Q&A Chase Boat Skipper for Emirates Great Britain SailGP Team

You've just received delivery of a new Protector Chase 330. What is it like to drive?

The Protector Chase 330 is a great boat to drive. It is a very well-built boat, and at the same time, it's super powerful, very fast, and very manoeuvrable. It's just the thing we need to keep up with the F50 catamaran.

James Chapman

Chase Boat Skipper for Emirates GBR SailGP Team

As Chase Boat Skipper for the Emirates GBR SailGP Team, what’s your role at a SailGP event?

As the Chase Boat Skipper, I'm responsible for the chase boat and keeping the shore team, the coach, and the rest of the team in touch with the racecourse. This generally involves staying close to the race boat to allow Robbie, the team coach, to get a good view of what the crew are up to. At the same time, we stay close by in case of any breakdowns or other reasons we may need to assist the F50.

What does a typical race day schedule look like?

On race day, the schedule is normally pretty full on. We'll get down to the F50 early and do our checks. Once that's done, we'll check out the chase boat, and I'll head out as soon as possible to the craning area. I start by dropping the guys onto the F50 as it's craned in, and then we side tow the yacht and take it over to its holding mooring while the rest of the boats are launched. Once that's all done, we're off and out into the race area.

After a day of racing, we will tow the race boat back to its mooring which may involve a long tow at high speed all the way back from the race area. Then we side tow it with the help of another chase boat and stand by until the crane takes the F50 out at the end of the day. Then it's back to the boatyard to help packup and move everything into the shed. Lastly, we tidy up the chase boat and put everything to bed.

It's got twin Suzuki 320 fives on the back, giving us the ability to be anywhere on the racecourse in a couple of minutes. It also gives us lots of pulling power so we can tow it, right the F50 if it capsizes, and get our job done.

We also run the Protector fully loaded. We have a lot of equipment, spare parts, emergency kit, and all six crew on board, plus support staff, and we still have all the space we need. Plus, it's able to keep up with the F50 with everything and everyone onboard.

Are there any special technology or electronics on board?

We have large chart plotters onboard which are fully connected to the race management system so we can see all the penalties and all the ongoings-on on the racecourse. This is really helpful to myself and Rob the coach. As well as that, there's a pretty complex communication system, allowing us to talk not only to the F50, but also race management, event control, and the tech team for technical support.

How do you move your Protector Boats fleet between events? Are they simple to transport?

After the event, the RIBs pack up quickly; in just a couple of hours. They're put onto cradles, deflated, and the Bimini is taken off. Then they're put straight into a container. And the great thing is they're probably the biggest boat you can get into a standard shipping container. Then they're sent off to the next event, where we unload them quickly and easily.

Meet our New Protector Boats Brand Manager

Authorised Dealer

Andy Andrews

We are delighted to introduce our new Protector Boats Brand Manager, Andy Andrews. Andy has a wealth of RIB sales experience including 25 years in the Royal Navy, time working for Oman Sail, Saphire Marine, Berthon, Gemini Marine, RS Electric Boats and Cheetah Marine, and supplying boats, engines, marine equipment and maritime training courses to UN and Government agencies throughout East Africa.

Protector Boats produce some of the most capable and durable utility boats in the world and Andy will be using his extensive knowledge of the RIB industry to specify Protector vessels that will perform in the harshest of conditions for both commercial and leisure customers.

Whether you’re looking to procure innovative and reliable RIBs for your commercial operations or want a stable and comfortable leisure RIB for off-the-beaten-track adventures with the family, Andy will find the best Protector model to suit your needs and wishes.

“I’m really looking forward to working with Protector Boats in the UK and across Europe. This specialist brand produces premiumquality RIBs that are proven to perform in extreme conditions and in a variety of environments. Plus, with endless customisation options across the Protector Targa and Protector Chase ranges, we can create exceptional vessels that suit both commercial and leisure markets. So, if you’re looking for excellence in design, construction and performance in your next RIB, Protector Boats offers a unique package that stands out from the rest.”

Ancasta is the UK’s exclusive dealer for Protector Boats and is wellplaced to support you in the sale and purchase of your RIB. We also provide new and used Protector Boats brokerage, servicing, aftersales care and support.

Protector 310 Chase

£275,619 Tax Not Paid | Available for Immediate Delivery

The ultimate high-performance utility vessel. Eye-catching blue with stainless steel and features twin 300HPV8. Including electronics upgrade. The full-sized Bimini centre console offers protection from the elements, and the 360° walk-around deck features two anti-shock captain chairs.

Protector 380 Targa

£546,629 Tax Not Paid | Available for Immediate Delivery

The very first MkIII 380 Targa in Europe and one of the very first out of the Protector factory in Auckland, New Zealand. Upgraded twin Mercury Verado 450hp Racing engine pack. In striking light grey with sand upholstery, the spacious aft deck has a 9' 6" internal beam complete with cockpit wet bar and walk-through swim platform.

Protector 330 Targa

£330,205 Tax Not Paid | Available for Immediate Delivery

Specifically built for owners and organisations who require more deck space for commercial purposes,featuring a spacious interior layout and easy walk-through access to the bow. The greater hull weight and extended waterline length provides unrivalled high-speed performance and stability.

Protector 310 Chase

£270,336 Tax Not Paid | Available for Immediate Delivery

This particular example is spec'd out for dual use in mind, whether that be short hops around the bay or the benefit of additional deck space for race boat support. Fitted with the twin Mercury Verado 300hp V8 engines, she offers powerful performance and is fitted with many optional upgrades.

Protector 380 Targa

£

546,629 Tax Not Paid

Year: 2022

Ref: 38885

The very first MkIII 380 Targa in Europe and one of the very first out of the Protector factory in Auckland, New Zealand. Ready for immediate delivery. In striking light grey with sand upholstery the spacious aft deck has an internal beam of 9’ 6”.

Port Hamble Call: +44 (0)2380 450 000

Protector 310 Chase Year: 2022

Ref: 38883

The Protector 310 Chase is the ultimate high-performance utility vessel and is the first NEW hull available in the UK. Eye-catching blue with stainless steel and options throughout, we’ve added 600 of Mercury Marine’s Verado horsepower.

Lymington Call: +44 (0)1590 673 212

Protector 310 Chase

£ 270,336 Tax Not Paid

Year: 2022

Ref: 38884

The Protector 310 Chase is the ultimate high-performance utility vessel now available in Europe through Authorised Dealer, PB Europe. This particular example is spec’d out with dual use in mind, whether that be short hops around the bay or race boat support

Port Solent Call: +44 (0)2392 373 300

Protector 8.5 Hard Top Cabin

Ref: 40694

£ 75,000 Tax Paid Year: 2002

Powered by twin Yamaha 200hp outboard engines, this Protector RIB started life as a chase boat for Team Oracle USA. In 2010 she was purchased privately and moved to the UK. Since arriving in the UK she has been used for commuting.

Lymington Call: +44 (0)1590 673 212