Daily News 3 | METSTRADE 2024 - 21 November

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THURSDAY 21 NOVEMBER

Boat Builder Awards honours achievements across four continents

This year’s 10th anniversary Boat Builder Awards saw Gulf Craft’s Mohammed Hussein AlShaali honoured for Lifetime Achievement, IMPACD Yachts founder Marieke de Boer named as 2024 Rising Star, the Jakopin brothers commended as Designers of the Year, and boatbuilding companies and their supply chain partners from 15 countries celebrated for their striking achievements.

The Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement is jointly organised by IBI and METSTRADE and held in association with long-standing partner, Raymarine. This year 97 nominations were accepted for final consideration across 11 categories that reflect key industry priorities – innovation, customer growth, sustainability, and people and skills. A total of 31 companies were shortlisted as finalists, with 11 winners and three honourable mentions named at last night’s spectacular dinner and awards ceremony.

Amsterdam Maritime Museum’s starlit covered courtyard was once again the scene of much celebration as new history was made amongst the old. Guests were taken on a culinary and visual journey through several centuries of maritime and cultural development as they applauded winners of every size of business, from start-ups to multinationals and every generation from apprentices to those with four decades of service to the industry.

The full list of winners, honourable mentions and finalists, together with judges’ comments, can be viewed on the Boat Builder Awards website at www. ibinews.com/bba2024

IBI editor in chief and chair of the Boat Builder Awards judges, Ed Slack, commented: “It hardly seems possible that we have already just celebrated a decade of the Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement. We launched this initiative with METSTRADE in 2015, sharing the belief that individuals and companies within the global yacht construction sector deserved greater recognition for their advances and achievements.

“Over the last 10 years the awards have charted the industry’s increasing sophistication, Covid

resilience and energetic post-pandemic response. Moving into the mid 2020s things are changing again. This year’s awards have thrown a spotlight on how the industry is finding brilliantly innovative ways to improve sustainability, meet changing customer demographics and expand its talent pool.”

METSTRADE director Niels Klarenbeek continues: “The Boat Builder Awards has quickly become a key component of METSTRADE’s expansive programme. The health of the entire marine industry relies on a successful yacht construction and refit sector. Teams from all the major boat and superyacht shipyards around the world have, once again, been hard at work this year, amidst METSTRADE’s nearly 1,600 exhibitors, discovering, researching, and purchasing the products that will contribute to their next successful launches.

“The Boat Builder Awards offers METSTRADE and IBI a fantastic opportunity to give back to this invaluable part of our maritime community. Each year, we pause from our busy schedules to recognise often uncelebrated individual and company achievements, turning them into high-profile life memories, permanently etched into the blueprints of our industry. Our congratulations go to the winners and finalists of this year’s special edition of the Boat Builder Awards.”

Gulf Craft’s Mohammed Hussein AlShaali
The METSTRADE Daily News is brought to you by the editorial team of IBI News under the editorial responsibility of IBI. Do you have news

BOAT BUILDER AWARDS

BREAKTHROUGH LAUNCH OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by High Pressure Watermakers

WINNER: Sunseeker International – Ocean 156

Judges’ summary – the large motor yacht segment is seeing bold developments in living spaces and hull design that would have been unthinkable not long ago. Our three finalists all represent brilliant examples of a change of shift for their respective manufacturers. In the end the Ocean 156 was named as representing the biggest breakthrough of this trio in terms of its potential to attract a different range of owners to the Sunseeker badge.

Finalist: Azimut Yachts – Seadeck Series yachts

Finalist: Pearl Yachts – Pearl 82

INNOVATIVE DESIGN SOLUTION

Sponsored by Fusion

WINNER: Faro Boats – Powerdock

Judges’ summary – a difficult decision for the judges with truly impressive layout features from Azimut and WiderCat and plenty of innovative ideas on the multirole B-Craft Akoya. But the judges kept returning to the Powerdock, liking the way it complemented infrastructure requirements for smaller electric boats and how it would work particularly well in warmer climates to preserve the boat and minimise the need for cleaning.

