, form, environment, innovation, and price to performance,” said Andre.

“It is well known that the marine leisure equipment sector has been under severe pressure for the past two years. It has needed to satisfy a strong surge in market demand while dealing with significant supply chain challenges.

“Ordinarily, you might expect this to completely pull the focus away from R&D. Impressively though, many of this year’s very wide field of entries showed evidence of ongoing investment in better design, which is vital for longerterm future of the whole industry.”

The DAME nominated products will feature in a special display at METSTRADE and the METSTRADE Theatre will host daily discussion panels from the winners.

The winners in seven categories and the DAME Design Award winner will be announced at the

48 NOMINATIONS FOR DAME AWARDS

8 Seaview Progresses’ high-performance marine emergency VHF antenna with AIS compatibility

using voice commands.

The Centre can be set up through the Alexa app.

Ocean Signal received two nominations for its products – GlobalFix and PLB3 Personal Locator Beacon.

GlobalFix is a mobile connected AIS EPIRB with Return Link Service (RLS).

The EPIRB combines AIS, NFC (Near Field Communication) technology, GNSS positioning, 406 MHz

8 48 products from 14 countries have been nominated for a DAME Design Award 2022

Cospas-Sarsat distress signals with Return Link service and 121.5 MHz local homing.

The PLB3 Personal Locator Beacon delivers a communication link to emergency services in the event of a Man Overboard emergency, even if the survivor is incapacitated.

METSTRADE 2022 Breakfast Briefing on 15 November.

The Jury will also name its first discretionary Environmental Design Award winner.

The nominations include Lumishore’s EOS-LUX Command Centre - now with Alexa Integration (including voice control) which allows users to change lighting scenes

The mobile connected compact unit integrates GNSS positioning, 406 MHz, 121.5 MHz signals and AIS transmissions, as well as the new Galileo Return Link Service (RLS).

Seaview Progress also has two nominations – for its high-performance marine emergency VHF antenna with AIS compatibility.

The antenna is ultralight, compact and has a high-viz cover with an integrated SOLAS approved LED strobe for location assistance.

It is designed to provide fast, reliable, high performance backup RF communications when needed.

The Revolve boat hook uses rollable composite material to enable to extend from a 10cm roll to a full size 2m boat hook.

It is suitable for all types of craft.

Versadock’s Z Series is a roller system offering both keel rollers and height adjustable side rollers, allowing for the widest range of hull forms to be accommodated securely.

The shape has been designed to allow the central float section to be removed to facilitate keelboats or ski boats with skegs, providing infrastructure to sailing keelboats where it was previously not possible.

8 Versadock’s Z Series is a roller system offering both keel rollers and height adjustable side rollers

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The Ultimate Boat Hook 14 | NOVEMBER 2022

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

METSTRADE Jotun will launch its latest superyacht coating, MegaGloss Metallic, at METSTRADE. The a high gloss metallic topcoat system has been produced to complete Jotun’s MegaGloss family of products, which also includes MegaGloss AC and MegaGloss HG. “Metallic topcoats have always been the most difficult to apply,” said Roelof Barelds, yachting sales director. “It was a vital feature that we could offer a system designed to give applicators the opportunity to achieve the best possible result. By offering excellent levelling properties combined with specialist technical support at every stage, you can rest assured that the final finish will exceed expectations.”

The new coating is available in tailormade colours and has been developed to be compatible with the complete Jotun Yachting system, with abrasion

NEW SUPERYACHT COATING

resistance, flexibility and gloss retention resulting in a lasting, high gloss finish.

Jotun has been active in the superyacht sector for more than 25 years, and says category manager Tracey Warner, has built an in depth understanding of

the needs and challenges of the customers.

“Superyachts demand the very best solution,” she said. “If the owner would like their yacht to match their supercar, we can provide tailor made colours to help them stand out from the

New tank monitoring system Gobius Sensor Technology will have a new tank monitor system on display at METSTRADE. The Swedish tank monitoring manufacturer has added a new system to its portfolio, the Gobius C. Gobius C has been manufactured to give the exact level and volume, regardless of the tank’s geometry, providing an exact tank level with no guessing, no in-tank installation and no in-tank mess.

Plug and play Because the Gobius C is a plug and play installation, no disassembly of the tank is needed. The sensor measures from the top and outside, with no risk of leakage.

By using an intelligent micro radar chip from Acconeer, Gobius has created a measurement technology that is

unaffected by temperature, measures through plastic and is also unaffected by foam. The system works with fresh water, grey water, black water, petrol and diesel.

Gobius C has a voltage of 12-24 volts and is mounted in the same way as other Gobius products, but this time on the top of the tank.

It can measure a maximum tank depth of two metres.

It can be connected to control systems and analog instruments such as KUS, VDO, WEMA, Faria (10-190 Ohm, 240-33 Ohm, 4-20 mA and 0-5 V).

In addition, there are two individual on/off outputs to signal when the tank is empty and full.

Installation and monitoring of the sensor are controlled from a smartphone using an app and Bluetooth.

8 Gobius will be on stand 01.407.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

8 Jotun’s MegaGloss Metallic will be launched at METSTRADE

crowd. High DOI combined with excellent abrasion resistance helps to protect the yacht from scratches and ensure long lasting beauty.”

8 Stand 02.420

New fabric at METSTRADE Fabric manufacturer Ultrafabrics will exhibit at METSTRADE for the first time in 2022, showing its high-performance and sustainable materials.

The materials are manufactured in Japan using the company’s Takumi – artisan – process and have been developed to make a difference.

The fabrics are bleach cleanable and feature inherent climate control technology that resists temperature changes.

They are also skinfriendly, non-allergenic and odourless.

Coast is the latest fabric from Ultrafabrics developed to provide comfort and protection for all settings.

The fabric is waterresistant and features enhanced UV resistance and colourfastness to sunlight. It remains cool to the touch and is engineered to defend against and inhibit the growth of mildew, bacteria, and other surface pathogens.

The fabric has inherent stain protection and can withstand regular cleaning and disinfection, including with bleach solutions. It has a subtle pebble-like texture which is soft to touch and is available in 16 shades.

The fabric has been tested for the last two years, with exposure to sun, water, stains, kids, pets, and cleaning solutions.

Ultrafabrics incorporates TENCEL Modal fibres in its collections with 100% reinforced rayon backing.

The natural and renewable raw material is manufactured from beech wood and sourced from sustainable forests.

From early 2023, Ultrafabrics will transition to 65% recycled polyester yarns from Repreve across more than two thirds of its collections.

8 The company will be on stand 12.609.

NOVEMBER 2022 | 15

METSTRADE

New Marine Detailer

8 Liqui Moly’s new Marine Detailer will add shine to a boat

A new Marine Detailer from LIQUI MOLY is suitable for paints, glass-fibre-reinforced plastics and gelcoats.

The product allows fingerprints, dust or streaks to be wiped away making the surface shine again.

“Detailing is extremely intensive boat care down to the last detail,” explained Dieter Otto, of LIQUI MOLY’s care products.

“Care enthusiasts will be happy with it and pragmatists too, because a great result is achieved with comparatively little effort.”

The Marine Detailer has been developed to not only add shine, but to also remove dust, paw marks and even bird droppings.

