Boating Business July 2023

Bid farewell to Boating Business

Arleigh Group are the UK’s leading aftermarket distributor of parts and accessories to the static & touring caravan, motorhome and marine sectors

As we bid farewell to this extraordinary collaboration, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each member of the Boating Business team for all their support over the years.

Wishing you all the very best in your future endeavours.

The Arleigh Group

Product lines Industry leading brands

Locations across the UK Talented colleagues

INDUSTRY BIDS FAREWELL TO BOATING BUSINESS

Boating Business (BB) magazine has been keeping the UK leisure marine industry up to date with the latest and best business information for over 40 years.

Since the new millennium, social media and other online outlets have driven a big change in the way businesses allocate their marketing spend. This trend has only accelerated over the last five years, especially with the pandemic. There has also been a consolidation in the number of B2B trade businesses in the leisure marine sector. The bottom line is that BB’s clients are choosing to spend much less on advertising, whether magazine based or on BB.com.

At Mercator Media, we only want to produce high quality, valued content for BB’s readers. The costs of doing this and presenting it in a quality environment compared to the revenue we are generating has become a marginal equation. We are faced with a stark choice and have chosen to

shutter BB from 31 July 2023, while it is still ahead and a well-respected contributor to the UK leisure marine industry. The July issue of the magazine will celebrate the heritage of BB and we hope that the industry will join us in a tribute to this much-loved title.

As for Mercator Media, having just concluded what is probably our most successful Seawork yet, we are busy planning the 25th edition in 2024. Developing our Commercial Marine Network with our stakeholders is a key priority for the business with many pan-European opportunities. Our Ports, Shipping and Fishing magazines and conferences are long established and growing with new international opportunities, especially addressing the environment and decarbonisation. Next year we will also produce the 14th Icelandic Fisheries exhibition in Reykjavik.

We trust that Boating Business will be remembered with fondness for the contribution it has made over the years.

Yacht Leg & Cradle company acquired

The Yacht Leg & Cradle Company Ltd has been acquired by Metal Spraying (UK) Ltd, Wolverhampton.

SCP Group Companies, which incorporates Metal Spraying (UK), have been involved in fabrication for more than 25 years, predominantly supplying the construction industry with high quality, safety critical structural equipment and says yacht cradles and boat stands are an ideal complementary product.

“We are delighted to have had the opportunity to acquire the Yacht Leg & Cradle Company that has been managed so successfully by Paul Williams

for the past 30 years,” said Ranjit Dale, SCP Group CEO.

“We have been involved with Paul for a long time, supplying the mechanical components for the Yacht Cradles. We began manufacturing the full range of products for him three years ago and are now proud to now take over the reins.”

The Yacht Leg & Cradle Co will continue to operate as its own entity, providing the quality and service its name is synonymous with, to both the trade and private customers and Paul will remain with the company in an advisory role. New products are already in the design phase.

Memorable Moments pages 24-38

8 Paul Williams and Ranjit Dale

VIEWPOINT

KATINA READ | Editor kread@boatingbusiness.com

Goodbye to BB

After more than 40 years, the decision has been made to close Boating Business and this will be the last edition.

The publication has played a pivotal role in the industry, and I feel very privileged to have played a part in this.

I was first introduced to Boating Business at one of the early Marine Industry Regattas about 17 or 18 years’ ago.

At the time, I was working for a boutique marketing and website company and was working closely with the South Devon Marine Association. I had put a scratch crew together, made up of association members, to take part in the regatta. It was at the prizegiving that I met Peter Nash who was editor at the time.

After the regatta, I began writing for the magazine as a freelancer and the rest is history. Over the years, Peter asked me to take on more freelance work, and when he retired, I was asked to take over the job of Editor.

It’s been a whirlwind few years and I’ve met some great characters – the industry certainly has its fair share of you. And there’s been so many memorable occasions.

I’ve tried my best to ensure the information published has been fair, accurate, impartial and balanced and I’d like to thank you for entrusting me to impart your news and information and for your support and encouragement over the years and in particular, since the closure was announced.

CYBER ATTACK HITS BRUNSWICK’S SALES

I’ve been overwhelmed by how many of you have been in contact with messages and phone calls.

You’ve made it clear just how important Boating Business has been to you over the years and how much it will be missed.

It’s reaffirmed the fact that the marine industry is very welcoming and supportive, and I feel very fortunate to have been part of it and to have made so many good friends over the years.

The last few weeks have been a roller coaster, but times change, and we all have to move on.

It is a difficult economic environment and difficult decisions needed to be made by Mercator Media, the publishers of Boating Business.

So, while it’s extremely sad to say goodbye to Boating Business, as one door closes, another one opens. I am planning on staying in the marine industry and look forward to catching up with you again in the very near future.

Please do feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn and I hope to see many of you at the forthcoming Southampton International Boat Show for a coffee, a beer or just a chat and a catch up in the aisles.

A cyber attack earlier this year that knocked out manufacturing and distribution for over a week has impacted sales at Brunswick.

The company reported consolidated net sales of US$1,702.3 million, down just over 7% from the same period in the previous year.

“On June 13, the company announced it was impacted by an IT security incident, which ultimately resulted in financial results that were lower than initial expectations,” said Brunswick chief executive, David Foulkes.

“The disruption associated with the IT security incident was most significant in our propulsion

Boat and yacht rental marketplace Borrow A Boat has been acquired by founder, Matt Ovenden, and a group of Borrow A Boat investors through a pre-pack process.

Often called the Air BnB for boats, the company has assured customers that trading is continuing uninterrupted.

Borrow A Boat Limited entered an administrative process earlier this year,

and engine parts and accessories segments and, because of the proximity to the end of the quarter, there was limited opportunity to recover within the period,” he added.

Despite this upheaval and a continuing sluggish new boat market the outlook remains positive, said Foulkes. “Our businesses executed a strong second quarter, benefiting from market share gains, well received new products, solid operational performance and diligent cost control,” he said, adding that Brunswick outperformed the industry in both June and year-to-date.

The Boat segment reported a 1% decrease in sales owing to the impact

8 Sales are down at Brunswick in Q2 2023 after a cyber attack affected manufacturing and distribution

of lower value shipments and higher discounts whilst Freedom Boat Club enjoyed another strong quarter, contributing approximately 7% of sales to the segment.

Sales were down 4% in the Propulsion segment whilst Engine Parts and Accessories saw a 13% decrease.

The Navico Group segment reported a sales decrease of 20%, driven by lower retailer orders, together with slow recovery of recreational vehicle OEM production.

BORROW A BOAT SOLD

divesting from yachting holiday firm Helm, following its experience of the challenging venture capital (VC) fundraising market –which is 73% down in 2023 compared to last year. The business’ approximately 3000 original crowdfunding benefactors will be brought over to the new entity, in a move set to reflect and reward their support.

The pre-pack process will move the company to a new legal entity, while allowing the business to continue.

Following the change in ownership, the new company plans to focus on digital growth and tech-powered scalable automation with minimum reliance on external capital, to grow as efficiently as possible through digital channels.

It’s been a whirlwind few years and I’ve met some great characters – the industry certainly has its fair share of you. And there’s been so many memorable occasions

CMC Marine Ltd has moved to a new 600sqm facility in Poole.

CMC Marine focuses on electrically actuated stabilisers, thrusters and steering with a focus on the medium to large luxury yacht segment.

The company was founded in 2005, and now claims to have a 25% market share in the 24-60m segment delivered in 2022 in north Europe, a 30% global market share in the 30 – 60m sector and a 68% market share of yachts built in Italy over 24m.

CMC Marine Ltd was founded in 2018 to better serve CMC Marine’s customers in north Europe as well as the UK.

The new facility has 400sqm of warehouse space, with space to stock spare parts and complete systems for faster and more complete service needs.

In addition to the spares stock, the new facility will

EXPANSION FOR CMC MARINE LTD

BRIEFS Installation

Sportsman Boats will install Fusion Entertainment marine audio packages as standard-fi t for its full line of off shore centre consoles and inshore bay boats from model year 2024. The Fusion audio packages will include stereos, speakers, subwoofers and amplifiers on each of the 16 models across the Open, Heritage and Masters series.

Construction

serve as the base for an expanding service team. The company has signed new contracts

with major shipyards such as Van der Valk, Mulder and Conrad, and is also supplying the Feadship

Construction of a new Midlands Sea Cadet boat station has begun. Artist’s impression of the new Midlands Boat Station by architects, image courtesy Troyka Associates Ltd

The station, on the banks of Birmingham’s Edgbaston Reservoir, will offer a wide range of water-based activities to thousands of sea cadets, local schools and youth groups. Sports on offer will include sailing, paddle sports, power boating, rowing and windsurfing. Once completed, the boat station will also be the official home of the Birmingham Sea Cadets Unit, TS Vernon.

Franchises

Online yacht broker Boatshed.com, has extended its franchises in Trinidad, Portugal and Spain, giving it a presence in more than 80 locations in 18 countries. Boatshed. com supports more than 120 franchisees and brokers across Europe, Asia, North America, South America and the Caribbean, who collectively sell over 1000 second-hand sail and motor boats a year.

8 CMC Marine Ltd has opened a new base in Poole

Powerboat stands

Royal Dutch Shipyards for its 717 project.

BRIEFS Boost

Coastal safety will get an extra boost this summer with the official launch of ‘Stay Safe Along The Coast’ from National Coastwatch. The initiative will see the charity’s volunteer watchkeepers on duty at or near their station at busy times to off er information to help people enjoy time at the coast safely, with accident avoidance at the forefront. They will provide information on local conditions and hazards and will offer practical safety support.

Popular

British Marine is once again hosting its popular Women in Marine events at the Southampton International Boat Show 2023. Last year’s SIBS featured a range of new presentations including a mental health and wellbeing session and this year British Marine promises even more events aimed at inspiring and encouraging women in the marine industry. Sessions will culminate with the traditional Women in Marine Drinks and Nibbles Networking event, which features a panel discussion from peers in the trade industry on September 21 from 16.00 - 18.00.