Finalist: Azimut Yachts – Fly 62 Beach Cockpit

Finalist: B-Craft – Akoya multi-use design features

Finalist: WiderCat – WiderCat 92 seamless interior and exterior layout

COLLABORATIVE SOLUTION BETWEEN A BUILDER AND ITS SUPPLY CHAIN PARTNER

WINNER: Azimut and Volvo Penta – IPS Drive hybrid system

Judges’ summary – In this pilot project, AzimutBenetti’s R&D department worked closely together with Volvo Penta to introduce the first ever hybridelectric version of the IPS Drive on Azimut’s new Seadeck 7. Trials have continued through 2024 to optimise the installation. The Seadeck 7 can cruise in pure electric mode up to 11 knots and anchor with zero emissions for up to 12 hours.

Honourable Mention: Cantiere del Pardo and NLComp – Grand Soleil Blue

Honourable Mention: Sanlorenzo and Siemens

Reformer – green methanol to hydrogen fuel cell system

Finalist: Zerojet and Prestol Composites – Spark Boat electric tender

RETAIL MARKETING INITIATIVE

WINNER: Manitou by BRP – Kirk Cousins Campaign

Judges’ summary – the North American pontoon market is highly competitive, and market differentiators are important. The Boat Builder Awards recognised Manitou in 2022 for lifting its boats out of the crowd through innovative design features, but this marketing campaign adds another facet. Drawing a strong connection with NFL Quarterback, Kirk Cousins has tangibly raised the profile of the business – the camera work and natural enjoyment of the Cousins family is great at selling boating too.

Finalist: Brunswick EU Venture Group – rapid response digital campaign

Finalist: Simpson Marine Group – marketing initiatives

SUSTAINABILITY PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Sponsored by ePropulsion Technology

WINNER: Williams Jet Tenders –sustainability programme

Judges’ summary – Each of the finalists in this category have influential projects of great merit and it was not an easy decision to pick one over

the others. After much debate, the judges decided to highlight Williams Jet Tenders’ multi-faceted efforts to reduce its environmental impact. We particularly applauded the establishment by this 140-employee business of a well-crafted annual sustainability report and its commencement of full life cycle assessments for its models.

Honourable Mention: Sunreef Yachts – structural foam from recycled PET bottles

Finalist: Beneteau Group – Island Cruising Concept

Finalist: ICOMIA – Propelling Our Future initiative

ECO-FOCUSED BOAT OF THE YEAR – UNDER 10M LOA

WINNER: De Antonio Yachts – E23

Judges’ summary – De Antonio Yachts has cleverly taken design themes from the larger monohull models in its range, but the E23 is in fact a foil-assisted electric outboard powered catamaran, the first in this company’s history. It enjoyed a high-profile launch thanks to being selected as the official electric boat of the recent America’s Cup. De Antonio has now entered series production with this model.

Finalist: IMPACD Boats – IMPACD 680

Finalist: Riva – El-Iseo

ECO-FOCUSED BOAT OF THE YEAR – OVER 10M LOA

Sponsored by JL Audio

WINNER: Beneteau Group – Island Cruising Concept

Judges’ summary – What boat would you design if you created it to match peoples’ real world boating

METSTRADE FEATURES

HEADLINE PARTNER
Last night’s spectacular awards ceremony was held at the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam

AWARDS 2024 WINNERS

experiences? This is precisely the way in which Beneteau created its Island Cruising Concept, drawing on a lot of data from boat users over the summer and letting that inform a design that meets their most likely needs and usage habits. The result is very different to the yachts that many are using today and thought-provoking for Beneteau and the wider industry.

Finalist: HanseYachts – Hanse 410

Finalist: Greenline Yachts – Greenline 58

DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

WINNER: Japec and Jernej Jakopin, co-founders, J&J Design

Judges’ summary – Japec and Jernej Jakopin have been a major force in the world of design and boat production since 1983. Their company, J&J Design, has been involved with close to 400 projects from 70 boatbuilders across 30 countries, resulting in the production of 75,000 boats and yachts from 10m-150m in length. Today its office has 24 naval architects, designers and engineers, and operates a tooling, milling and prototyping operation with 45 technicians and two 20m milling machines.