The product is a spray that seals smooth paintwork for several weeks and gives it a radiant deep sheen.

It can also be sprayed onto gelcoats and glassfibre-reinforced plastics.

Water beads off treated surfaces, and says Liqui Moly, new dirt has a hard time spreading.

Liqui Moly’s new detailer contains a larger proportion of cleaning surfactants and can also be used on lightly soiled surfaces.

It works on both dry and damp surfaces.

“If the boat is still wet with morning dew, simply spray it on the paint and wipe off with a cloth,” Otto advises, with the best result achieved with a high pile microfibre cloth with laser cut, to prevent streaks and absorb moisture.

The pump spray bottle does not contain any flammable aerosols.

8 Liqui Moly will be on stand 01.470.

16 | NOVEMBER 2022

Shakespeare Marine’s 5912-DORSAL antenna has been shortlisted in this year’s DAME Awards.

The antenna has been designed in-house by Shakespeare Marine and is manufactured in the UK. It has a small fin-shape to remove the chance of it getting snagged and a durable outer material for a longer life span and can achieve ranges of up to 10 miles at 25W or up to four miles at 1W. “We are delighted to have been shortlisted for a DAME Award for the 5912-DORSAL,” said Dave Manasseh, Shakespeare Marine European sales manager.

“The innovative design delivers a fit-for-purpose option for ventures in small-scale boats, prevents snagging and is easy to retrofit or install onto new boats.”

Shakespeare Marine also has an electronic version of the 5912-DORSAL, the 5912-DS-ENT antenna,

DAME NOMINATION FOR ANTENNA 8 Shakespeare Marine’s 5912 DORSAL antenna has been nominated for a DAME Award

which is a receive-only antenna designed to cover 0.5-110Megahertz (MHz), AM/FM and FM radio bands and is naturally resonant at 98MHz. Each unit is hand-tuned for optimisation and is designed with solid copper for increased

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reception over Printed Circuit antennas and improved performance.

It has a heavy-duty, high-impact body with total water protection presents the impact resistance rating of IK08 third-party mechanical impact testing.

It is protected against 5 Joules (J) of impact.

The antenna has been shortlisted in the Marine Electronics and MarineRelated Software category of the Awards.

The shortlist follows on from Shakespeare’s GALAXY-INFL8 DAME award win in 2018.

Brushless motor in fan

The SEEKR by Caframo OEM Defogger has been co-designed by Caframo and Groupe Beneteau to make moisture-obscured windshields a thing of the past.

The heater fan is CE-and ABYC-certified and can clear a 78.7in x 39.3in (2m x 1m) windshield in less than five minutes.

It has two speed options and has been designed to disperse warm air across the whole window, shutting off after a five-minute timer expires.

The defogger – which

has been tailored to the Merry Fisher line of boats - provides 400 watts of heating power while consuming 37.5–39.5 amps.

It has an integrated safety thermostat and a 12V DC brushless motor.

The durable black polymer housing has an industry-standard 55mm connector to be compatible with multiple vent and ductwork arrangements.

It measures 15.3cm x 24.6cm x 36.1cm and weighs 6.5kg.

8 Caframo will be on stand 01.176 at METSTRADE

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

METSTRADE Vetus’s latest plug-andplay systems now provide full integration with the company’s electric propulsion systems to provide connectivity and control for boat owners.

Both systems integrate with NMEA2000 solutions via the Vetus CANV2N CANverter and modular digital CAN bus communication system, Vetus V-CAN. The connectivity means the user can see the battery charge and runtime when installing the CANNS500 battery monitoring shunt and the CANNME7 multifunction display.

“Making some of the intelligent monitoring that electric car drivers have available to electric boaters is a key enabler in the more widespread adoption of electric boats – an aim we wholeheartedly support at Vetus,” said Arthur Roeling, director R&D and service. It has been very heartening to see, in our testing, how skippers modify their

INTELLIGENT MONITORING FOR BOATERS

8 Vetus has developed plug-and-play systems that integrate with its electric propulsion systems

throttle behaviour when in possession of real-time range information.”

The Vetus E-Pod is suitable as a refit solution for

sailboats with a sail drive, as well as for newbuild sail and motorboats, and is the most efficient Vetus electric drive system.

The Vetus E-Line has been developed as a standard in-board diesel engine replacement option,

suitable for a range of boats, from 11 metres and above, and designed to fit the existing propulsion foundation and propeller shaft installation.

8 Vetus will be at METSTRADE on stand 01.341.

TYPE APPROVAL FOR PREPREG Hexcel Corporation has received Type Approval for its HexPly M9.6GF prepreg products from Bureau Veritas (BV).

The third-party certification enables the carbon fibre-reinforced epoxy prepregs to be used in the production of parts for all BV-approved marine vessels.

It also guarantees the quality, performance and consistency of the prepregs for ship and boat builders.

“Hexcel has supplied advanced composite materials to the marine industry for more than 40 years,” said Thomas James, marine business

development manager, Hexcel. “Receiving BV Type Approval for our HexPly M9.6GF prepregs demonstrates that we are committed to developing new composite technologies for the marine sector, helping builders evolve their designs to produce lighter, more

8 Hexcel’s HexPly M9.6GF prepreg was used by the Chantiers de l’Atlantique Silenseas project

fuel-efficient, and more sustainable craft for the future.”

BV-approved HexPly M9.6GF prepregs can be reinforced with

unidirectional, non-crimp and twill-weave fabrics.

They are suitable for use in the manufacture of masts and other large structural components for windassisted ship propulsion and have recently been used to manufacture the mast for the Chantiers de l’Atlantique Silenseas project.

The HexPly M9.6 prepregs satisfied the requirements of the Silenseas consortium’s mast-section manufacturers for quality, mechanical performance, and processing characteristics.

8 Hexel will be at METSTRADE on stand 12.713.

New steering actuator Dometic’s Optimus Electric Steering Actuator is based on the company’s electric steering technology.

It has been engineered for inboard powered towboats such as for skiing, wake boarding, wake surfing, and other watersports activities, developed so that the tow vessel can be controlled effortlessly, predictably, and confidently.

The steering actuator is attached to the rudder via a rudder post and is commanded by the electronic steering helm.

Electronics and mechanical elements are housed within the actuator providing a compact unit that is easy to install.

Features include adjustable lock-to-lock turns and adjustable wheel effort parameters that let drivers ‘fine-tune’ wheel control to their preference.

The actuator is NMEA 2000 CAN-based, allowing boaters to integrate electric steering with surf gates/ wake shapers, trim tabs and other devices.

Both the electric steering and surf gate technologies use precise position sensing and can provide the driver with real-time information on an easy-to- read graphical display.

“We are excited to bring this new technology to boat builders, dealers and the watersports market as a whole,” said Eric Fetchko, president of the Marine Segment at Dometic.

“These types of tow boats will benefit greatly from the enhanced steering control and performance our Optimus system provides.”

8 Dometic Marine will be on stands 01.131 and 01.231.

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For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

ZZZ FODPFOHDW FRP NOVEMBER 2022 | 17

METSTRADE

New range of speakers JL Audio will be showcasing a new range of M6 Luxe line of marine speakers and subwoofers for the European market at METSTRADE. Engineered for modern yachts, M6 Luxe speakers and subwoofers have been designed to offer a combination of premium audio performance and luxury appearance.