Redevelopment

Plans for a proposed redevelopment of a marina in Scotland will be unveiled at a pop-up consultation event.

The Royal Northern & Clyde Yacht Club is proposing to build a new clubhouse, slipway and workshop at Rhu Marina in Helensburgh as a first phase. Subsequent phases will see the marina redeveloped and expanded.

MARINE & PROPERTY GROUP SUBSIDIARIES TO BE SOLD

Joint administrators at RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP have confirmed that the remaining subsidiaries of the Marine & Property Group (MPG) are to be sold off following the company’s entry into administration in May.

MPG has seven remaining subsidiaries and holds the land at a number of marinas across Wales and the west coast of England.

Its main operating company is Cardiff Marine Services Ltd (CMS) which performs marina maintenance, boat repairs and engineering and dredging services.

CMS also owns the freehold land and property at Cardiff Marina Villagewhere many commercial tenants are based.

Tough few years

The Marine & Property Group was severely hit by the impact of Covid-19 on marina occupancy and inflation in 2022, which saw the group’s trading performance decline significantly.

This was apparently exacerbated by the finance team leaving and not being replaced leaving it behind with filing its accounts.

A refinance in August 2022 led to a fixed and floating charge in favour of TAB London Ltd, which holds security against assets in CMS and Aberystwyth Marina Ltd.

Refinancing was again explored in March 2023, but a delay led to the insolvency of two of its then nine subsidiaries, Port Dinorwic Marina and Burry Port Marina Ltd. Company statements show that the company has significant arrears with HMRC to the tune of £1.8m,

Industry unites on cement co-processing

Industry experts from around Europe have published a statement on the important role cement co-processing can play in treating end-of-life composite materials.

The European Boating Industry, WindEurope, EuCIA, CEMBUREAU, Cefic UP/VE, Cefic Epoxy Europe and Glass Fibre Europe are calling on policymakers to change EU laws to help facilitate the upscaling of co-processing.

largely accumulated over the Covid period.

In so far as employees are concerned, statements show that there is a substantial amount of cash still owed in respect to unpaid wages - totalling around £146,570.

According to the administrators, there is also a long list of creditors, some of which are in the industry including Inland & Coastal Marine Systems, owed around £77k and the Netherlands based Yacht Pains Equipment & Consultancy, owed around £11k.

THEPERSONBEHINDTHEFACE

Jon Partridge

How I got into this industry... I decided to take a year out before going to university. I went to work in a sailing school for one year, ended up staying for three years, and never made it to university. From the sailing school I ended up at Tollesbury Marina before joining LDC (which branded to RS Sailing.)

Best advice I’ve ever received...

“Go and work at RS” -

John Derbyshire in July 1999. John told me RS would be the biggest small boat brand one day. He was right.

One thing the industry needs less of is... Sustainability policies that mean nothing.

Most hated buzzword or workplace expression...

“It’s on the ‘too hard to do’ pile”.

Best place I’ve been… Bermuda, I fortunately spent ten days traveling around

the island by boat during the America’s Cup in 2017.

Don't worry about... Things that are not in your control.

Favourite meal...Pizza.

One thing I couldn’t live without...Skiing.

How I cope with stress... Stop, breathe, pray, call someone and go again. Or swim in the sea.

Jon Partridge is CEO at RS

Marine

Group

“Our industries stand united in promoting the co-processing of end-oflife composite materials in cement clinker production, but we need a strong supporting regulatory framework to overcome the barriers preventing the larger scale-up of co-processing end-of-life composite materials,” said the statement.

Composite materials, a combination of reinforced fibres (usually glass or carbon fibres) and a polymer matrix, are known for their durability and chemical and heat resistance properties.

They are used extensively across various sectors including wind, marine, infrastructure, and industrial markets. Whilst their durability is a great advantage, recycling composite materials has been technically challenging because of the difficulty in separating the fibres and polymers.

Cement co-processing offers a sustainable solution to this challenge.

“The cement coprocessing of end-of-life composite materials allows material recycling by reducing the use of natural raw materials in cement manufacturing, while mitigating climate change contributions through replacement of fossil energy sources,” said the statement.

8 CMS also owns the freehold land and property at Cardiff Marina Village

More than 1,200 sqms of chandlery and clothing will be on display at this year’s Southampton International Boat Show.

Event organisers, British Marine, will use the show to launch a new chandlery hub, incorporating specialist equipment retailers, together with new and independent stores in each of the show’s zones.

“Visitor research from last year’s show highlighted that more chandlery and retail stands would be welcomed, so that’s what we’re proud to be providing,” explained British Marine CEO, Lesley Robinson.

“This year we are launching a brand-new chandlery hub, with additional retailers of specialist equipment, as well as some new and independent stores in each of the show’s zones.”

Retailers will include Andark that will show everything from specialist dive equipment including a new compact compressor which can be used on a

CHANDLERY HUB TO LAUNCH AT SIBS 2023

BRIEFS

Business

boat, through to the latest snorkelling kit.

Peter Leonard Marine (PLM) will display boats together with a pop-up chandlery and Jimmy Green Marine will be selling a range of mooring ropes,

warps, anchor lines and fenders.

YouBoat Marine will show equipment from Ocean Safety together with other deck hardware and chandlery items and Shore2Sea will debut at

the show with its latest dry bags. Also new to the show will be Southampton based Lorima with its towels, beach changing robes and shopper and storage bags.

47% FATALITY RATE FOR MOBs

Crews have less than 11 minutes to recover a crewmate who has fallen overboard into cold water before the victim becomes unresponsive.

That’s the finding of analysis of 20 accidents that occurred between 2017 and 2021 conducted by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).

The time decreases as the water becomes colder or the sea state rougher and, in some cases, crew had just four or five minutes to coordinate the recovery.

“Man overboard recovery can be exceptionally challenging at the best of times, but the recovery becomes much harder if the casualty is unconscious or unresponsive,” said Andrew Moll, chief inspector of marine accidents. “Our data paints a truly shocking picture of just how little

time a crew can have before cold water incapacitation renders a casualty unable to assist in their own rescue. It is essential that boat users - regardless of the sector - think carefully about how they would recover a crew member on their vessel.”

When examining the rate of successful recovery,

the MAIB found that of the 308 man overboard (MOB) occurrences reported to the organisation between 2015 and 2023, 40% led to a fatality.

In the recreational sector almost half (47%) of MOB occurrences resulted in a fatality. In the fishing industry 56% ended in tragedy.

Seawork 2023 was business all the way this year with both visitor and delegates back to prepandemic levels. This year’s event saw just over 7200 international maritime professionals making the trip to Mayflower Park in Southampton, UK, in June. Show highlights included Damen Shipyards launch its new electric Multi Cat 1908e, a multi-tasking zero-emission vessel that is able to operate for 12 hours on a single charge. And Denmark’s Dacoma presented its newly design Airkeel, a novel vessel stabiliser for work and crewboats. Diverse Marine had its new Caister lifeboat on show, on its way to the original independent lifeboat service. The UK Royal Navy’s new testbed ship ‘XV Patrick Blackett’ made a guest appearance on the first day of Seawork. The 42m vessel is used by the navy’s experimentation and innovation experts Navy X.

Agreement

Inland waterways saw six fatalities from 24 incidents and passenger ships eight incidents resulting in one fatality. The figures were released as part of Maritime Safety Week 2023.

Raymarine has signed a three-year exclusive supplier agreement with Swedish cruising yacht builder HallbergRassy. The equipment will be based around the new Axiom 2 Pro HybridTouch chartplotters or the recently announced Axiom 2 XL premium glass bridge chartplotters with advanced networking and video integration capabilities. Axiom 2 Pro combines chartplotter, sonar, radar, autopilot, and video into an all-inone navigation system. Evolution pilot, Quantum radar, RAY90 VHF, AIS700, and

i70s instruments are all included.

8 Andrew Moll, chief inspector of marine accidents for MAIB, takes part in a man overboard drill

8 A new chandlery hub will be launched at SIBS 2023

BRIEFS

Supplier

Sparco has been appointed as the official technical accessory supplier to the E1 World Championships. Sparco will supply bespoke racing seats, footrest, racing seat belts and quick release systems to the fleet of RaceBirds foiling powerboats for the first season of electric racing. The Sparco EVO CARBON X seat includes an ultra-light carbon shell, water-repellent fabric upholstery and FIA approved ergonomic memory foam cushions. Sparco Formula H-7 harnesses are a safety belt system with six points, 2in webbing on both shoulders and lap straps specifically for forward head restraint systems. The first season of the UIM E1 World Championship is scheduled to start in early 2024 in Saudi Arabia.

Capacity

The Trafalgar Group of businesses has completed its solar power system at Trafalgar Wharf, Portsmouth. The installation has a capacity of 640kW and since its completion at the end of March 2023, has produced 223 megawatt hours of electricity. The system is situated on top of the Trafalgar Drystack building at the top of Portsmouth Harbour, the solar installation serves as a sustainable energy source for the various buildings and businesses within the Trafalgar Wharf site. The generation of 223 megawatt hours of electricity is equivalent to powering electric vehicles for approximately 743,333 miles.

CANNES YACHTING FESTIVAL FOCUSES ON SMALL BOAT INCLUSIVITY

The Cannes Yachting Festival will be back this year with a new area afloat in the VieuxPort, dedicated to smaller boats from 8m upwards.

Over the six day festival running from 12 to 17 September, visitors will be able to view more than 650 boats of all sizes, as well as the latest in nautical equipment, innovation and world previews.

”This new edition will highlight the small units with the creation of a brand new area, a marina in the heart of the Vieux Port, which will accommodate more than fifty small motor boats from eight to 12 metres,” said Sylvie Ernoult, director of the Cannes Yachting Festival.