While our Designers of the Year have received credit for many innovative projects, they have also had significant behind-the-scenes input on other production boats. Japec and Jernej have deep hands-on knowledge of all elements of boat production and were early pioneers in carbon epoxy and hybrid power technologies. The judges are pleased to honour the Jakopin brothers for their remarkable career and influence across a wide part of the boatbuilding industry.

PEOPLE AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT

WINNER: Riviera Australia – Academy of Excellence

Judges’ summary – Riviera’s dedication to training the next generation of boat builders is obvious. One-sixth of the company’s 900 workers are apprentices who are now supported by a first-class onsite Academy of Excellence teaching multiple trades and supporting personal development. By any measure this is an impressive programme and an exemplar for boat builders across the world.

Finalist: Marine and Specialised Training Academy (MAST)

Finalist: Williams Jet Tenders – apprenticeship scheme

RISING STAR

Sponsored by Lumishore

Marieke de Boer, founder, IMPACD Yachts

Judges’ summary – Less than four years ago Marieke de Boer left a safe job within the fastmoving consumer goods sector for the uncertainty of becoming a boat builder with a mission to use sustainable but unproven manufacturing techniques and materials. The company she founded has gone on to create a complete range of electrically powered 3D printed motor launches between 4.7m and 6.8m. Around 45 boats have rolled off this future-focused production line so far, establishing viability and market acceptance for something completely new to boat buyers. Marieke is a passionate believer in sustainable manufacturing. She shares her knowledge with enthusiasm and has spoken at many marine and wider industry events and since 2021 has guided around 40 university students on their research into life cycle assessments and recycled plastics. This must surely be just the start of a very impressive journey for this personable and determined sustainable boat building advocate.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Sponsored by Sleipner Group

Mohammed Hussein AlShaali –Gulf Craft

Judges’ summary – Born in Ajman, UAE in 1950, Mohammed AlShaali has been widely recognised all around the world as an inspirational businessman who has greatly influenced the adoption of recreational boating as a popular pastime in his home region. He is also a retired diplomat with more than 35 years of experience in international relations, who served as his country’s Ambassador in New York, Washington, Geneva, Canada and Mexico, and as Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Coming from a long line of seafarers, fishermen, and pearl divers, the ocean is deeply embedded in Mohammed AlShaali’s DNA. Driven by a lifelong passion for boating, he co-founded Gulf Craft back in 1982, introducing more affordable leisure

boating to his country, initially through building small sports fishing boats. His business expanded greatly over the four decades since, growing into one of the world’s top 15 yacht manufacturers, specialising in luxury superyachts. His leadership steered the business through numerous challenges, including the political turmoil of the 1980s, the 2007 recession, and the pandemic.

Today, Gulf Craft operates a fully integrated design and production facility across three strategically located shipyards, manufacturing boats and yachts ranging from 31ft-175ft. Over the past 42 years, it has delivered more than 12,000 vessels worldwide.

Mohammed AlShaali continues to work fulltime and maintains personal relationships with customers, fostering deep loyalty to his company’s brand. He is a true mentor, sharing his four decades of boat-building expertise with Gulf Craft’s employees. He also champions workplace diversity, with employees from 32 different nationalities. Each team member is encouraged to develop their skills, take on leadership roles, and, most importantly, have their voice heard.