“Upon its official release in 2019, JL Audio’s M6 line of premium marine speakers and subwoofers were an instant success throughout the boating industry and today those speakers can be found factory-installed on boats from dozens of prominent builders,” said Silvio Pupino, vice president, international sales at JL Audio.

“Luxe takes the established benchmark for performance that was set by our M6 line and moves it upmarket, giving yacht customers an unmatched combination of style and audio performance.”

High-quality The new M6 Luxe grille versions are manufactured using JL Audio’s advanced design and manufacturing processes in the company’s Miramar, Florida factory.

All the models have been designed to have a sleek, flush-mount appearance that can disappear into the elegant design of today’s modern yachts.

Additionally, M6 Luxe loudspeakers are engineered using stringently tested, marinegrade materials that have a proven ability to withstand UV and saltwater exposure, exceeding ASTM International test standards.

M6 Luxe loudspeakers will be available for 6.5-inch (165mm), 7.7- (196mm) and 8.8-inch (224mm) coaxial M6 speakers, as well as for 8-inch (200mm) and 10-inch (250mm) M6 subwoofers.

18 | NOVEMBER 2022

NEW REPAIRABLE BATTERY Aceleron will show its new repairable, upgradeable lithium iron phosphate battery to METSTRADE 2022.

The Essential 2.0 battery can be taken apart for maintenance, repair and upgrade over time, giving it a potentially infinite lifespan.

The battery has also been built with the aim of eliminating any unnecessary waste of the raw materials used to build batteries.

“Aceleron’s design is a truly forward-thinking approach that more businesses will hopefully adopt as the world evaluates what can be done to reduce our harmful impact on the environment,” said Bruce Macpherson, Aceleron chief commercial officer.

“We are really looking forward to showing the marine industry the potential this battery has to meet a vessel’s power needs, reducing operational costs whilst preserving our oceans from the harmful effects of battery waste.”

It is a group-31 standalone

8 Aceleron’s new Essential Battery will be shown at METSTRADE 2022

LFP battery, equipped with a BMS that has bluetooth and CanBus (via RS485) connectivity for monitoring parameters such as charge/ discharge, number of cycles and internal temperature.

The casing is suitable for the marine market with an

ergonomically designed carry handle, rubber feet (to ensure stability) and the option to position it in multiple orientations.

To ensure that no parts of the battery are wasted, removed parts are redistributed for use in other products, made into second life products for a different application, or sent for individual recycling.

The battery will reach 200A+ at peak power and is guaranteed for 5,000 cycles.

It is available in 12v, 24v and 48v configurations with multiple batteries able to be connected together to achieve more than 2,000 Ah capacity.

8 Aceleron will be exhibiting at METSTRADE on stand 02.117.

BOARDING LADDER IS SHORTLISTED

8 AYRA is the first multifunction boarding solution from Amare

Amare’s ARYA Multifunction Boarding System has been nominated for a DAME Award.

The product is part of Amare SRL’s expansion of its range of gangways, tender lift and folding balcony systems to meet the demands of the latest transformer style motor yachts which feature multi use deck areas, maximising space beyond conventional limits.

AYRA is a multifunction boarding solution aimed at power and sail boats up to 24m that transforms from a telescopic teak capped Passarella into a wide and stable stairway for low level bathing platform access and high-level dockside situations.

Operation is via the latest Amare HCPU hybrid power unit which has low energy demand and a plug and play installation.

Functionality can be controlled via Amare’s ASW Domotic control and monitoring system or the MAESTRO smartphone mobile app.

It was developed as an addition to Amare’s Vanity range and is constructed from 316 stainless steel with teak treads.

In addition, Amare has continued to develop its CHARON tender lift system.

CHARON operates via

a large bore centralised single hydraulic cylinder and the improved stability and stiffness allows for offset weight shift with platform mounted tenders.

The system features positive locking safety hooks and hydraulically driven conical location pins which align the platform in the raised position.

Models are available from 500 -1500kg.

8 Amare will on stand 03:445.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

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We make our material science knowledge freely available via our Power of Composites tool to allow you to select the most efficient product for your load and deflection needs.

Our d2 Dura Grating mesh flooring panels feature a gritted surface which has been tested to over 1 million footfalls (in accordance with BS 79762:2002+A1:2013).

+44 (0)1255 440297 info@duracomposites.com www.duracomposites.com

METSTRADE

8 Propspeed’s ultraslick topcoat is specially formulated to prevent marine growth from bonding to running gear

Horizon Yachts is applying Propspeed underwater foul-release coating as standard on all its new models.

“We want our customers to have the best possible ownership experience,” said Joey Lu, marketing director, Horizon Yachts.

“Propspeed protects underwater metal components saving them time and money in maintenance. We apply Propspeed to all our new builds and recommend continued use to our customers to improve their boating experience.”

Propspeed’s ultra-slick topcoat is formulated to prevent marine growth from bonding to running gear and metal surfaces below the waterline.

It features a chemical and mechanical bond between the metal substrate, the Etching Primer and the Clear Coat – designed so that the coating sticks to running gear and lasts multiple seasons.

“Horizon Yachts is renowned for selecting only the highest quality components for their yachts,” said Chris Baird, CEO, Propspeed.

“We are honoured that they have selected Propspeed as their coating of choice and are confident that their customers are going to be pleased with the performance of our product line.”

8 Stand 02.121.

20 | NOVEMBER 2022

A new project headed up by FSC Danmark and Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation has launched to promote the uptake of sustainable timber across the yachting industry.

Yachtbuilding has long been associated with the use of hardwoods such as teak but concern has grown over deforestation and links to human rights abuses in Myanmar.

FSC Danmark will be exhibiting at this year’s METSTRADE to inspire the industry to forgo its reliance on unsustainable tropical species and instead embrace new and emerging alternatives.

“The yachting sector holds the potential to be front runner when it comes to communication and innovation on tropical timber,” said FSC Danmark.

The project aims to investigate the current market situation in the yachting industry in terms of procurement policies and strategies which limit

SUSTAINABLE WOODS AT METSTRADE Photo: Center For International Forestry Research/Murdani Usman

Yacht builder endorses anti-foul coating

8 Teak is commonly used in the yachting industry

negative impacts on forests, mainly in the tropics Its key focuses within the sector are to: 5 Promote sustainable tropical timber and species diversification throughout the supply chain 5 Map pathways of timber,

the species used and their applications 5 Identify alternative species and get ship builders testimony on their performance 5 Support development of procurement policies 5 Facilitate partnerships for test and promotion

of alternative species to normally used species 5 Conduct a study on forest impacts in connection to timber species diversification strategies 5 Communicate findings, partnerships and cases 8 Stand 12.721

Long Distance New wireless load pin Cruise with the

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Renewable Energy Specialists Since 1978 www.marlec.co.uk sales@marlec.co.uk

Cyclops Marine new Wireless Load Pin reports rig loads for performance and cruising yachts.

The self-contained design and wireless charging product is calibrated to report data to instruments, an app or watch to provide live feedback and logs for analysis.

The data is broadcast second-by-second via Bluetooth and is accurate to within 1% of its maximum working load.