Show highlights

Some of the other highlights of the show this year include the Port Canto, which hosts three distinct areas: The Sailing area installed since 2019 is the biggest global in-water showcase for new superyachts from

Maureen ‘Mo’ Leonard has passed away peacefully with her husband, Peter Leonard and her son Pete jnr by her side.

Peter snr and Mo started Peter Leonard Marine from their home in Newhaven, East Sussex in 1970.

Their first job was to repair an inflatable boat on their dining room table and over the years, they steadily built the business and in 1980 took over the marine workshops in Newhaven Marina.

In 1986, they moved to larger better equipped premises in Newhaven to develop the boat building side of the business.

Mo was instrumental in this, and the company built 20 or so ‘Starlight 20’ fishing boats, designed by Peter, and fitted out several hulls

ten to 26m. Also the Startup Village, launched in 2021, highlights smart start-ups in the marine sector offering breakthrough technologies or services.

The Yacht Brokerage area has for 16 years played host to the leading French and international players in the previously owned yachts market. For 2023, a selection of previously-owned boats from 22 metres long will be available for sale or hire. Positioned opposite this

area since 2018, is the Toys area, which will show an increasingly large selection of sport, fun and nautical activities equipment.

A true technical achievement, the Super Yachts Extension (SYE) comprises three floating barges positioned as an extension to the Jetée. Built for the Festival, this seaward extension will feature some thirty of the largest motor super yachts of over 24m.

8 The Cannes Yachting Festival will be back this year with a new area afloat in the VieuxPort, dedicated to smaller boats from eight metres upwards

On land, the shipyards will once again be set up along the Pantiero quays. Occupying more than 4,600 m2 in the central aisle, the nautical accessory and Equipment Village willl showcase the ultimate in electronics, fittings, paints and more.

OBITUARY: MO LEONARD

for clients from Colvics to Aquabells.

Peter and Mo always dreamed of owning their own marina and in 1992, they acquired 500ft of river frontage on Denton Island.

Pete jnr joined the firm and the family began building a boat yard and

marina. The business has massively expanded and in 2020, Mo pushed the company forward again by negotiating to become the importer of Smartliner boats into the UK.

Mo will forever be fondly remembered as the driving force behind the two

Peters and the smiling face to greet all who walked through the door. She was loved by customers and suppliers alike and will be forever missed.

8 Peter Leonard snr, Mo Leonard and Pete Leonard jnr

OCEAN SHIPYARD ENTERS INTO VOLUNTARY LIQUIDATION

Ocean Shipyard Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation just a year and a half after taking on the Southerly builds - previously owned by Discovery Yachts.

Joint liquidators Stephen Mark Powell and Simon Lowes of Begbies Traynor (Central) LLP have been appointed to wind-up the company according to Companies House.

A significant shareholder for Ocean Shipyard, Germany’s Binti Holding GMBH looks to be out of pocket to the tune of £535,000, according to the company’s statement of affairs.

Some of the other outstanding liabilities owed by the company include £18,590 to employees, which includes pay in arrears and holiday pay and a debt of £129,000 to HMRC.

Other trade creditors

affected include Selden Masts Ltd which is recorded as being owed £7,202.

Back in 2022, Ocean Shipyard secured the rights to hand build the Southerly 42, Southerly 48 and Bluewater 50 Catamaran following the demise of Discovery Shipyard.

It set up on the same site with Discovery’s former general manager Steve Edwards taking up the helm.

On 13 January 2022, Steve

just a year and a half after taking on the Discovery

Edwards was appointed director of Binti Marine Holdings.

It is not clear how many, if any, builds may still be in the yard and how many employees may be affected by the liquidation.

BB has approached the liquidators for comment.

ALLIANCE MARINE FOUNDER STEPS DOWN

Jean-Paul Roche, CEO and founder of Alliance Marine Group, is to hand over the helm of the group to Jérémy Tedguy, currently deputy CEO finance and acquisitions.

Jean-Paul Roche created the Alliance Marine Group in 1999, having previously taken over the management of Vidal Diffusion Marine in 1993.

The acquisition of French companies SEIMI, Euromarine, Reya, Accastillage Diffusion, Berthelot, Plastimo, Kent, Berra and then Sogeric, HDS and Lognav followed, with the turnover of the Group growing to 100 million euros a year in 15 years.

From 2017, the Group has targeted international markets and acquired a number of additional companies - Bukh Bremen, FNI, Ocean Safety, Typhoon, Revere Survival, Dismarina, Navinordic, 12 seemeilen,

Marathon Leisure, Comstedt, AR Peachment and Jobe Sports with turnover growing to 310 million euros in 2022. The Group has 850 members of staff in eight different countries and in a message to them, Jean-Paul said each company represented a new challenge for the Group, brtinging additional economic and human assets.

“Together, we have built a very dynamic group, constantly on the move,” he said. “Originally starting as a regional company, we became national,

then international and the expansion perspectives today are unlimited.”

He added: “I am very pleased to hand over the helm of Alliance Marine Group to Jérémy Tedguy who will be supported by a management team perfectly up to the multiple challenges ahead.

“Together, they will grasp the business opportunities that arise and initiate others to guarantee the group a constant and steady growth.”

8 Ocean Shipyard Ltd has gone into voluntary liquidation

Yacht builds

8 Alliance Marine’sJérémy Tedguy (left) Jean-Paul Roche (right)

BRIEFS

Acquisition

Rolls-Royce has acquired Team Italia/ Onyx Marine, the Italian group specialising in yacht bridges and marine automation. The acquisition means that Rolls-Royce can now offer integrated bridge products as well as regulation, control, automation and navigation systems for yachts. With this acquisition, the power systems unit at Rolls-Royce is expanding its mtu portfolio for yachts with the aim of realising its ‘bridge to propeller’ strategy. Team Italia meanwhile, will benefit from the Rolls-Royce Power Systems worldwide distribution network going forward. The two companies have collaborated on joint development projects since 2019. The workforce of almost 60 employees including all managers and key personal will be taken over by RollsRoyce and Massimo Minnella will keep the role of MD..

Enforcement

The Port of London Authority (PLA) is to enforce a ban on commercial vessels discharging sewage to the tidal River Thames from 1 July 2024. The PLA first announced the ban would be introduced on 1 March 2021 following a consultation process that commenced in 2017.

£89m ENGINEERING PROGRAMME ANNOUNCED

The Canal & River Trust has announced an £89m programme of engineering work across 450 projects on the canal network.

These will include manufacturing and installing 123 lock gates and more than 1,000 reactive repairs.

Central to the 2023/24 programme is the ongoing work to help ensure the resilience of the water needed to keep canals topped up and the work will also include £26.5m spent on projects on canalfeeding reservoirs.

“With canals so popular and serving society in so many ways, it is more important than ever that we are relentless in our efforts to keep them safe and available,” said Richard Parry, Trust chief executive.

“Whilst our campaign to Keep Canals Alive asks all

A reduction in Government funding will threaten the future of Britain’s canals.

That’s the message from the Canal & River Trust which says that a reduction in grant funding of more than 40% or £300 million in real terms will lead to the decline of the inland waterways and to the eventual closure of some parts of the network.

The Trust says the reduced funding from 2027 will almost halve the value of public funding for canals in real terms compared with recent years, at the same time as the costs of maintaining historic canals are increasing.

“We are tasked by government to care for

those who use and enjoy the canals, to write to their local MP to secure their long-term future, in the immediate term the vital maintenance to keep canals safe must continue.”

The Trust will carry out a £6.5m dredging programme including 11 routine maintenance projects, three national programmes, spot

dredging and dredging to canal feeders.

£1.8m is allocated to dredging at Gloucester and Sharpness docks to tackle high levels of silt.

In addition, £2m is planned for stabilisation and leak sealing on four embankments, £2m for improvements to five mechanical and electrical

structures, £1.4m for the refurbishment of seven bridges and £1m to repair six culverts.

Programmes also focus on repairs along canal beds, canal walls and at locks to reduce leaks.

40% FUNDING SHORTFALL

And he said the Government is failing to recognise the full cost of sustaining the benefits that canals provide.

and manage safely this important and historic infrastructure,” said Richard Parry, Trust chief executive.

“Government has confirmed the value and importance of the nation’s canals and their vital role in our health and wellbeing, for wildlife and nature, and

in supporting jobs and the UK economy. Yet, at the same time, they have announced a funding decision which puts the very future of canals at grave risk.”

The Trust says independently verified research has found the canals support 80,000 jobs, contribute £1.5 billion annually to the economy and deliver £4.6 billion of social welfare value to people and communities.

Plans are being put in place to grow income from donations, investments and other funding streams and increasing volunteer numbers to help with work.

8 The Canal & River Trust is investing £89m in engineering work

Photo courtesy Canal & River Trust

8 The Canal & River Trust is facing a funding shortfall

GOODBYE TO BB

Andy Sims, Quick UK MD/AJS Technical Services MD

“I was incredibly sad to hear of the end of Boating Business.

When I came into the marine industry getting on 25 years ago, wanting to understand the sector a little better, it became clear that one publication stood above all others, for a clear independent view of the UK market and became a valued source of information.

The great thing being this only got better under Katina’s editorship and guidance. Seeing at first hand, once I started to contribute articles, the passion, integrity and technical understanding of the market by Katina, it was clear that hard work does provide positive results. Being a very small part of an incredibly productive team to me was brilliant. We should all value independent news and understand there is a cost to provide this.

All things come to an end, well maybe, let’s hope that evolution finds a way to provide what I looked for all those years ago, information you can trust that is written by someone who cares, challenging the happy clappy when required. Every beginning has an end for it to start.”

Suzanne Blaustone, CEO, Barton Marine

“I sit down to write this farewell message with a sense of nostalgia and gratitude. For four decades, Boating Business has been a dedicated companion to Barton Marine, an industry magazine that has diligently documented the world of the UK leisure marine business, and a beacon of knowledge for sailors and businesses alike.