The judges were unanimous in their decision to select Mohammed AlShaali as the 10th name on our incredible roll call of Boat Builder Awards Lifetime Achievement recipients.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT PREVIOUS RECIPIENTS

• Paolo Vitelli, Azimut Benetti (2015)

• Robert Braithwaite, CBE, Sunseeker International (2016)

• David King, Princess Yachts (2017)

• Annette Roux, Beneteau Group (2018)

• Robert T Healey Sr and William J Healey, Viking Yachts (2019)

• Christoph Rass, Hallberg-Rassy (2020)

• Leon Slikkers, Slickcraft, S2, Tiara and Pursuit (2021)

• John Lu, Horizon Yachts (2022)

• Massimo Perotti, Sanlorenzo (2023)

ORGANISED

Propspeed announces supply agreement with Nautor Swan

Antifouling coating to be supplied as standard equipment on all MY2025 Swan Arrow product

Auckland, New Zealand-based coatings manufacturer Propspeed announced on Tuesday that it has reached a supply agreement with Finnish yacht manufacturer Nautor Swan to provide

its biocide-free antifouling coating as standard equipment for the propellers and running gear on all Swan Arrow units.

“Nautor Swan has a rich history of crafting iconic yachts that embody luxury and performance,” said Propspeed CEO, Marcus Hamilton. “They are renowned for selecting only the highest quality

The Young Professionals Club Tour goes Dutch

The Young Professionals Lounge and Career Zone, sponsored by Marine Resources, is available to all METSTRADE exhibitors and visitors under the age of 35. It offers unique opportunities to network and receive guidance on career development and anything else to do with the marine leisure industry.

In addition to a busy programme of presentations Young Professionals can participate in METSTRADE tours to fast track their way into understanding the

show while meeting with companies and individuals along the way. On Wednesday the tour attracted a group of 20 who spent an engaging hour and a half visiting with Holland Yachting Group members in the Super Yacht Pavilion. Companies visited included Balk Shipyard, RH Marine, Huisfit, Rondal, Esthec, Bolidt, Royal van de leun, Zenoro, Veth and Radio Holland.

Tour leader, Kim Hollamby, stated: “The Young Professionals Club was first formed with

Propspeed’s new supply agreement will see its antifouling coating included as standard for the propellers and running gear on Swan Arrow product

components and materials in their yachts, so we are honoured to have earned their trust. We are confident that new owners will be thrilled with the performance of Propspeed.”

The boatbuilder says it was attracted by Propspeed’s sustainable benefits, including reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and extended anode life to reduce heavy metal impact.

“We were eager to explore the benefits of Propspeed’s product line and how it can enhance our customers’ experiences,” said Nautor Swan power boats chief technical and operations officer, Fabio Marcellino. “Our goal is to uphold a standard of excellence for all our customers, and Propspeed plays a key role in guaranteeing this level of quality for our power boats. We appreciate Propspeed’s contribution in protecting our customers’ investments and improving the performance of these exceptional vessels.”

commendable foresight by METSTRADE long before the industry started talking about the pressing need for talent recruitment, progression and retention. It’s good to see the YPC thriving with its busiest yet programme in 2024.

“I remember the support I enjoyed when first entering the industry and know how invaluable it is for us all to embrace our up-and-coming talented young people. I was not the kind of person just to walk up to people and without older mentors breaking the ice for me I might not have progressed.

“For some years now it’s been my privilege to be involved in the Young Professionals Club, as a voluntary tour leader. It’s been great to observe the progress of young people I have met along the way and to learn from them also as we walk the floors and chat with exhibitors and visitors. The sheer scale of METSTRADE can be quite daunting, so any initiative that helps to forge connections with our large leisure marine family is hopefully going to make our industry feel more accessible and a great sector in which to build a career.”

Rientz Willem Bol (right), CEO at Bolidt, answering the questions of Young Professionals Club members who visited his stand on the Holland Yachting Tour yesterday

WRF launches industry-wide green gauge tool for superyachts

The Amsterdam-based Water Revolution Foundation has launched a software tool that lets the superyacht sector get a handle on its ecological footprint, a remarkable initiative to nudge the industry into more sustainability.

WRF executive director Robert van Tol and technical director Hanna Dabrowska presented the Yacht Environmental Transparency Index (YETI) in the Elicium on Wednesday. In recent weeks, they briefed industry leaders on the software that comes in Lite and Pro versions and is available on a web-based platform developed by the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands.