The Load Pins replace existing pins to measure loads applied to standing rigging such as forestays and shrouds.

The pins are supplied factory calibrated and output digital data from the pin connector.

The product is selfcontained with no external housing to worry about - the amplifier and all calibrated

8 Cyclops Marine Wireless Load Pin

parts are encased within the permanently sealed pin body.

A wireless charger fits on the sensor with a charge providing around 80 days of load measurement.

The pins are suitable for a range of installations including above furler installations on cruising or racing yachts.

The product is designed to be a permanent installation in the standing rigging of the yacht.

8 Cyclops Marine will be on stand 03.211 at METSTRADE.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

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METSTRADE

INVESTMENT IN REPLICA EQUIPMENT

MARKETING Jenny Walford is acting MD of marketing and PR company ADPR There is a misconception that PR means big glitzy events and campaigns that cost the earth, but the truth is PR can be activated across a variety of budgets and can (and should!) be used by businesses of all sizes.

Boosting brand visibility: Unlike traditional media, online media doesn’t have an expiry date and can help with your SEO if your website is linked within the articles.

PR has the ability to deliver your message to a large audience in a highly credible way, and when customers notice your product in multiple places, that’s when they’ll start to pay attention.

Earning trust: In the age of ‘fake news’ customers are sceptical about what they hear and read. Research shows that people are more likely to trust editorial media sources over paid media such as blogger partnerships and advertising campaigns, as earned media is an independent endorsement.

When you’re looking to build credibility within the market, PR is a useful tool to invest in, providing your business with a voice which can position you as the industry expert.

Make the most of a limited budget: PR encompasses a wide variety of communication channels, from social media to media relations and influencer marketing.

Whereas advertising can be extremely expensive, PR can offer free publicity through articles, blog posts and via social media.

However, whilst PR is costeffective, you are not able to control the narrative in the same way as advertising.

22 | NOVEMBER 2022

Holt Marine has invested heavily in replica Laser/ ILCA equipment having seen an opportunity to help realise the dreams of club sailors who wish to improve their performance and that of their Laser/ILCA boats, but international or national events are not necessarily part of their sailing agenda.

During the past 18 months there have been new product launches of carbon and Kevlar tiller extensions plus a carbon tiller, which, says UK sales manager Paul Hinkins, have proved very popular in the target market and beyond.

8 Holt’s Replica Carbon Top Mast

“This has lifted the whole range to a new level of opportunity for Laser/ILCA sailors for them to improve their boats at a more reasonable price point,” he said.

In 2022, Holt has launched its Replica Carbon Top Mast and a Replica Swivel Arm Vang.

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“Both new products will enhance sailors’ performance and that of their boats keeping the Laser/ILCA as a boat of choice for single handers of all ages at club level,” added Paul.

The carbon/Kevlar combination has been developed to provide strength with less weight.

“The bent tiller extension syndrome will become a thing of the past and composite materials

generally provide greater longevity,” explained Paul.

“With the launch of the Replica MK2 Standard Sail there was no doubt a stiffer top section was required to assist in the delivery of the power, to the hull, that the new sail provided.”

8 Holt will be on stand 02.201 at METSTRADE

8 Holt’s Replica Laser/ ILCA Swivel Arm Vang

Windicator is 100% Accurate METSTRADE will be the launch platform for several new products from Barton Marine.

The Windicator is a mechanical wind direction indicator for sailing dinghies and yachts.

It is available in five versions optimised with mast or goose neck fittings for Optimists, Lasers, Aeros and Toppers, alongside two offshore racing models for yachts between 4 to 8 meters and another for those over 8 meters.

The Windicator has been tested by sail racing teams and was found to be 100% accurate in winds as low as two knots.

It is manufactured with a highly durable construction, with weights per unit from 22g to 63.5g.

The Barton team is also seeking feedback on the company’s new design of T-track sliders. With the block range having undergone a design upgrade in 2018, a fresh design concept has now been envisaged for the T-track sliders with industry opinion being sought prior to production.

In addition, Barton’s new chief commercial officer, Jeff Webber and chief operating officer at Barton US, John Navarro, will also be at the show to meet the market.

Press representatives and trade colleagues are invited to Barton’s traditional Launch Party at the show taking place on Tuesday 15th October at the stand at the close of the show.

8 Stand 01.478

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

METSTRADE ePropulsion’s I-20 Electric Inboard Motor has been shortlisted for a DAME Design Award in the Machinery, Propulsion, Mechanical and Electrical Systems and Fitting category.

The I-20 features five modules - motor, gearbox, motor controller, system control unit and cooling system - in one core power module.

“The I-20 effortlessly combines iconic design with practical, real-world use and we are thrilled it has been recognized in these prestigious awards,” says Danny Tao, Co-founder and CEO of ePropulsion.

The motor has been designed to be lightweight and easy to install and maintain.

It has a human machine interaction system (HMI) with a smart throttle that provides control and features a IP67-rated waterproof smart display, 5in colour touch screen. ePropulsion Smart

INBOARD MOTOR SHORTLISTED 8 The I-20 incorporates intelligent features and connectivity within its design

System Architecture (eSSA) is the company’s most advanced hardware and software technology and integrates the electric

It features a smart, modular design to deliver safe and reliable performance thanks to its fault diagnosis system and full redundancy.

The modular design also allows for several different batteries to be selected depending upon range requirements.

The I-20 supports the integration of the ePropulsion Connectivity Service. Based on boating IoT technology, it allows users to access cloud-based connectivity services without the need for additional accessories.

8 ePropulsion is on stand 12.132 at METSTRADE.

drive system, interactive system, battery system and cloud into one with a single electronic control unit (ECU).

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Bartonmarine.com For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

HFC-based agents to be discontinued Sea-Fire Europe is to cease distribution of fire suppression equipment using HFC-based (hydrofluorocarbon) agents.

The company says the decision is two-fold - proactively countering supply issues that are arising from the mandated phase-down of HFCs in Europe and also because as a company, it strongly believes that it is the responsible action to take, given the adverse impact HFSs have on the environment.

“As an ongoing part of the original 1987 Montreal Protocol that dealt with the phase-out of Halon, regulations were put in place to reduce HFCs by means of a quota system,” said Sea-Fire. “2018 saw a reduction of 37% from a 2015 baseline with more reductions scheduled.”

And the company says the phase-down will create HFC227 suppression agent shortages that will drive up prices, with the forecast for Europe being for costs to double in the next 18 months.

Sea-Fire Europe’s alternative is 3M Novec 1230 fire suppression fluid that is electrically non-conductive and noncorrosive.

The fluid is not part of any proposed environmental phase-down as it has a low toxicity value and the systems are becoming less expensive than HFC227.

“Information on climate change tends to be confusing, often contradictory and seemingly endless,” said Ernie El l is, Sea-Fire Marine president. “But we’re taking this first step in Europe because we know it’s the right thing to do.”

8 Sea-Fire Europe will be on stand 02.109

NOVEMBER 2022 | 23

METSTRADE

Dimmable systems cater for all windows Vision Systems new smart glass applications for highend yachts include curved segmented electronically dimmable windows, solutions for privacy and lighting atmospheres, and a transparent partition with video display.