Over the years, Boating Business has faithfully chronicled the triumphs and challenges of the UK boating industry, connecting us to the latest trends, technological advancements, and stories of remarkable individuals who have shaped our field.

In an era where the digital landscape dominates, and change is commonplace, it is bittersweet to bid farewell to the tangible pleasure of flipping through your pages.

All of us here at Barton Marine would like to express our gratitude to the talented team behind Boating Business. Your commitment to delivering top-notch content, your passion for boating, the UK marine scene, and your pursuit of professional journalism have left an indelible mark on the industry. Thank you for 40 extraordinary years of promoting our businesses, expanding our horizons, and connecting us through the love of boating.

AkzoNobel

“Boating Business has served the UK’s leisure marine industry for more than 40 years - and it’ll be a sad day when its final issue is sent to print.

AkzoNobel has worked with the magazine to tell the wider boating community about everything from our new yacht coatings to staff appointments.

This year the publication was kind enough to run a terrific feature on AkzoNobel’s Awlcraft 3000, which is part of the Awlgrip product family celebrating its 50th anniversary of providing excellent aesthetics and protection for yachts.

Boating Business has kept the yachting world up to date with the latest news for decades - and AkzoNobel is honoured to be part of your farewell edition.”

Ginger PR and marketing agency

“The independent journalism will be missed by the industry. For years Boating Business has been a great source of information, particularly for the smaller businesses which are often forgotten and make up the large majority of businesses. Katina, and previously Peter Nash, were passionate and dedicated journalists and should be proud at what has been achieved over the years.”

Davey & Co Team

It is with a heavy heart that we at Davey and Co. London Ltd, write this final message of appreciation and heartfelt thanks, to such an iconic magazine, who has, over the years, been the ‘must read’ for marine businesses and avid boating lovers alike.

We thank you for the hours of enjoyment you have given the boating fraternity and for keeping Davey & Co abreast with the latest trends and news from around the globe. We wish you all the best for your future endeavours.

“There Comes A Time When You Choose Between Turning The Page And Closing The Book” - Josh Jameson, seems fitting as a final farewell message.

Long File Boards

There are two set of changes that businesses need to be aware of. The first relates to how income tax payable by unincorporated businesses - such as sole traders or partnerships - is calculated. The second is a forthcoming change data protection law, writes Adam Bernstein.

Tax calculations

New rules were brought in by HMRC in April (2023) and many businesses still seem to have not heeded warnings about how it’ll impact them; some could pay much more in tax and be burdened with extra unnecessary admin too.

The change to what is known as the ‘basis period’ rules will make little or no difference to businesses that already have a 5 April or 31 March year end. But for those with accounting years that do not align with the tax year, the impact will be significant.

Currently, once established, sole traders and partnerships pay income tax on the profits of their accounting year ending in the tax year. For example, if a trader draws up accounts to 31 December each year, in the tax year 2022/23 it will be taxed on profits for the year ended 31 December 2022.

From April 2024, that will change and they will instead pay tax on the profits they actually earn in any one tax year.

2023/24 is a ‘transitional year’ between regimes and special rules apply to calculate taxable profits and tax. Effectively, those that have a year-end other than 31 March or 5 April, will be taxed on their normal basis period plus an extra amount of profits to bring them up to the end of the tax year. So, a business with a 31 December year end will be

ADAM BERNSTEIN: Freelance Financial Journalist

CHANGES TO BE AWARE OF

Lawyers are warning that the Bill doesn’t radically change the data protection regime - organisations still need to make sure that they only process personal data where they have a lawful basis to do so and comply with data protection principles.

Beyond that companies with operations in the EU will still need to comply with the EU GDPR leading to an increase in costs. Lawyers have suggested that they may find it cheaper to continue to follow the current regime in the interests of consistency to the extent that is possible under the new Bill.

taxed on their profits for the year ended 31 December 2023 plus their profits for the period from 1 January 2024 to 5 April 2024.

This will result in more than 12 months’ worth of profit being taxed in 2023/24 albeit with some help to pay the extra tax. Beyond this, these businesses will also experience additional admin burdens because to get to the profits for a tax year, they will need to combine amounts from two separate sets of accounts and depending on how late the accounting date falls, the second set of accounts may not be ready by the time they file their tax return. Here they will have to estimate and then later update – and repeat the process each year.

The best way to avoid these ongoing burdens is to change accounting

date to 31 March or 5 April by drawing up a set of accounts for a shorter, or longer, period than usual, ending with the new accounting date. Normally accounts cannot be longer than 18 months, but 2023/24 disapplies that rule. Good advice should be sought.

New data protection law planned

The second planned change relates to data protection law following the government’s recent reintroduction of the Data Protection and Digital Information (No.2) Bill. First mooted in July 2022, the original Bill was withdrawn “to allow ministers to consider the legislation further.”

Despite the UK GDPR and Data Protection Act being not even five years old, the government says that it wants to capitalise

on post-Brexit freedoms as some elements of the UK GDPR and DPA 2018 create barriers, uncertainty and unnecessary burdens for businesses and consumers. In overview, there are a number of changes.

Subject Access Requests – where individuals seek their information - can be refused or charged for if vexatious; there will be new legitimate interests for processing data; there are to be new rules on data security; a ‘senior responsible person’ who is part of an organisation’s senior management must be appointed; record keeping requirements are to be diluted except for ‘high risk’ activities; the role of artificial intelligence in data processing will be clarified; and the penalties for breaching rules on electronic marketing are to be radically increased.

The ‘weaponisation of data’ by employees is a frequent frustration for HR managers. Some think that the Bill will assist HR managers in shielding their businesses from vexatious data subject requests and will also give the ICO the power to reject complaints relating to such requests. But while vexatious or excessive requests will be able to be quickly dealt with, proof of the fact will be needed.

And it’s bound to please organisations, especially those that are small, that ministers have specifically sought to cut down on the amount of compliance paperwork they need to complete. Unless their processing activities could pose high risks to individual’s rights and freedoms, they won’t need to keep processing records.

Ultimately, those already compliant with the UK GDPR will not need to make any significant changes as the main principles and obligations of current data protection regime will remain. However, it’s hoped that the burdens on organisations are eased, but the results will take time to become apparent.

The best way to avoid these ongoing burdens is to change accounting date to 31 March or 5 April by drawing up a set of accounts for a shorter, or longer, period than usual, ending with the new accounting date. Normally accounts cannot be longer than 18 months, but 2023/24 disapplies that rule

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

As any employer who has been involved in an employment dispute will know, those that end up before an Employment Tribunal can be costly, time consuming and distracting to resolve. And this is a key reason why more are looking to mediation to resolve disputes with employees, writes

Adam Bernstein.

Firms that prefer to have their day in front of a judge can expect to pay for the privilege. Solicitors can charge from £3500+VAT and disbursements to handle an unlawful deduction of wages or breach of contract claim, more for an unfair dismissal claim, and even greater amounts to defend a discrimination claim. On top of that is management time and any awards made in favour of the claimant.

But regrettably some firms do end up before an Employment Tribunal. As searches on the government’s Employment Tribunal decisions website illustrate, there are numerous cases with references to, for example, marine, boat, and sail.

The point of mediation

In describing the process Mali Smith, a legal director and mediator at Wright Hassall, says that it is voluntary, confidential and uses an independent third party to try to reach an agreed resolution.

As Smith outlines, mediators themselves are independent, professionally trained individuals, many of whom are lawyers. She says that “mediators do not offer any opinions on the dispute; they are there purely to facilitate a solution and help parties reach an agreement that works for all.” In her view, this is a far more constructive approach than adversarial court proceedings which seeks to find for one side only.

And the benefits of mediation for employers are substantial.

Firstly, costs are,

TALKING AWAY TROUBLE

generally, considerably lower than pursuing a tribunal claim. A day’s mediation can work out at a fraction of the cost of defending a tribunal claim.

Next, the process can be considerably faster – there is no tribunal backlog to negotiate and, depending on the matter being mediated, a dispute can be resolved within a short timeframe. And because mediation is a collaborative process, an experienced mediator can often get to the nub of problem very quickly and agree a more flexible remedy.

Thirdly, and simply, mediation is confidential; the result is not made public.

Lastly, mediation can save a considerable amount of management time. According a CIPD survey, employers spend on average six days dealing with an individual disciplinary case, and five days with a grievance.

The proceedings

With the benefits laid out Smith is keen to emphasise that a mediator will not advise either party within the mediation. As she says, “mediators are impartial and both parties

are encouraged to speak openly; the mediator will only disclose information to the other side if agreed.” She adds that “the mediator will also stress the importance of both parties taking legal advice to complement the mediation that takes place which is why most are accompanied by their legal advisers.” In essence, all need to understand the legal consequences of any agreement they make.

As to how the process works, parties are invited to provide a short summary of their case for the other side and for the mediator. They agree a suitable venue which must have at least three rooms and the mediator will circulate a mediation agreement, setting out the terms of the mediation including that of confidentiality. Each party will retire to their respective rooms and the mediator will move between them, questioning their cases and drawing out the salient facts.”

A matter of openness

Because the mediator must remain neutral, any questions they ask will reflect the fact that they are impartial and independent.

This means, as Smith explains, “that questions will be open and will not allow the mediator to offer a solution - any solution must come from the parties themselves with assistance of the mediator.”

In fact, she says that the technique used by many mediators is to invite parties to attend an open session where they introduce themselves and their representatives. If the parties are comfortable with each other, the mediator would ask each of them in turn to explain what they think led to the mediation. After that, groups will break into individual sessions where the mediator will ask if there is anything else they want to disclose that did not come up in the opening session. Fundamentally, Smith says that “the mediator will try to focus parties minds on the best way forward while trying to preserve relationships.”

Preparation is key

No one in their right mind would walk into a courtroom unprepared and mediation is no different. So, Smith’s advice here is clear: “Parties should start their

preparation with a position statement and evidence that outlines their case and which offers a solution that looks into the future.”