YETI Lite is a free, open-source, entry-level tool to help non-technical users understand their yacht’s environmental footprint. It provides estimated performance scores with up to 90% accuracy based on gross tonnage and hull length. Yeti Lite is an informational tool that is unsuited to making official performance claims.

YETI Pro, however, is a comprehensive assessment tool for technical professionals, offering an in-depth analysis based on the ‘well-to-wake’ impact of energy carriers. Its dashboard shows assessments that users can explore and test solutions for reducing environmental impact. This version achieves higher accuracy

than YETI Lite and includes third-party verification options for official scores.

The WRF has released teasers at marine shows in the past five years to keep the sector current on its YETI work. Its initiator is Bram Jongepier, senior designer at Feadship-De Voogt Naval Architects.

CHALKING UP HIS 30TH METSTRADE and counting, industry veteran Richard Chapman (left) of HyDrive Engineering and Coursemaster was all smiles (and macarons!) yesterday reflecting on the strides HyDrive and the Australian industry has made since his inaugural METSTRADE back in the 1990s. It was that initial visit that encouraged Richard to co-found the Australian International Marine Export group (AIMEX): “We realised that you needed to go as a group to METSTRADE to get the maximum impact, otherwise you can get lost at a show as big as METSTRADE!” There are more than 20 Australian companies currently exhibiting in the Australian Pavilion in Hall 3

Alliance Marine Group unveils new brand

Alliance Marine Group, the European B2B distributor of boat parts and equipment, is debuting its new Crosseven brand at METSTRADE, reaffirming its ambition to provide customers with a genuine ‘onestop-shop’ solution. The launch of Crosseven meets the need for a range of essential boat maintenance products with what AMG says it the most competitive quality/price ratio on the market. The first products available to the industry are on display in Hall 5 (Stand 05.141), including anodes, spray paints, boat covers, antifouling and more.

The YETI software tool helps users understand their yacht’s ecological footprint

ULTRA QUIET DC OPERATION

Blue Water Desalination’s NEW! Voyager watermakers feature a smooth and nearly silent dual piston energy recovery pump to produce 16 or 25 gallons of pure water per hour (60 or 95 litres per hour). The system was engineered for cruising yachts which rely solely on DC power while away from the dock. Automatic operation and an automatic fresh water flush make the Voyager a perfect fit for both owner-operators and charter yachts.

• Fully automatic operation

• Near silent pump system

• Available in 12V, 24V, 48V DC

Propelling Our Future – the tipping point of different propulsion systems

New ICOMIA-NMMA data presented on METSTRADE Theatre stage quantifies the relative sustainability of different propulsion platforms

International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) president Darren Vaux and National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) CEO Frank Hugelmeyer delivered an engaging update on the METSTRADE Theatre stage Tuesday afternoon on the emerging technologies and sustainability campaign that was unveiled at the 2023 METSTRADE, and presented all-new data that they say helps understand the tipping points of when different propulsion technologies can actually help reduce carbon emissions.

Their Propelling Our Future presentation noted that over the full life of several different types of recreational vessels, the use of drop-in sustainable fuels represented an immediate opportunity to realise greenhouse gas emission reductions of up to 60%

“We looked at nine different boat types and five different propulsion types, which meant that we did 45 full cradle-to-grave life cycle analysis studies

to measure the full impact of different propulsion types,” explained Vaux. “Sustainable fuels without question have the greatest impact in terms of reducing our carbon footprint.”

Hugelmeyer noted that engine manufacturer data confirms average annual use for a variety of watercraft, helping to establish a benchmark for comparing the relative impacts of different fuel types. “We have very firm data in terms of usage, and we have very firm data in terms of vessel average lifespan. Combined, they represent the basis of where the tipping point would be for that particular usage.”