The company has recently become part of Gauzy, a material science company that develops, manufactures and processes two smart light control technologies, PDLC (polymer dispersed liquid crystal) and SPD (suspended particle device) and uses these technologies in its dimmable systems.

The systems enable the occupant to gradually change the tint of a window from transparent to opaque, switching to their darkest possible state when unpowered.

An integrated infrared barrier further strengthens heat blockage.

The system blocks more than 99.9% of UV light, even in transparent state.

They can be incorporated into flat or curved surfaces and can be tailored to any shape of window or partition and be installed in a vertical or horizontal position.

They are controlled through a touch panel, through a central panel or tablet, or automatically with integrated light or temperature sensors.

8 The company will be in the SuperYacht Pavilion on stand 11.303.

Davey and Co will be coexhibiting at METSTRADE with its German distributor, Toplicht, on stand 01.735.

The company will be launching its new catalogue and a range of new products at the show, including Gunmetal Snatch blocks, a reworked version of a 1940’s bronze lifting cleat, a Traditional Brass and chrome search light, a mast lights that are fitted

with a LED sealed beam lens, a cast flush mounted step lights both switched and un-switched and a range of IMO approved navigation lights in brass for vessels up to 20m.

In addition, new packaging for Lanoguard will also be seen on the stand for the first time.

“Davey and Lanoguard have a long working history and are proud to be associated with their drive for an environmentally friendly solution for grease and anticorrosion products,” explained Davey general

manager John Murray.

The new catalogue will also finalise new collaborations Davey has with Lenmar for its bronze winches and Barton Marine’s Victory wooden blocks.

8 Davey & Co’s new gunmetal snatch blocks

8 Davey & Co has reworked a 1940’s bronze lifting cleat

NEW HYBRID IMPACT SAFETY VEST A hybrid impact vest that also has the advantages of a 50 Newton buoyancy aid will be on show at METSTRADE 2022.

The Secumar Furio has been developed for kitesurfing, downwind foiling, especially wing foiling and skiff-sailing, dinghy-sailing or SUP. This lifejacket has the benefit of an additional manually activated 110 Newton lifejacket buoyancy chamber, providing a total of 160 Newton of buoyancy in a potentially dangerous situation.

Thanks to a small opening, the impact protection vest with integrated, removable back protector is compatible with harness trapeze for foilers and dinghy sailors as well as with a hip or seat harness for kitesurfers.

Traditional Boatbuilding Fittings, Tools & Materials info@davey.co.uk | www.davey.co.uk

24 | NOVEMBER 2022

NEW CLASSIC CLEAT

As soon as the manually operated trigger is pulled by the user, the hybrid impact vest tightly secures to the body to give the user the maximum freedom of movement.

A small opening in the lower front area allows the harness hook to be passed through. The skin-friendly material mix consists of neoprene, fabric, foam and spacer fabric.

The front zip is sturdy

so that the waistcoat can be put on and taken off quickly and the handle is easily accessible so that the rescue collar can be released quickly.

It has a back protector designed in accordance with DIN EN 1621-2 for additional protection of the spine. There is a stowage pocket in the chest area for smaller items as well as a suspension loop.

The Furio is available in four sizes: Size S (60-80 kg bodyweight), Size M (70-90 kg bodyweight); Size L (80-100 kg bodyweight) and Size XL (90-115 kg bodyweight).

Bernhardt Apparatebau GmbH, which manufactures and sells lifesaving equipment under the brand name of Secumar, has been in business for more than 60 years.

8 Stand 01.731

8 The Secumar Furio has the benefit of an additional manually activated 110 Newton lifejacket buoyancy chamber

Come and see us on Stand 01.735

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

COATE D FAB R I C S

E X C I T I N G N E W S TO B E ANNOUNCED DURING METSTRADE!

Visit us in a New e Location! ocat o !

W W W. S P RADLING. EU

STAND 12.429

Latest news from

LESLEY ROBINSON British Marine CEO This year’s Southampton International Boat Show was a phenomenal success.

Thousands of visitors flocked to the show to soak up the very best the industry had to offer. Over 14,000 people took to the water and tried everything from kayaking to cruising, tall ships to gun boats, while exhibitors reported great sales, lots of leads and a busy and vibrant atmosphere throughout.

Whether it’s to boost brand exposure, sales generation or to network with peers, face-to-face opportunities at events like this are key, but what next?

We have a number of amazing events lined up for the coming months.

The Caravan, Camping & Motorhome show (21-26 February), provides a unique opportunity to engage with a potential new audience, while delegates at the British Marine National Conference 2023 (28 February – 1 March) will explore new ways to maximise and diversity their income during these changing times. Looking to expose your brand to an affluent audience; then London Luxury Afloat (18-22 April) provides the perfect showcase, with boot Düsseldorf (21-29 January) and Miami International Boat Show (15-19 February) providing an ideal backdrop to potential new export markets.

We are on hand to help you every step of the way to ensure your event is a success. For more information and details on DIT funding for international events contact: sales@ britishmarine.co.uk.

26 | NOVEMBER 2022

DECK HARDWARE Lippert Marine Group Europe is continuing to expand its portfolio of hatches and portlights to improve the aesthetics of its traditionally functionfirst products.

The Lewmar Ultra LowProfile Hatch and the Trend Marine Sargasso Portlight are notable inclusions to the range, both of which will be featured at this year’s METSTRADE. Sargasso, billed as the next generation in portlight technology, is available in both a stainless steel and black powder coated finish.

The portlight sits within glass, offering boat owners a seamless look with undisturbed views. The minimal internal frame includes seal compression, with all-stainless 316 steel furniture.

It is available in a large range of sizes, with both oval and round options, and can be mounted within a variety of glass including monolithic and laminated hull glazing.

It is Type Approved up to Area 1. The Sargasso range is manufactured by Lippert in the UK. Lewmar’s low-profile hatch follows trends towards flush, clean lines.

Harken’s 55.3 Performa three-speed winch has been built for the demands of shorthanded offshore racing.

The new design is an evolution of the 50.3STP Performa, increasing the power ratio of the third speed.

The Performa winch line combines high strength and lightweight internal composite roller bearings and bushings to reduce friction under load.

The sandblasted drums and ribs are optimised for halyard and sheeting applications, using smalldiameter, durable cover, high-strength lines.

Other features include a patented angle of ribs to drive line wraps down when easing to keep them on the

NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGY

The ultra-slim hatch minimises the impact on deck aesthetics while following the design principles of the company’s proven low-profile system.

The hatch can be incorporated into new designs while also offering a retrofit solution in current Lewmar installations.

The design uses multiple seal profiles to guarantee compression and watershedding capability.

“Innovations in docking and anchoring are playing a major role in supporting the huge influx of new boaters to the industry,” said Matthew Johnston, Lippert

8 The Sargasso portlight uses the next generation of technology

on the water is of core priority in developing new innovations and expanding our product portfolio.”

He added: “Our years of expertise in designing and manufacturing reliable products will provide a solid foundation for new product development to support that market expansion and tackling the challenges posed by the non-boating market, who are excited to take to the waters.”

Marine Group Europe MD about the future of boating hardware design.