From her standpoint, the aim is to reach a resolution so that a compromise is inevitable. However, she knows from experience that not all mediation leads to a settlement or resolution, but at least “the parties at the end of the mediation should know, sometimes for the first time, each other’s position and how far they are willing to go in finding a settlement.” She continues: “Sometimes, after mediation parties will meet and sign a settlement agreement between themselves. Mediation can lead to ‘out of the box’ solutions being discussed at mediation that lead to a resolution.”

Summary

In short, mediation should be, and is being, actively encouraged as a way of resolving employment disputes. It is cost-effective and can produce a better outcome if both parties fully commit to the process.

Find a mediator: Civil Mediation Council - https:// civilmediation.org

Photo by Amy Hirschi on Unsplash

New thruster distribution partnership

MAN ENGINES THINKS BIG WITH ITS SUSTAINABILITY OFFERINGS

For the first time, MAN Engines has set out its future plans for sustainable propulsion systems, as well as its vision for stationary energy storage.

ezDrive Thruster has entered a new partnership with Luxemboug based Konvex SA.

ezDrive Thruster products are designed for wake surfing, wakeboarding and watersports, and the partnership means they will now be marketed across the EU and the UK.

Konvex is the exclusive importer of Tige and ATX Surf Boats for Europe, distributing the products through around 25 dealers.

“We are excited to be a partner with ezDrive Thruster and market their products through our comprehensive network of dealers across the continent and beyond,” said Isabelle Lietaer, Tige and ATX Europe corporate relations.

“ezDrive Thruster brings great value and performance to our customers’ boating experience by providing them with new level of precision and control.”

ezDrive Thruster is designed to allow users to U-turn in less than ten seconds to pick up downed riders for increased swimmer safety and for easier manoeuvring, docking and trailering.

The thrusters are ignition protected and use advanced technology such as waterproof cabling and connections, military grade components such as an illuminated rocker switch control, vibration absorption, noise reduction materials, special mounting hardware and water flow nozzles with protective grates.

Going forward it said its focus will be on CO2free solutions, battery technology and hydrogen to decarbonise machines and power generators, but until then, bridging technologies are already available.

“Our goal is to transform our portfolio so that we offer our customers solutions in agricultural and construction technology, for watercraft and in power generation that do not release CO2 locally,” said Mikael Lindner, head of MAN Engines.

“Our ambition – today and in the future – is to use our products and services to simplify the business of large and small OEMs towards decarbonisation.”

Cleaner

future

The path to the future has been clearly defined at the parent company MAN Truck & Bus, which is accelerating

ePropulsion has supplied its Spirit electric outboard motor to the Falkirk Wheel’s hire fleet.

The electric boats were initially tested in association with ePropulsion’s Scottish dealer, Ashton Marine Services, with a Spirit electric outboard loaned to Scottish Canals as part of the hire boat trial.

Following the trial, the outboards were fitted to the fleet of four Polycraft 300 Tuffy boats which can be hired by the public and carry three passengers in each.

Hirers will be able to spend 90 minutes exploring the canal between The Falkirk Wheel and Bonnybridge on their own.

“The eBoats have proved incredibly popular already.

its transformation and taking big steps towards emissionfree electric drives.

It has also stepped up its R&D efforts in the hydrogen sector and built a truck prototype with a hydrogenbased combustion engine for future niche applications, including at sea.

In the future, Mr Lindner said that MAN Engines will rely on pure combustion engines for hydrogen and

regenerative fuels, battery storage systems and complete electric drive systems.

Until then, it has several bridging technologies available including stationary biogas engines and hybrid and dual-fuel engines.

When it comes to energy storage, MAN is investing almost €100 million in developing the technology at its Nuremberg plant,

where battery packs are to be manufactured in in-house large-scale production.

These batteries will also be available to OEM manufacturers of agricultural and construction machinery, as well as watercraft in the future.

ePROPULSION ENGINES ARE CHOSEN FOR HIRE BOAT FLEET

visitors now expect clean, eco-friendly experiences. With these outboards, there’s no noise, no pollution and no risk of fuel spills into the canals either.”

The rotating boat lift links the Forth & Clyde and Union Canals and first opened in 2002. It is now one of Scotland’s top visitor destinations, managed by Scottish Canals.

The ePropulsion Spirit outboards are simple to use and the perfect way to introduce people to getting on the water and experiencing the canals,”

8 ePropulsion has supplied engines to four boats in the Falkirk Wheel’s hire fleet

explains Ross McMillian, head of destinations at Scottish Canals. “Our

The project is part of Scottish Canals goal to develop more environmentally friendly, family-based experiences, as part of its goal to reach zero emissions by 2035.

8 A MAN Engines stationary hydrogen engine for combined heat and power generation on the test bench

8 The ezDrive horizontal classic thruster

Demand for Bruntons

Autoprop Eco*Star propeller is growing, particularly among alternatively fuelled vessels.

Two prime examples are the highly advanced research vessel the ‘Energy Observer’ and a number of craft in the Saildrone fleet of autonomous ocean research vessels.

Tried and tested

The Energy Observer was created to test practical solutions whilst developing new technologies to accelerate the net zero transition.

It aims to put to the test the latest, cutting-edge technologies in hydrogen, batteries, solar and wind and hydroelectric power. It’s currently on its 80th mission round-the-world to highlight the importance of renewable energy.

Energy Observer is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell which converts hydrogen into electricity by reversing the electrolysis process.

ALTERNATIVE FUELLED SAILBOATS OPT FOR BRUNTON PROPELLERS

New rope cutter from Yanmar

Yanmar Marine International (YMI) is introducing its first rope cutter, an easy-to-install safety feature designed solely for sailing yachts equipped with the Yanmar SD60 sail drive and fixed two or three blade propellers.

The rope cutter is suitable for both mono hulls and catamarans, with the aim of enhancing safety and reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

The vessel was also fitted with ‘wings’ to enable it to add wind power to its already impressive list of available natural energy supplies. The decision was taken to fit two Eco*Star propellers to allow the vessel to make the most effective use of the wings when sailing and motor sailing.

To date, the Eco*Stars

onboard the Energy Observer have each provided over 10,000 hours of service.

The owners of the Saildrone fleet meanwhile have also decided to opt for Eco*Star propellers.

The first of its fleet to get one was the largest, the Saildrone Surveyor measures in at 20 metres

8 To date, the Eco*Stars onboard the Energy Observer have each provided over 10,000 hours of service

long. Such has been the success of the propeller performance on this vessel that the company has now ordered five more to be fitted to its rapidly increasing fleet.

A circular saw blade is mounted directly onto the shaft behind the propeller which turns with the shaft to stop ropes, weeds, plastic and fishing lines from jamming between the cutlass and the propeller.

It is available for OEMs or as a spare part.

“As the industry’s first rope cutting solution designed exclusively for the SD60, the Yanmar Rope Cutter provides a simple and effective solution, preventing the need for external intervention should the propellor become compromised,” said Justin Hogen, product manager, Yanmar Marine International, said. “The issue of yacht propellers catching rope, nylon fishing lines, nets and other plastic hazards floating in the water is a problem faced by sailors, which can result in significant damage, costly repair bills and frustrating downtime. “When the propeller comes into contact with waste, it can wrap itself around the sail drive/propeller shaft which can prevent the shaft from rotating, and manoeuvring will become impossible.”

The SD60 is a Yanmar designed and developed sail drive, available with two bell housing sizes for compatibility with the company’s 3JH5E, 3JH40, 4JH5E, 4JH45, 4JH4-TE, 4JH57, and 4JH80 engines.

New factory for Teignbridge Propellers

Following the construction of a new warehouse last year, Teignbridge Propellers has begun building a new 1,500m2 factory at its Newton Abbot, Devon HQ..

The new factory will host a new robotics centre with modern CNC machines. Footings were completed in April with steels delivered to enable construction to commence. Earlier in 2023, the propeller manufacturer added a new Tuscan LG38 lathe to its arsenal of modern CNC lathes.

The new lathe is designated to turning propellers up to 38in in diameter. Teignbridge has also invested in a new, highly accurate, five axis Mazak CNC propeller milling machine that machines the whole of the propeller, producing a product that is manufactured to exactly match advanced design specifications.

“This represents a major step change in the capabilities of our UK manufacturing centre,” explained Mark Phare, group MD. The Mazak INTEGREX e-1600V/10 is a twin pallet multi-tasking machine that fuses together the capabilities of a full simultaneous five-axis machine with those of a vertical turning centre.

“Because the Mazak is able to perform milling, turning, boring and drilling operations in single setups, we can reduce potential inaccuracies that occur when moving heavy parts across multiple workstations and increase output by running this Mazak 24/7,” said Mark.

“Such advanced multitasking functionality together with a workpiece capacity of 2.2m diameter allows the Mazak to easily handle large, highly complex components such as propellers.”

GARMIN LAUNCHES POWERFUL TROLLING MOTOR FOR FISHERS

Garmin has launched its Force Kraken engine, its most powerful trolling motor yet for the recreational fishing market.

Coupled with Garmin’s precise anchor lock technology, Kraken is designed with longer shaft lengths and a pivot-style mount for easy installation on boats where bow space is limited, like skiffs, bay boats and multispecies fishing boats.

“We are excited to build on the success of our Force trolling motor and bring new mounting options and features to even more anglers in both the saltwater and inland markets,” said Dan Bartel, vice president of global consumer sales, Garmin.

Lasting power

Kraken’s brushless motor uses a high-efficiency propeller to produce 100 pounds of thrust on a 36volt system, or 80 pounds on a 24-volt system.

But, it’s extremely efficient so anglers can count on it to fish all day. It’s

Vision Marine Technologies has acquired industrial tooling to support the production capacity of more than 10,000 battery packs per year.

This includes the tooling for the marine customdesigned battery pack’s cell stack and cooling system, and the bolstering of the company’s intellectual property and ownership of the conception and design of the pack’s external casing.