Presenting a displacement motorboat as an example, they said the use of drop-in replaceable fuels was calculated to deliver an immediate 40% reduction in GHG emissions. With an average annual utilisation of 48 hours and an average lifespan of 45 years, a hydrogen propulsion system in the same boat would require a 490% increase in usage to achieve the same cradle-to-grave environmental impact as sustainable fuels, while a fully electric propulsion would require a 595% increase in usage to achieve the same impact.

Hugelmeyer cautioned that meeting environmental targets requires a multi-pronged approach, however, and that the industry should not focus on any one technology. While sustainable fuels might represent the best option today, engineering advancements could come to represent even more attractive options.

“The point is, we can’t have policymakers legislating into any one particular window,” he said. “We don’t want to close off any of these pathways for innovation within the industry. We want to be able to create, and leave that menu of options open for the innovators and the entrepreneurs.”

Zipwake launches Pro system at METSTRADE

Zipwake took advantage of strong METSTRADE crowds to debut its new Zipwake Pro dynamic trim control system. The new platform brings new features and capabilities to the company’s line of automatic trim control devices.

The Pro product line builds on everything that made the original system a success, but now with a five- times-faster interceptor blade rate that results

METSTRADE FEATURES

in quicker responses, sharper precision, according to the firm.

Additional new features include active pitch control for enhanced stability and manoeuvrability when cutting through head seas or cruising over following seas, along with an active roll control capability that responds more precisely to motions from waves or uneven loads, keeping the boat steady

in all conditions.

“We’ve been established since 2014 and have accumulated many years of expertise in interceptor technology,” said Zipwake AB CEO, Jörgen Holmgren. “We’re now witnessing a technology shift from conventional trim tabs to interceptors, and with the Pro, we’re taking trim control to the next level. We’re thrilled and very proud of our new products.”

Also new on the Pro product is a novel wake shaping function designed to allow wake surfers to use the Zipwake system to shape wakes for perfect surfing conditions.

“We’re passionate about technical advancements for comfortable boating experiences, and with the introduction of Pro we’re taking automatic trim control to the next level,” said Zipwake technical manager Mats Sköld. “What’s more, we’ve managed to do so while keeping the compact design of our systems and the wide range of interceptors. This will not only make PRO suitable for any boat in the 20ft to 100ft class, but will also allow existing Zipwake users to easily upgrade to Pro.”

Frank Hugelmeyer and Darren Vaux on stage
Mats Sköld, technical manager at Zipwake: “We’re taking automatic trim control to the next level”

ELECTRIC DRIVE SYSTEMS

We look forward to welcoming you

Stand: 03.331

Hybrid System

• Power up to 600 kW

• Diesel Power: max 1000 hp

• Boost Power: 2500 hp

• SAE Type: 1 to 4

eptechnologies.dk

Dockmate launches updated DPS at METSTRADE

Second generation DPS said to be faster and easier to install while delivering more intuitive operation

Boortmeerbeek, Belgium-based wireless yacht control system manufacturer Dockmate is using METSTRADE to introduce a redesigned, second generation version of its Dockmate Positioning System (DPS) that it says delivers increased safety, more intuitive operation and easier retrofit to existing controls.

Housed entirely within the existing engine and thruster control, the new Dockmate DPS V2 eliminates the need for a separate DPS receiver, reducing the cost, volume and weight of equipment required at the helm. The simplified system is said to be easier and faster to install, requiring only a short sea trial for calibration.

The V2 platform features two operating modes.

Enabling women to thrive in the marine industry

In a packed presentation moderated by Michele Goldsmith, an audience heard the opinions of key female leaders within the leisure marine sector during the 3rd Women in the Marine Industry International event. Speakers included CEOs of major brands, such as Helena Lennerstedt of stabiliser specialist Humphree and Gabbi Richardson of Yachting

In Ocean Mode, DPS uses the vessel’s engines to keep the boat in its target position and is intended to allow the captain to step away from the helm to tend to mooring lines and fenders before entering a marina. In Precision Mode, DPS uses both the engines and proportional bow and stern thrusters in concert to keep the vessel in its target position and maintaining a precise heading.