“For Lippert and its brands, efforts to make boating easier and more accessible to those keen to get out

8 Lewmar’s low-profile hatch minimises the impact on deck aesthetics

NEW THREE-SPEED WINCH 8 Harken’s 55.3 Performa is an efficient three-speed winch

area of drum that provides best control and the ability for users to transfer high

loads to the winch with fewer wraps.

The lightweight

aluminium drum features an integrated skirt and the sandblasted finish gives optimum grip.

The load-carrying gears and pins are 17-4 PH stainless steel, designed for strength and corrosion resistance.

Options include selftailing, plain top, or Quattro styles. Performa winches are available in manual, electric (12 or 24 volt) or hydraulic driven models.

An update kit for the 50.3STP is due to be available for those who wish to upgrade to match the capabilities of the new 55.3.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

13JUNE Southampton 152023 United Kingdom TO

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DECK HARDWARE

DESIGN IS A CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATION Commitment to simplification Besenzoni’s Tender Lift_Electric System is the company’s commitment to simplifying and making boating more eco-friendly.

The manufacturer has developed both the structural and aesthetics, inserting carbon parts, which, in addition to the technical benefits – lightness, solidity and less maintenance – gives a more modern look.

The product has a lifting capacity of 850kg with further models with higher capacities up to 1200kg planned.

The system has many benefits says Besenzoni, a key one being there is no hydraulic control unit and therefore no oil required, and the system is also lighter with less maintenance required.

The structure is manufactured from electropolished stainless steel with carbon fibre arms - synchronous movement of these is managed by the electrical encoder.

There are two 24V DC electric motors for synchronised control and custom setting of the acceleration and deceleration ramp.

Besenzoni also has a new carbon fibre folding ladder.

The PC 250 is a Passerelle featuring a geometric design that can be installed with a bushing or bracket.

It weighs 11kg allowing it to be easily transported and stowed. It has integrated handles for a secure grip and a stowage bag is available.

The Passerelle has an anti-slip tread made from Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) and is 2.5m in length.

28 | NOVEMBER 2022

Timage’s new boat hook is made from gloss carbon fibre and 316 stainless steel and is designed as a contemporary interpretation of an essential piece of deck equipment.

The boat hook features practical upholstered grip points along the fixed length and there is also a secure fixing bracket system.

The Boat Hook features machined 316-grade stainless steel collars and hook, gloss lacquered carbon fibre tube and hand upholstered waterproof fabric.

A purpose-made wall bracket snaps into place around the collar for securing the boat hook.

The softened return of the hook reduces the risk of injury should the hook be accidentally pointed directly at others on board.

The softened form also avoids damaging or scratching the yacht itself.

A non-marking and

cushioning bump stop ensures that the boat hook not only prevents damage to teak decks when

stood on its end but also provides a contact surface between the boat hook and a hull side - useful when

8 The softened return of the hook reduces the risk of injury

using it to push another vessel away.

DIVING LADDER FOR ALL FOOTWEAR The new compact telescopic dive ladder from Båtsystem – available from C-Quip - has been designed for users wearing all types of footwear.

The DL74 is particularly suitable for divers climbing with their fins still on with its length and width ensuring a safe and comfortable boarding.

Features include a twin telescopic part that folds onto a stern platform when not in use and four anti-slip safety steps The ladder is made of SS316 stainless steel and mirror polished for maximum finish.

The twin telescopic tubes slide into each other, with their diameters of 38, 32, 25 and 19mm respectively.

The ladder can also

8 The new Båtsystem DL74 telescopic dive ladder

be used as a standard swimming ladder. The weight limit of a user is 150kg.

Also newly available from C-Quip are the Acetal Inspection Hatches from Italian based Ceredi.

“These are a huge step up in quality from the standard ABS / plastic inspection hatches used throughout the marine industry, but without going as far as aluminium,”

explained Ian Cooke, C-Quip MD. “They benefit from being immensely stronger and watertight.”

The hatches are manufactured from acetal which cannot be attacked by external agents within the marine environment and

is free from oxidation.

The hatches can be walked on and are watertight; they are leak tested at 14KPa. They are available in various sizes and colours.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

DECK HARDWARE

8 Barton Marine’s SkyLock Blocks

NEW FLUSH DECK PLATES Barton Marine’s XL SkyLock Block builds upon the company’s original selflocking block found in the Barton SkyDock storage system.

The XL is engineered for a SWL of 1000kg and a maximum line diameter of 10mm, making it suitable and safe for lifting tasks in both the leisure and commercial marine environments. It is manufactured from 316 stainless steel with GRP reinforced nylon side plates

with a self-locking cam action built in for peace of mind when handling heavy items.

Barton has also developed new Flush Mount Deck Plates with screw in fixing eyes.

The plates are manufactured using polished 316 grade stainless steel and are available in three sizes - M8, M10 and M12.

They are designed to remove trip hazards on a deck and with the

temporary fixing eye in place, a multitude of uses are possible including fixing deck mounted boarding ladders, boat tie downs, flags, and stand-up blocks, as well as securing life rafts and diving tanks into position. A sealed internal thread prevents water ingress under the hull.

The deck plates have a safe working load of 2500kg.

8 The plates are manufactured using polished 316 grade stainless steel

NEW SPINLOCK POWERJAMMERS Spinlock has unveiled a range of jammers suitable for loads of up to 4,000 kg.

The company has created the ZXB Powerjammer with technology used in the aerospace industry to reduce size and weight by 40% with no reduction in performance.

Available in black or silver and suitable for line sizes 8mm to 12mm, the ZXB0812 Powerjammer will handle loads of up to 3,000kg.

The jammer has a

low profile body, low pull through friction and lightweight, ceramic jaws making it resistant to heat and abrasion. It also has clip-on jaw grips for easy replacement and a toggle and button latching mechanism instead of a traditional exposed handle.

The new ZS Alloy Powerjammer for high loads comes in three rope

sizes – 8-10mm, 12-14mm and 16-18mm – for loads up to 1,500kg, 2,200kg and 4,000 kg respectively. The winch-controlled jaws have been digitally modelled to grip rope securely with a ceramic option for blended covered ropes.

Bespoke options include handle printing, bonding and various custom finishes.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

NOVEMBER 2022 | 29

DECK HARDWARE

New Fairlead from Osculati

8 The Crab fairlead acts as a temporary lock

8 Osculati’s Mr Fantastic extendable bow roller

Two of Oscualti’s latest products are a Crab Fairlead with cam cleat and its Mr Fantastic extendable anchor roller.

The Crab fairlead acts as a temporary lock that is particularly suitable for use with capstans and winches.

It is a mirror-polished AIS316 stainless steel fairlead with a highstrength instant blocking system for mooring lines.

It has an integrated handle making it possible to lock and release the mooring lines with a simple movement.

The fairlead is suitable for ropes from 20 to 30mm in diameter and is installed on a deck using highstrength hidden screws.

The extendable roller has been designed to be used with a vertical bow.

It is also made of mirrorpolished stainless steel and is ideal for Bruce anchors weighing from 7.5 to 15kg.

It is fitted with a gas spring system that keeps the anchor off the box before it is cast.

At the same time, a tilting movement lets the anchor drop automatically while keeping it at a safe distance from the bow. The roller has a 20cm extension stroke and is available in two versions – for anchors of 7.5 to 10kg and for those weighing 10 – 15kg.