“Our voyage towards mass production represents a monumental milestone for Vision Marine,” remarked Alexandre Mongeon, CEO and co-founder of Vision Marine. “Through calculated investments in cutting-edge tooling and the establishment of a robust supply chain, we

also quiet above and below the water so less likely to spook the fish.

Kraken features Garmin’s most precise boat positioning technology to help keep the boat in one place.

Wireless integration with Garmin chartplotters allows anglers to create routes, patterns and tracks for the trolling motor to follow. Anglers can use the included wireless remote to help navigate from

anywhere in the boat and a compatible Garmin smartwatch, like the quatix 7 series, can also be connected to control steering, anchor lock and more.

Select Kraken models include a built-in GT56UHD all-in-one transducer with Ultra High-Definition ClearVü and SideVü scanning sonar along with CHIRP traditional sonar.

For the first time in the industry, anglers can install

forward-facing sonar, like LiveScope, on a pivotstyle trolling motor by conveniently routing the transducer cable inside the trolling motor shaft.

The Force Kraken trolling motor is debuting at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), in Florida, USA, from 11 to 14 July

VISION MARINE PREPARES FOR MASS PRODUCTION

The company is set to transition to production in July 2023 and is preparing to ramp up its production capabilities to meet the demand for its electric powertrain solutions.

are poised to revolutionise the realm of pleasure boat electrification.”

The monolithic marinededicated battery pack has been developed and engineered by the company over the last two years to power the E-Motion Powertrain.

Features of the VMT

700V DC powerpacks include an IP67 rating, durability, a custom design form factor that integrates with manufacturing and integration requirements, and a focus on meeting industrial production standards.

Production partnerships have been secured with a network of regional suppliers in Europe, mitigating any potential risk of production and supply shortages.

The production of marine battery packs will take place in a new facility in Europe, known for its technology and commitment to certification standards.

8 Garmin has launched the Force Kraken engine, a powerful trolling motor for the recreational fishing market

8 Vision Marine Technologies is to ramp up production of its powerpack

Rolls-Royce has opened a €30m mtu engine assembly plant in Germany to take advantage of future prospects for internal combustion engines using alternative fuels.

The new production facility, which was announced in 2021 and has involved a mid-double-digit million-euro investment in the future of this technology, creates much more space for assembly and shipping.

“We are convinced that, in conjunction with sustainable fuels and new technologies, the internal combustion engine will play a central role in the future. Because it’s the fuel that matters, not the engine,” said Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO, Rolls-Royce Power Systems.

Climate-friendly

The new production building has been designed to be highly energy-efficient and climate-friendly. A 1.2 MW-peak photovoltaic system provides green

ALT FUEL DEMAND DRIVES ROLLS-ROYCE PLANT INVESTMENT

New hybrid module from ZF

ZF marine has developed a new hybrid high propulsion power module, developed to simplify electrification of new and existing boat designs.

electricity, e-charging columns ensure clean mobility solutions and an intelligent building control system ensure energyefficient operation.

Assembly of mtu Series 2000 engines will be relocated to Kluftern, enabling the modernisation of the existing assembly

halls in Rolls-Royce’s Plant 2 in Friedrichshafen, which will provide long-term production space for the Series 4000 engine.

Rolls-Royce has already launched hybrid systems for rail, shipping and energy, as well as intelligent automation systems.

It’s now focusing

its efforts on engines powered by hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO), which it said enables up to 90% CO2 reduction, as well as reducing both particulate and nitrogen oxide emissions.

The key feature of the overall solution is a patented supporting frame – which eliminates the need for a separate base for an electric motor and an offset-adjustment coupling. A plug-and-play approach reduces installation space and simplifies the installation of the module and the maintenance of an electric motor.

“This patented frame turns our drive solution into an amazing space-saving option,” explained Alexander Thum, product and system development hybrid drives at ZF.

“The frame design eliminates the need for a separate base for the electric motor and for an offset-adjustment coupling between the components.

“A custom designed torsion clutch absorbs the torsional vibrations from the electric motor. The supporting frame also centres the electric motor in relation to the transmission.”

The new hybrid module combines ZF’s ZF 3300 PTI transmission, which can cover a power range of up to 1,940kW at 2,450 rpm, with an application-specific electric motor in 150kW, 200kW and 300kW options.

The hybrid module can be combined with standard equipment, allowing existing yacht platforms to be fitted and electrified with the module.

“This enables our customers to respond comparatively quickly and easily to dynamic market demands or new emission regulations,” continued Alexander.

8 Rolls-Royce has opened a €30m mtu engine assembly plant in Germany

Range and runtime are doubled

Torqeedo has announced a new battery option for its Deep Blue series of electric drives, the Deep Blue Battery 80.

The new battery uses lithium iron phosphate (LFP) chemistry and delivers 80kWh of energy storage, twice the capacity of the previous generation of Deep Blue batteries.

“The new Deep Blue Battery 80 doubles the range and runtime for Deep Blue systems,” said Fabian Bez, Torqeedo’s CEO. “This new battery marks one important step in our new strategy to make Torqeedo even more customer-centric by providing optimised products for specific market segments.”

The new battery’s cell-topack architecture integrates individual battery cells into a pack without the need for intermediate modules or components.

The construction offsets the lower energy density of LFP batteries and enables a more compact footprint.

The high volumetric energy density (272 Wh/L) is particularly important for larger, heavier displacement vessels like cruising yachts and commercial vessels.

“In the past, lithium iron phosphate batteries just took up too much room, but they have come a long way over the past couple of years,” added Bez. “LiNMC batteries, which we also use throughout our product portfolio, are still the best choice for many on-water applications due to their extremely high energy density.

“But, LFP batteries have excellent longevity and safety and are made with abundant raw materials which avoids the high cost, ethical and environmental concerns, and sourcing instability of critical metals in today’s fast-moving markets.”

X Shore and Bosch Engineering are teaming up to improve the performance and efficiency of the electric drive system of the X Shore 1 daycruiser.

Since its launch last autumn the X Shore 1 has been fitted with Bosch’s largest motor for leisure boats as well as the Bosch inverter and Bosch Rexroth gearbox.

This latest collaboration will see the X Shore 1’s electric drive system further enhanced and developed, increasing efficiency through improved design and software.

“With X Shore, we have found a strong passionate partner that shares our environmental commitment with deep conviction,” said Dr Johannes-Jörg Rüger, president at Bosch Engineering.

“I am happy that Bosch Engineering helps to accelerate the sustainable X Shore serial production approach by sharing series production experience and automotive

BOSCH TO HONE X SHORE 1 ELECTRIC DRIVE

proven high performance components.”

X Shore has been certified as one of the most sustainable manufacturers globally by independent auditor, Shades of Green. It is these credentials that led Bosch to select the company as partner in

its leisure boat electrification pilot.

“At X Shore, we are always seeking innovative collaborations to further our mission towards a more sustainable boating industry and a greener world,” said Jenny Keisu, X Shore’s chief executive

“We are excited to

support Bosch Engineering in further strengthening their sustainability mission and together, we will bring a new, cutting-edge electric drive system technology to the new X Shore 1, providing an unparalleled boating experience.”

AXOPAR INVESTS IN ELECTRIC BOATING

Axopar has taken another step on its sustainable boating journey with an investment in Norwegian electric motor manufacturer, Evoy.

The 10% ownership will help Axopar electrify its fleet whilst Evor will in turn benefit from Axopar’s extensive dealership network and order book currently valued at more than €1 million for 2023 alone.

“The partnership marks an important milestone for Evoy, opening doors into the North American market,” said Leif A. Stavøstrand, Evoy’s chief executive.

“Additionally, we are honoured by these investments, as it reflects the continued confidence in our mission and potential. Together with Axopar and other major investors following, this funding round opens a new

chapter in our journey to make boating irresistible, eliminating emissions, and building a strong global brand.”

Evoy manufactures both inboard and outboard electric engines. Following the proof of concept of the Axopar 25 Electric prototype, these two companies say they want

to ‘push the boundaries of what is possible in electric leisure boating’.

“On this journey Evoy has proven to be a perfect match for Axopar,” said Jan-Erik Viitala, founding partner, Axopar Boats.

“Our mission together is to inspire and catalyse a broader movement towards sustainable boating,

8 Axopar 25 Electric prototype

encouraging other boat manufacturers to invest in electric boating as well, with development into full scale serial production. We believe that electrification will grow in stages and we will be together in the forefront of development.”

8 The X Shore 1 daycruiser

Cardinal CdilSiSin

Marine e-drive manufacturer, eD-TEC, has completed intensive testing of its eD-QDrive 1 highperformance electric drive.

The drive was initially unveiled in September 2022 and since then the eD-TEC Believer Team has been tweaking and optimising the eD-QDrive’s systems and software, solving what it terms as ‘several technical challenges’.

Testing has centred around the high C-rate battery power, a technology stack, plug-and-play sterndrive units and hightorque motors that eD-TEC says have never been seen in the marine sector before.

“We tested the entire system, from the plugand-play drive units to the batteries - we’ve been getting more and more power from the batteries while ensuring their longevity and maintaining their health,” enthuses

Marc Jost, eD-TEC’s chief strategy officer.

“We did a lot of running at

NEW ELECTRIC DRIVE ACHIEVES 40 KNOTS

Once upon a time, trust and loyalty were a byword in an industry lead by passion and desire to succeed.

Your ability to understand the requirements, with the minimum of detail and stand by your word to deliver, being the biggest factor in play during your working life. A handshake seals the contract from the contract there’s no turning back…

around six to 10 knots and then did runs at 500rpm intervals, starting at 500rpm.” He added: “The team achieved a top speed of 40 knots with the motors running well below the maximum power, showing there is plenty of headroom left for even

greater top speeds.”

And he explained that issues with electrical components have been ironed out and there will also be an upgrade on the motor which will provide a simpler system to mitigate the electromagnetic noise. Testing will now move

into its third phase which will see the eD-QDrive 1 system and technology stack installed on a purpose-built Silent Speed 28 boat where the aim will be to hit a new speed milestone.

