NEW BIOCIDE-FREE ANTIFOUL

need for the removal of the previous antifouling coating, making it easier for boaters to change from their traditional coatings to the new technology.

“Boaters are becoming more aware of the impact they can have on the environment, but they still require technologies that deliver high-performance fouling control. B-Free Explore provides a standout solution for both of these challenges,” said Jemma Lampkin, Global Commercial Director for AkzoNobel’s Yacht Coatings.

Development programme B-Free Explore is the culmination of a five-year development program. Being biocide-free, it provides a smooth surface for improved hull efficiencies, which can lead to a reduced carbon footprint.

It can be applied to new hulls or directly to existing antifouling, without the

Heat differential is reduced

Teamac’s latest product is its Galley Paint which helps protect against condensation in shower rooms and galleys.

The product works by reducing the heat differential between the air in the area, which is holding moisture, and the cooler surface it comes into contact with, reducing the likelihood of condensation forming. The finish paint is also protected against any mould formation.

“Ultimately, the innovations at the heart of B-Free Explore allow boaters to focus more on what truly matters to them – being out on the water.”

B-Free Explore is currently being rolled out across Europe.

When it comes to antifoulings, Teamac’s Protector 2 remains available. The product is based on an ablative type resin structure and is suitable for all users.

Teamac D Plus is available for professional application in a range of colours for longer and stronger protection.

Teamac’s A Plus is also suitable for professional application. The product will accommodate faster boat speeds and can be applied directly to aluminium as well as wood, steel and GRP hulls.

“All the antifoulings demonstrate a good level of compatibility to different existing systems,” explained Geoff Mackrill, Teamac director.

The antifoulings are complimented by Teamac Metaclor Antifouling primer if there is any question about anticorrosion requirements and surface tolerance.

And Geoff explained how the coatings industry is working with the Health and Safety Executive to try and ensure an effective but pragmatic approach is taken to the UK BPR authorisation process.

A previous deadline for completion of the assessment and authorisation process was pushed back by HM government/HSE in December 2022 for five years to enable this to happen.

Years of practise, failure and more practise have ingrained the resolve in Debbie Hood to understand that if you want something enough, you practise until you succeed.

And that’s the message she’s keen to impart as she embarks on her new venture as the owner and founder of the new British powerboat and super RIB company, Enigma Powerboats, based on the South Coast.

Debbie, who has been a professional ice-skater for most of her life having started learning at the age of three, admits she’s reached an age - 60 - where many others are winding down, she’s not ready to put her slippers on and watch box sets.

“I needed to do something that had a bigger purpose.

“I want to maximise and achieve. It makes me feel alive and exhilarated.”

She’s now compiled a design and build team that includes naval architect Adam Younger and tubing specialist Paul Heaysman and construction is well underway on the first Enigma performance RIB that Debbie is keen to stress has been designed to combine both safety and speed.

“I’ve always been driven to push boundaries and take on challenges from childhood,” she says.

“My family are speed demons, my eldest son races in motorsport and my father and sister were for many years involved in powerboat racing, so we were bi-weekly at a race destination either in the UK or abroad, even my partner has raced P1 powerboats.

“I was always on shore when my family was racing and came to understand and realise there were a number of areas within the