30 | NOVEMBER 2022

NEW TRADITIONAL FOOT BLOCKS Davey & Co, known for manufacturing traditional boat fittings, is launching a range of foot blocks for the 2023 season.

The blocks are manufactured with polished brass cheek plates with gunmetal up stands and cams.

“These more modern blocks, will now, no longer look out of place on a traditional boat,” explained John Murray, Davey & Co general manager.

The blocks are available in two sizes - 50mm and 65mm - with a locking and

free running version and are suitable for a range of applications.

“More and more traditional sailors are using furlers, whether Wykeham Martins, or similar, so these will be ideal for furling lines, for example,” added John.

8 Davey & Co’s new blocks are available in two sizes

ALLEN UNVEILS NEW BLOCK RANGES sheave and side load ball bearings to cater for any offcentre loading and minimise friction further.

They are ideal for highly loaded lines which can run at great speeds, for example, a spinnaker turning pulley on a sports boat such as a Cape31, J70 or Melges 32. Other uses of roller bearings include mainsheet blocks, runner systems, halyard turning blocks, jib sheet blocks and highly loaded control lines.

Sailing hardware company, Allen, has unveiled a new range of blocks.

The High Roller, a ‘high performance block for high stakes sailing’, is the company’s first foray into roller (needle) bearing

8 Allen’s new High Roller

blocks. Currently available in 40mm and 60mm sheave sizes, the blocks feature a two-stage system with caged roller bearings to take the main loads of the

TiiTAN The latest model to join Allen’s XHL block range is the TiiTAN which, at 28g, is marketed as the lightest 30mm ball bearing pulley available.

Suitable for a range of vessels including high-

NEW CLEAT FOR SMALL LINES Clamcleat’s latest cleat is designed to hold very small lines from 1-3mm at high loads.

It has been designed around Clamcleat’s four tooth design and allows one end of the cleat to be attached using a bar or strip shackle, carbine hook or rope. The CL282 Micros Tie down cleat has been developed to be easy to rig

and adjust, with applications including tie-downs, dinghy and canoe control lines, sunshades and adjustable tensioners.

“The cleat was developed after a request by a visitor to our stand at the 2021 Metstrade show who was

unable to solve a problem they had with adjusting very small lines quickly and efficiently without using a much larger cleat,” explained Paul Botterill, Clamcleats business development manager.

The cleat is manufactured using at least 25% recycled material and is available in either black or white.

performance dinghies, foiling dinghies, sports boats and grand prix yachts, the block features ceramic ball bearings in a speciallydesigned V profile which allows for the use of even small lines and enables fast running without weakening the working load of the line.

A key feature within the bearing system is the use of a precision plain bearing washer. When the TiiTAN is exposed to extreme static loads it changes to a plain bearing block, preventing damage.

Flip flop blocks Finally, Allen has added a new 40mm flip flop block range suitable for maximum working loads of up to 150kg.

Ideal for use on many different classes of boats and in a wide range of applications such as a Dinghy jib sheet cleat or keelboat backstay system, the cam cleat versions feature two locations to install the dynamic sheave while a clevis pin holds the main flip flop body to the backing plate.

The backing plate has fixing hole centres of 60.3mm, making the range easily interchangeable with existing products on the market.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

The recent Hurricane Ian that hit Florida has sent a timely reminder to boat owners that the wind does blow and to make sure that they have wind cover on their insurance.

That’s the warning from Mike Wimbridge, Pantaenius UK MD who says that the availability of cover has taken another dip with insurers having less appetite than before the latest storms, with more pressure on an insurance market that’s only a few years out from the catastrophe of the last storms.

“If you’re uninsured for that amount of wind, it could be fairly catastrophic and the claims could be robust,” said Mike. “It could affect some people’s decisions as to where they will keep their boat.”

Another issue affecting the insurance industry is the number of continued fires on board, many of which have been put down to the installation of lithium batteries.

“It’s relatively new technology and people need to treat it appropriately,” explained Mike. “If batteries are being replaced, everything needs to be upgraded to take account of the new technology onboard.

“This is affecting the market quite a bit.”

And Mike emphasised that the insurer should always be told about any changes or upgrades to a boat.

“Lithium is not always the problem, but the systems need to be robust to deal with it and some insurers have written this into their policies.”

He added: “Fires do affect insurers attitudes, along with the size and type of boat.

“One main insurer is reviewing what they’re underwriting; risks are coming into the market.”

32 | NOVEMBER 2022

BOAT FINANCE START-UP MOVES CLOSER TO LAUNCH Fintech start-up SALT recently opened its latest seed funding round to take a step closer to launching on the boat finance market.

This seed round will support SALT in ongoing investment in the tech whilst covering operational costs to get started. ”A lack of choice of funders, slow turn around times and an archaic process meant there was room to do things better, and that’s what we are building at SALT,” said Joe Dalton founder and CEO, SALT. “I love sailing and I know finance, so my way of helping the industry is to bring a 21st finance offering to the market, helping more people enjoy a love of being on the water.”

Digital offering SALT’s digital platform provides loans to consumers for them to buy leisure boats.

The SALT app removes the need for customers

Credit: SALT

Reminder to boat owners

to provide continual information, speeding up processing and delivering real-time progress tracking.

Of interest to boat dealers and brokers is the ability to track a mutual customers finance application from quote to completion.

All boat documentation and invoices can be

uploaded to the platform making SALT a sales tool to help brokers sell boats more efficiently.

In the future, SALT aims to be a one-stop-shop of services for consumers buying boats with the incorporation of further services such as surveys, insurance, marinas etc.

8 SALT aims to be a onestop-shop of services for consumers buying boats

The funding round is open with 50% of the objective having already been secured. The company remains open to discussions with people interested in backing the start-up.

CONTINUED GROWTH FOR UNDERWRITER 2022 has seen continued growth at Stoneways Marine, including opening a new dedicated underwriting centre in Parkstone, Poole, Dorset.

With insurance becoming ever more automated and dehumanised, the Stoneways Marine says its team wanted to break the trend and ensure that boat owners and businesses in the UK marine trade sector who prefer to discuss their insurance with a human, have easy access to their consultants.

They are making a move to prioritise customer service with direct phone access to an expert, and welcome anyone requiring insurance to pop into the office.

Following acquisitions

in 2021, Stoneways has building a wider client base in both the boat and marine trade insurance businesses.

The insurance provider

has introduced a new insurance admin system developed by Paracode and can now provide marine trade insurance quotes

8 Stoneways Marine has opened an underwriting centre in Poole

for small to medium sized businesses in minutes.

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

PEOPLE: MOVEMENTS

John Navarro Barton Marine

Tom Dowdell

Williams Jet Tenders

Peter Bambury Fischer Panda

John Navarro is to take on the newly created role of chief operating officer for the Barton Marine American division.

Barton opened its US business unit two years’ ago and John will help to capitalise on opportunities present in both the marine and industrial markets and drive the business forward in its next phase of development in both North and South America.

John joins Barton having spent the last five years working at CWR Wholesale Distribution, helping to build the marine and RV marketspace. He previously spent 17 years as a flight paramedic and hazardous materials specialist.