COX MARINE ENGINE SUPPLY DEAL

Cox Marine is to supply its CXO300 diesel outboard to XO Boats, supported by Cox Marine’s Scandinavian distributor, Diesel Power.

Designed and built in Finland, XO Boats’ EXPLR series combines Scandinavian design with a military-grade deep-V aluminium hull, for rigidity, durability, and driving qualities.

The CXO300 will initially be available on the EXPLR 9 model.

Pre-rigged at the XO factory, the CXO300 equipment is configured to the XO EXPLR 9 - the 9m version of XO’s premium weekend cruiser.

“Offering the CXO300 diesel outboard widens the potential market for XO as diesel fuel is more widely available in certain areas,” said Erkki Talvela, XO Boat’s CEO. “The EXPLR

9 is designed for outboard power to achieve top performance and optimum onboard space. Cox’s CXO300 offers the best of both worlds, and we are excited to offer it as a choice for our customers.”

Harry Heasman, Cox Marine’s EMEA regional director, added: “At Cox Marine we are always excited to see customers using and enjoying the benefits of our CXO300, but the alignment with

XO Boats is extraordinary because of the similarities in the brand’s foundations and ambitions.”

When did we lose the ability to personally make a difference, and at what cost to the ‘go get it done nature’ of the UK manufacturing industry? Why are there so few personalities left, replaced by identikit spread sheet munchers? So called professionalism mostly turns out to be a cover for adding cost and reducing outcomes.

Have all the people with the passion and commitment to do it all done it and gone, or has personality been suppressed by the desire to be seen as ‘a professional’? Who cares? Well, I do and when you speak to those who well remember those that cared, saving many a company’s bacon, it’s about time those skill sets became important again, if we are ever to dig back to a greater future.

Loyalty is created by developing relationships, accepting knowledge, understanding the common goal, but also respecting the individual. We inhabit a small world, ignore the benefits of knowledge and passion at your peril because only you will lose in the end. There is no price an organisation should put on trust and loyalty, because you literally can’t buy it. It’s time to nurture your assets.

8 Intensive testing has been completed on a new marine e-drive

8 The Cox Marine CXO300 diesel engine is to be supplied to XO Boats

8 Professionalism is a cover for adding cost and reducing outcomes

Larger blocks requested

Seldén Mast has expanded its range of Roller Bearing Blocks.

The low resistance, high dynamic load block range now includes larger single and single/stand ups in 100mm and 130mm blocks.

The new blocks are suitable for backstays, main sheet arrangements and sheets for downwind sails on yachts of various sizes.

“The boat builders we work with have been requesting larger blocks in our Roller Bearing Block range for spinnaker sheets, backstays and German sheeting, so we’ve extended the range to fulfil this need,” says Steve Norbury, Seldén Mast’s UK subsidiary MD.

“The new blocks’ low resistance at high, dynamic loads will make it easier for sailors to release a highly tensioned backstay, main sheet, spinnaker halyard or kicker, and as the blocks respond instantly to maintain delicate trimming and sail handling, sailors can just focus on what really matters – performance and boat speed.”

The RBB range features machined, black anodised aluminium cheeks and sheave, Torlon roller bearings for radial loads and thrust bearings for resisting side loads.

The additional blocks mean the range is is now available in sizes from 60mm to 130 mm.

Incidence Sails has introduced Aluula Composites on board the 60ft yacht Biotherm in the around the world sailing race, The Ocean Race.

The new generation of ultra-light, strong, and recycle-ready composite material, Aluula Durlyte, has taken two years of testing, both on and off the water, and is now being commercialised.

The material uses a patented, fusion technology to bond technical films to a UHMWPE core.

It is primarily being used for critical sail reinforcement areas such as batten pockets, bolt ropes, and high wear points including stanchions and spreaders with additional applications for the material including deck sweepers and sail bags.

The material is said to have ten times the abrasion resistance of competing materials and an extremely low friction surface.

Other features include the fact that the material doesn’t absorb water, is bacterial growth resistant,

Rondal has been awarded certification as a Lloyd’s Register Approved Service Supplier for the survey of masts and rigging on Bermuda (fore and aftrigged) vessels.

Lloyd’s Register approves safety standards on superyachts as well as on commercial ships.

Sailing vessels seeking to obtain or renew Lloyd’s Register Certification must be able to document that services such as measurements, test, periodic surveys or maintenance of safety systems or equipment have been provided by the

NEW PATENTED FUSION TECHNOLOGY

and accepts heat welding so it can be seam taped and is thermoformable.

It is a single polymer and recycle-ready.

“Given the astounding performance impact Aluula has had on kiteboarding and wind foiling, sailing is a natural next step,” said Aluula Composites director of partner innovation and design, Dave Westwood.

“The combination of Durlyte’s extreme abrasion, tear, and UV resistance coupled with zero water absorption make it an attractive choice for a technical sail brand such as Incidence Sails in reducing the weight of their sails while greatly improving durability.”

Biotherm’s set up includes a deck sweeper and various critical

reinforcements made with Aluula Durlyte.

Biotherm is regularly sailing at speeds of 25-30 knots sailing for weeks on end in open ocean conditions, extreme conditions that test sails and the materials they are made with.

LLOYD’S REGISTER CERTIFICATION FOR RIGGING COMPANY

and hatches,” said Harry Mijnsbergen, Rondal’s manager of service and aftersales.

organisation’s Approved Service Suppliers.

To achieve the approval, auditors examined Rondal’s methods, documentation processes and training to make sure they meet its necessary quality standards.

“We have worked with Lloyd’s for a long time on certification of many of the products we manufacture such as spars, winches

“They are well aware of our work and this audit was largely about fine tuning the specifics and procedures from our service. We have already been training all members of our survey and service team in this methodology.”

Rondal primarily performs mast and rigging survey work on superyachts over 40m in length.

8 Aluula Durlyte is being used on board Biotherm as the yacht takes part in The Ocean Race

8 Rondal has achieved Lloyd’s Register certification for Bermuda rigged vessels

8 Selden’s 130mm Roller Bearing Block

Barton Marine has unveiled a number of new products including the resurrection of the Tufnol Tuphblox range. Originally developed following the second world war, these fabric-based laminated plastic blocks fell out of favour in the 1970s when fully plastic blocks became the norm.

Now 50 years later, Barton has spotted the need to support heritage vessels worldwide and has relaunched the Tuphblox range.

The company has also unveiled its new T-Track conversion insert, the ‘solution to a historical marine industry problem’.

“If you go back in history the 32mm T-Track produced around the late 1970s and through the 1980s was 32mm with a 6mm lip,” said the company.

“This has now moved to a 5mm lip as an industry standard. As such all the cars have been redesigned around this 5mm standard and the 6mm gap cars are

BARTON BRINGS NEW LIFE TO TUFNOL BLOCKS

New multisheave configurations

no longer available. Older vessels with this 6mm track are now facing not only the cost of new cars but also replacement track.”

To solve this problem, Barton has created inserts which can be fitted to any of the Barton 32mm Genoa cars, converting them from

RIGGING ROPES

a 5mm to a 6mm track. Finally the company has released a new size 2 double stanchion lead block (N02290 – 2023 model).

Mounted on to the stanchion base, the revised block now features a removable clevis pin and ring which allows for

continuous furler lines to be easily installed in situ. Available in plain bearing or ball bearing configuration, this block fits 25mm diameter steel tubing and has a safe working load of 370kg.

Ronstan has added to its 20mm single sheave ball bearing and HHL Orbit lashing block range with multi-sheave configurations as well as a lightweight cheek block.

The company’s double and triple lashing blocks, including a double HHL version for higher load applications, have been developed to offer sailors stronger and lighter options for multi-purchase control systems on modern high performance and foiling sailboats.

The 20mm sheave diameter will accommodate up to 6mm lines, with a 4mm lashing line passing through the central hub to ensure the blocks meet published loads.

The RF25209 double lashing block is a lightweight 14g block with a maximum working load (MWL) of 300kg and a breaking load (BL) of 800kg. The RF25309 triple lashing block features the same maximum working load and breaking load and weighs just 21g.

Both the double and triple blocks use Ronstan’s twostage bearing system for high efficiency under both dynamic and static loads.

For higher load applications, the RF25209HL double block features stainless steel HHL sheaves with stainless steel ball races and bearings, providing a higher 450kg MWL (900kg BL). The block weighs 26g.

8 Barton is to manufacture Tufnol blocks

8 Ronstan’s RF25209 double lashing block

LESLEY ROBINSON British Marine CEO

If you are looking for somewhere to hold your next hospitality event, then look no further than the Southampton International Boat Show.

Whether you want to host a breakfast meeting, drop in for a luncheon or get together over sundowners, corporate hospitality is a great way to entertain clients, develop new business relationships or treat your staff to a great day out.

We have a whole host of corporate hospitality packages available at this years’ show and with prices starting at just £9.25 (ex VAT) per head, including entry tickets to the show worth £32 for each of your guests, you can rest assured you’ll enjoy a fabulous day out for a very good price!

We have three great venues to choose from, all of which can be tailored to suit your specific needs. The majestic tall ship the ‘Thalassa’, the lively waterside Quarterdeck Bar, or the exclusive Quayside Club VIP Waterfront Lounge, all offer a unique backdrop to talk business with existing or potential new clients.

Alongside your event, you and your guests can explore the show and with over 600+ plus exhibitors, showcasing everything from kayaks to superyachts, a purpose-built marina, attractions on and off the water and the best of all things marine, you’re guaranteed a sea-sational day out!

For more information email sales@britishmarine. co.uk

700% STRONGER BEARINGS

Harken’s new Zircon blocks are the company’s most efficient small boat blocks.

Features of the blocks include industrial ceramic ball bearings mounted inside caged races.

The cages have been developed to keep the bearings apart, so they don’t bunch up, touch and stop each other making it a freerunning, low-friction block.