“When we released DPS this time last year, we knew we had created functionality that was in high demand by boaters around the world,” said

Dockmate says its second generation DPS V2 eliminates the need for a separate DPS receiver, reducing the volume and cost of hardware installed at the helm

Dockmate president, Dirk Illegems. “That said, it was important to simplify the hardware for a more streamlined installation and manufacturing process. The operation of DPS V2 is exactly the same as the award-winning DPS system, but with a lot fewer parts, reducing complexity and weight. Our customers are going to love it and our installers will appreciate the elegant simplicity of the system.”

Ventures. The key theme was how to increase the number of women actively working in the marine space from the current 3%, mainly by providing more support and a less biased ecosystem. Speakers encouraged companies to explore ways of attracting the talented workers and leaders they need by offering flexible working hours and providing accessible and targeted training courses.

“This is always a well-attended discussion,” Michele Goldsmith said afterwards. “The panel was selected from a wide range of experience, cultures, ages and geographies, and they highlight the positive impact women can have on our sector.” One audience member said the discussion had been hugely uplifting and given her great confidence for the future.

Join World Boating Day

World Boating Day is an international open day, where companies within the leisure boating sectors open their doors in a variety of formats to provide global access into the world of leisure boating with a focus on the people behind the scenes and the lifestyle that boating and yachting provides.

As a global, non-profit celebration, it features local events worldwide on a single date, fostering a deeper understanding of the industry and promoting broad accessibility.

Initiated by The Superyacht Life Foundation, World Boating Day’s first edition gathered nearly 50 events hosted across the globe on May 25th, 2024. The occasion served as a testament to the universal love for boating and the collective commitment to attract the talent which will carry the future forward.

The doors of exceptional business opened: from private shipyard tours, creative design-your-own-yacht workshop, down to Australia with an overwhelming participation at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show – but also an array of marinas and sailing schools opening the joy of being on and around the water.

HOW TO JOIN

Any company or organisation can join the campaign, tailoring it to their needs. Add your event to the unified banner, and be part of a global promotion.

24 May 2025

Note that any event organised during the week of May 18-25 can be part of the campaign.

Visit www.worldboatingday.com

Meet our team during METSTRADE this week:

Whatsapp Laurie +31 6 43289909 or Dilan +31 6 43143881 to discuss further.

A year before launch, Project Zero is the gift that keeps giving

“The required energy on board will come from solar and wind power”

Bas Peute, the Vitters Shipyard sales and marketing manager, says Project Zero is the gift that keeps on giving. And will continue to do so in the year before its formal launch in the autumn of 2025, said Peute at METSTRADE. “Until then, we’ll finish the interior and get Project Zero ready for launch. Project Zero is an exceptional ketch.

Designed by Vripack and Dijkstra Naval Architects, it has an LOA of 68.9m (226ft).

It will not have a combustion engine but show the way to unlocking zero-emission energy sources, rethink fundamental issues like energy harvesting, savings, storage and management

and develop new standards in sailing and safety. The required energy on board will come from solar and wind power. Despite its reliance on innovations, the yacht’s first images show an aesthetically pleasing vessel: long overhangs, classic looks, and two powerful rigs. Importantly, Project Zero is an ‘open source’ initiative. Its build and system details are freely shared with everyone. Nothing is kept secret, as is the superyacht sector’s wont.

“The delivery of Project Zero is taking a bit longer than is normally the case,” said Peute at METSTRADE. “That’s because everything is new onboard. Take AC and insulation, for instance. Conventional thinking is to use AC to cool down the boat’s interior. But we think the other way around: no warm air should enter the boat in the first place. The knowledge we gain will be used on new projects.”

Peute says Project Zero is not lighter than a conventional yacht. “It won’t have an engine, but batteries weigh a lot and don’t get any lighter when they run down.”

Project Zero was announced at a design symposium in the margin of the 2022 METSTRADE. Its instigators were ‘impact investors’ allied with the Amsterdam-based Foundation Zero.