“He will be a hugely valuable team member heading up the business, driving sales and customer relations forward,” said Suzanne Blaustone, Barton CEO. “It’s a very exciting time, as the team expands, allowing all of us to concentrate on delivering the best products and providing the highest levels of service to our customers.”

John added: “The chance to introduce children and young adults to the sport of sailing as part of my role is going to be something I accept as a personal challenge.”

Tom Dowdell has been appointed as head of marketing within the commercial team for Williams Jet Tenders.

Tom has previously worked across the furniture, hospitality and property sectors, building brands and developing their digital presence.

“Since the first conversation with Williams, I was hugely excited by this opportunity, and knew it was the right place for me,” said Tom. “The growth they have experienced to date speaks for itself, and the potential to continue this on an even bigger scale is there in abundance.”

This year Williams has unveiled its newlook Dieseljet models and now offers 16 models across five ranges.

Fischer Panda UK has appointed Peter Bambury as sales executive for its marine division.

Peter’s professional marine career has included roles working on private and commercially operated superyachts as a professional seafarer. In more recent years moving ashore, roles in the leisure marine sector have covered wholesale distribution and specialist coatings and composites.

In his new role, Peter will work alongside Fisher Panda’s sales team and continue to build on the relationships that the company has with its B2B and B2C marine customers.

“It’s an exciting time for Fischer Panda with an interesting shift in buying behaviours from its traditional customer base who are switching more towards retrofits and upgrades,” he said. “I am looking forward to working alongside the sales team and developing new relationships with Fischer Panda’s valued customers.”

For the latest news and analysis go to www.boatingbusiness.com

Mat Belcher Zhik

Robert Steen Kledal Survitec

Paul Atkins

St Katharine Docks

Australian Olympic sailor Mat Belcher OAM is stepping up from his role as Zhik’s board director to take over as CEO for the company.

The appointment comes as Mat officially retires from the Olympic sailing circuit and his involvement with the Australian Sailing Team.

Mat has two Olympic Golds, one Silver medal, ten World Championship titles and the 2013 Rolex World Male Sailor of Year to his name.

In the previous five years, whilst campaigning for the Olympics, he completed a double Masters degree and has been involved in several entrepreneurial business projects.

“I have known the team at Zhik for quite some time with my involvement in the brand spanning over 17 years, from an original Zhik team athlete to then transition on to the Zhik board in recent years,” said Mat. “This time has enabled me to develop a good understanding of the business and the complex market environment. To be in a position to guide Zhik’s future with the team we have is a privilege for me.”

Survitec has appointed Robert Steen Kledal as the company’s new CEO, responsible for setting the company’s strategic direction.

He will lead the Survitec executive team and sit on the survival technology company’s board.

At the start of the year, Survitec launched a new organisational structure with increased levels of customer centricity and agility the focus.

Robert will continue this work, with a key focus being Survitec’s 3,000 strong workforce, ensuring they feel connected to the Survitec purpose, ‘We Exist to Protect Lives’.

Robert has more than 30 years of experience in executive level roles on a global scale, with experience spanning the maritime and defence industries.

He was CEO at Wrist Ship Supply, ship and offshore supplier of provisions and stores, for more than nine years.

He has also spent 21 years at MoellerMaersk Group and served in the Danish Army as a Sergeant.

St. Katharine Docks has appointed a new marina general manager.

Paul Atkins has worked within the marina sector for the past 18 years, most recently as marina manager at MDL’s Ocean Village in Southampton.

“It is a fabulous marina in such a prestigious location, I’m delighted to be joining the hard-working team here at St Katharine Docks Marina,” he said.

St Katharine Docks is central London’s only marina and was opened in 1828, designed by Thomas Telford.

NOVEMBER 2022 | 33

PROFILE

Robert Parton

Founder and owner of Aqueduct Marina

Robert Parton comes from a long line of Cheshire dairy farmers, taking over the running of the family farm when he was just 25 after the sudden death of his father.

During the next nine years as the farming economics got tougher, the amount of milk produced on the farm doubled however the milk price per litre at one point nearly halved.

That was alongside dealing with milk quotas, nitrate vulnerable zones, and ever more complicated farm support programs.

Then one day, the seed for turning the farm into an inland marina was sewn by a local canal engineer who was repairing a local lock and suggested the farm would be a great location for a canal marina.

This was around the same time Robert took part in a farming trip looking at large modern dairy farms in Wisconsin, America.

“The gradual realisation that UK dairy farming economics would be unlikely to be viable at the home farm, made the idea of a new marina more attractive,” he said.

In 2004, the decision was made to stop dairy farming, lay off four staff, one of whom had been working for the Parton family for more than 30 years, sell the herd and farm equipment, then chase the vision of a new inland marina and in 2005 Robert’s marine career began when the first two canal boats arrived for dry storage.

Credit crunch The vision was to open a 150-berth marina together with a 30-boat storage yard, café and eight workshops and five years later in February 2009 after an ‘interesting journey’ of planning, obtaining funding

34 | NOVEMBER 2022

during the credit crunch to pay for the construction, Aqueduct Marina was born.

During these five years, Robert kept himself busy by also working at the local Agricultural College as an instructor, helped on a couple of local dairy farms as they prepared for their herd sales, converted a farm workers cottage into a selfcatering holiday cottage, founded and then sold an agricultural machinery hire business.

“The key focus initially was to get it built on or close to budget and operating smoothly, which we achieved.”

The business has now developed into a fully integrated inland marina with a full range of support services including brokerage, boat building, café, caravan site, chandlery, engineering and fabrication, alongside painting services, all to complement the boat storage yard and moorings.

In addition, the storage yard can now hold more than 70 boats and four additional workshops have been built.

The equivalent of around 30 full time employees are employed with team leaders operating the main departments.

And Robert has plans to keep growing and improving the marina alongside the operations team.

Developing And he says the most rewarding part of his career has been meeting new people and developing the marina team.

The challenging part has

8 Robert’s vision was to open a 150-berth marina

been the seven-day-a-week nature of the business and living on site where he’s always on hand.

And he says this has led to some important lessons being learnt over the years.

“The main one I have found is that the more I

delegate the better the business runs.”

He adds: “In 2017 we formed a more formal board of directors, promoting a young ambitious member of the staff to the board as chief operations officer who sits on the board as director.

“We appointed a nonexecutive director to be a challenge and sense check, and as a family business we have also brought our two daughters onto the board.

“Along with Andrea, my wife, we also have a 16-year-old son who is increasingly busy on the boat yard.”

And while it’s mostly been a positive career, Robert says one of his lowest times when also one of the most frightening moments.

“It was a Friday morning four years’ ago when the canal locally to us breached and the water level in the marina was dropping.

“Fortunately, the outflow was stopped just before it became critical.”

And he contends that the inland marine is a great sector to be in with some great people and business locations but adds a note of caution that ‘building meaningful relationships and a reputation takes time and effort, so you must stick at it for many years.’

But he suggests: “Try and enjoy it.”

And when he’s not working on marina operations, he likes to give back to the industry and community – to name a few, he’s now President Elect of British Marine, he’s on the TYHA Council and has formerly served as a school governor and is a member of the Village Hall working group.

Any down time is filled with his numerous hobbies including golf, Park Run, Pilates, watching Man United, and if possible, going skiing.

8 Robert’s marine career began in 2005

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