Vitters is a boutique yard that sticks to building sailing yachts and will open a new hall in April. The company distinguishes itself through its hands-on approach in a flat organisation where the customer journey is never lost from sight.

METSTRADE FEATURES

Vitters Shipyard is hoping to formally launch Project Zero in autumn 2025

METSTRADE LAUNCHES

rescueME EDF2

The rescueME EDF2 is Ocean Signal’s most advanced eVDSD (Electronic Visual Distress Signalling Device) yet. Combining electronic and optical technologies, it surpasses RTCM (Radio Technical Commission for Maritime Standards) regulations, offering a safe, environmentally friendly, and reusable alternative to pyrotechnic flares. It has a light intensity of over 50cd (candela).

Titanium soft padeyes

Wichard’s new through-deck padeyes are specifically crafted to blend seamlessly with the deck’s surface. Targeted for highend yachts of 50ft and above, they cater to sailing boats prioritising aesthetics and performance and are easy to install and remove. The soft padeye can bear high loads with full 360° load orientation.

Profurl Nex Drum furler

Featuring a modern design, the new Nex Drum furler from Profurl has been designed to furl forward sails such as the staysail, gennaker, or code 0. It is compact, easily fits onto the deck layout, and offers a wide range of end fittings. It comes in three models.

Stand 05.441

Stand 03.432

Scanstrut TILE Series

Stand 05.441

Infinity performance recharger

Seabird 400X outboard

The Seabird 400X electric outboard from Seabird Technologies is designed to set new standards in marine propulsion. Combining sleek ergonomics with near-silent high performance, it was designed around an 800V electric powertrain, offering 400kW (530hp+) peak and 300kW (400hp) continuous power, all within a small and hydrodynamically efficient package.

Stand 07.426

The Scanstrut TILE Series, short for Tiny Interior Lifestyle Electronics, offers sleek, high-performance charging solutions designed specifically for marine interiors. The first products are ultra-fast USB chargers available in matte black or 316 brushed stainless steel, featuring a compact 40mm square footprint.

Stand 03.510

ORGANISED BY

Hempel’s Infinity is a water-based, biocide-free performance recharger that renews existing silicone paint and prolongs painting-free time for an extra season, every season, enabling boat owners to spend more time sailing and less time painting. It is available in 2.4 litre size and is suitable for both DIY and professional usage.

Stand 02.423

TMQ i@nchor Blackbox

Used to control anchor depth safely, the i@nchor Blackbox by TMQ provides anchor control from the helm via Raymarine Glass Bridge Display in automatic or manual mode. For boats with dual anchors, independent control panels can be synced to move both anchors at the same time.

Stand 01.723

POWERED BY

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METSTRADE Hotel Service

+31 20 549 1927

OPENING HOURS

Tuesday 19 Nov: 10:00 – 18:00

Wednesday 20 Nov: 10:00 – 18:00

Thursday 21 Nov: 10:00 – 17:00

RAI EVENT DESKS

General information on the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre and METSTRADE 2024 is available at two event desks

(triangular shaped desks) located in entrances K and C.

BADGE

For safety and security reasons, it is mandatory to wear your badge at all times on the RAI premises. Please ensure that your badge is clearly visible.

NETWORKING AREA

...rest your feet? Comfortable networking areas with free WiFi to do business, charge mobile devices and rest your feet. Located all over the show floor.

METSTRADE ONLINE

• Free WIFI is available throughout

the entire show floor

• Like & follow us on Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn

• Join our Young Professionals Club LinkedIn group (for young professionals < 35 yrs)

REBOOKING

You can rebook for the 2025 edition with a METSTRADE representative who will visit your stand. You are also welcome in the METSTRADE Booking Office in Hall 13.

GET IN TOUCH

The Daily News is published jointly by IBI and RAI Amsterdam every day during the show. Any suggestions or input for the Daily News can be

handed in to Ed Slack (Chief editor IBI News). He can be reached via the IBI Newsroom (Hall 13) or email ed@ ibiplus.co.uk

SCAN QR-CODE FOR ONLINE FLOORPLAN

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