“Give an unloaded Zircon block a strong spin, and it spins an incredibly long time,” explained a Harken spokesperson. “Ceramic is a more familiar name for the metallic oxide Zirconia. Zircon bearings are more than 700% stronger in compression than stainless bearings of the same size so, they will not deform if used within the recommended load limits.”

The bearings will also

absorb less energy before starting to roll, making the blocks more responsive, especially in light airs.

“Zircon feels like you can push the line out,” added the spokesperson. “At top wind range, you can rig more

mainsheet purchase so you can physically trim harder— but still ease through those additional sheaves when the wind lightens up.

“In the lightest air, trimmers feel they can actually push the sheet out.”

The blocks are available in single and double blocks, with or without beckets, and in 40mm and 57mm sheaves.

NEW BLOCK RANGE FROM ALLEN

Allen has launched a new 40mm dynamic block range.

The blocks are available in 29 variations, manufactured from highstrength, lightweight glassloaded nylon incorporating Allen’s dynamic bearing technology.

Development has taken place over the last two years with a focus on the high-performance keelboat and dinghy market with new variations for different systems.

The blocks have stainless-steel ball bearings which Allen says roll more quickly and last longer when subjected to high working loads compared to plastic alternatives.

The blocks also have a stainless-steel rail for the balls to roll on for further friction reduction and improved reliability and performance over a longer period.

“To further reduce friction, we have encapsulated the ball bearings in a cage, this

stops each of the bearings from rubbing against each other,” said an Allen spokesperson. “The reduced friction in caged ball bearings leads to improved performance.

“With less friction, the bearings can operate more efficiently, requiring less

energy to rotate. This results in smoother operation, reduced wear, and improved overall performance of the block.”

Other features include a lockable swivel shackle attachment which can be locked in 90-degree orientations.

8 Allen’s 40mm dynamic block range is available in 29 variations

Alternatively, the shackle lock can be removed for the block to rotate freely. Single, double and triple sheave options are available with aluminium ball-bearing cam cleats mounted via an adjustable arm which can be adjusted to suit different sheeting angles.

8 Harken’s Zircon block has low-friction ceramic ball bearings

EXCELLENCE ON A GLOBAL SCALE SINCE 1974

The first satellite communications systems were Inmarsat A’s and B’s which needed a 1.5m dish and large outlay making them pretty much only for the larger super yachts and commercial ships.

Now, technology has moved on, products have become smaller and more affordable with smaller and smaller craft installing systems.

“We used to mostly install satellite TV and some communications systems,” explained CA Clase’s Andy Banting.

“Now it’s mostly communications with very little TV.”

He added: “People want Starlink, VSAT systems and are not interested in TV. We’re doing very well with the communications side of the business.”

And he explained that over the last few years, there has been a dramatic increase in demand for inshore cellular WiFi systems.

“This has been helped by increased internet speeds. If tthere are hree or four people onboard a yacht, they can all stream TV without it getting compromised.

“People are watching TV online; everyone wants to stream whether it’s catch-up TV or from another streaming service.

“When they’re abroad, they want to watch UK TV on demand. The quality of equipment being developed is much improved and coverage is also improved.”

History

While CA Clase UK was set up in 1995, the history of the business dates back to 1985 when Burmarc Ltd was founded.

The two companies merged in 2001 and key dates in the subsequent history included being appointed sole UK distributor for Northstar marine electronic navigation equipment in 2006.

TECHNOLOGY ENABLES VASTLY REDUCED COSTS

In 2007, CA Clase, introduced the latest range of Kenwood marine audio systems and the following year appointed Andy Banting as head of

commercial marine sales.

In 2013 it was announced that Simon Bush would be taking over the role of managing director at CA Clase, replacing Andrew

Bush, who joined KVH Industries A/S.

Simon Bush had been the technical director (and Andrew Bush’s right-hand man), since 2003 and had

run Burmarc Ltd before its merger with CA Clase (UK) in 2001.

In 2015, Jason Macintosh was appointed as the new sales director at CA Clase (UK) and in 2016, he bought the business, and has continued to take it forward.

In 2017 CA Clase signed as a commercial marine distribution partner for FLIR Systems and two years’ later, launched the latest generation of high throughput satellites for global connectivity and voice calls.

In the same year, the company was appointed as an airtime service provider for KVH VSAT products.

In 2021 CA Clase was appointed distributor for Poynting antennas.

8

at

Southampton

8 CA Clase at London Boat Show in 2004

CA Clase in 2017

the

Boat Show

AKZONOBEL'S AWLGRIP BRAND HITS 50 THIS YEAR

This year AkzoNobel marks 50 years of its Awlgrip brand, but that is just one part of the story in a 231 year history of expertise in the marine coatings and antifouling sector.

In 1792, when Wiert Willem Sikkens opened a small paint and varnish works in a gatehouse in the city wall of Groningen, the Netherlands; He probably didn’t bank on creating the roots of a company that would still be in operation today. Nor that it would have over 3,000 patents to its name and be active in over 150 countries.

But it’s fair to say that the company had to wait a while for international success.

Long history

In 1904, International as it was then known, began to enjoy early success when Holzapfel brothers built a new factory in Felling, UK, to produce its increasingly successful International marine antifouling paint.

But it would take another 90 years before the company began to resemble the incarnation that still exists today.

In 1994, Akzo joined forces with Nobel when Nobel Industries was acquired by Akzo to create Akzo Nobel. Four years later, it also acquired Courtaulds in the UK, a deal which included the International brand.

Fast forward to 2008, when Akzo Nobel acquired ICI in the UK, a deal which included the Dulux brand, launched a new brand identity and became AkzoNobel. Ten years later the company sold its speciality chemicals business to become a focused paints and coatings company and made a series of bolt-on acquisitions.

Then in 2017, it developed its antifoulings

business under the International yacht paint brand. The new range consisted of eight products including Micron 350 – a premium antifouling suitable for all conditions and with self-polishing copolymer technology.

Since 2019, AkzoNobel has continued to make acquisitions, including Mapaero in France, Titan Paints in Spain, New Nautical Coatings in the US and Stahl’s powder coatings activities. The company has become synonymous with the likes of the Ocean Race, where the boats use International and Awlgrip coatings supplied by AkzoNobel.

Green strategy

In 2021, sustainability came more to the forefront, accelerated by lessons learnt during the pandemic.

AkzoNobel and the Dutch Advanced Research Center Chemical Building Blocks Consortium (ARC CBBC) announced that they had unlocked a more sustainable way of making resins which could pave the way for future innovations such as ‘smart’ paint or adding new functionality during the lifetime of a coating.

Over the last few years, AkzoNobel has been scaling up its in-house resin manufacturing to help guard against supply chain disruptions, which served it well through the pandemic.

As Simon Parker, business

unit director for marine, protective and yacht coatings, AkzoNobel, said at the time: “Further investing in our own resin capabilities will help us to secure sustainable business growth, as well as supporting our innovation pipeline and sustainability targets.”

AkzoNobel has also been focusing strongly on its R&D activities. It opened a new £10 million global research and development centre at its Slough site in the UK in 2022.

The centre is in addition to several similar facilities in countries around the world. The future looks exciting with lots of research projects in the pipeline. AkzoNobel has spent €1.25B on R&D in the last five years.

One of its projects involves a partnership with Damen Shipyards and Philips to develop an anti-fouling control solution using biocide-free UV-C light technology which could revolutionise the industry.

The technology integrates UV-C lightemitting diodes (LEDs) in a coating scheme which emits just enough light to provide total prevention of biofouling accumulation on the protected area. Small-scale trials of the solution have already taken place.

8 The company has become synonymous with the likes of the Ocean Race, where the boats use International and Awlgrip coatings supplied by AkzoNobel

Comprehensive charts from Imray

Imray, publisher of nautical charts and books with recognition from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, has been producing nautical charts for centuries.

For more than a century, Imray Blueback charts were used by shipping companies with Norie’s Nautical Tables – a book of calculations for astronavigation that was first published in 1803 remaining a best seller today.

The term Blueback was due to the sturdy blue manila backing paper that made the charts more durable.

Today, the company uses a custom milled Pretex paper to serve the same purpose.

In 1904 the founding companies merged after the government made it mandatory for ships to carry official Admiralty charts and the company’s focus turned to yachting.

Today, it remains familyowned and works closely with the sailing community to create comprehensive charts and cruising guides for top sailing destinations worldwide.

Throughout its long heritage, technology has played a significant role in chart production, with Imray’s charts evolving from explorers’ hand-drawn surveys published via copper printing plates.

Around 1900, Imray began using litho-press technology, moving onto desktop computer publishing in 1995.

Four years later, the company introduced a geographic information system and first apps for iPad and iPhone were launched in 2009, expanding its offerings to various digital platforms.

Due to demand, paper charts are still printed on customised wide-format digital printing presses.

AIRCRAFT LINKS LED TO SEA SURE INCEPTION

Sea Sure originally started out as H. Brown & Sons (Engineering) Ltd, with the ‘H’ being Harry Brown, current MD, Graham Brown’s grandfather and his sons, Jim, Bill and Ted.

Harry and his family had moved to the South Coast from the Midlands during World War Two to run production lines for Spitfire aircraft.

“They were toolmakers in charge of the production,” explained Graham. “They worked with several outside engineering businesses which each made different components. H. Brown & Sons would bolt all the components together and send off the airplanes.”

At the end of the war Harry continued to use the skills he had developed and set up as a toolmaking business in an old green shed opposite Moody’s Boat Yard on the River Hamble.

“Their close links with the development of new aircraft meant they were using an exciting new material - stainless steel,” added Graham.

“As dinghy sailing became more popular in the late 50s and 60s, there was a need for specialised fittings and

Sea Sure led the way by using these materials from the aircraft industry and with their ability to productionise manufacturing parts, costs could be kept down to an affordable level.”

Today, Sea Sure still maintains links with the

aircraft industry and supplies safety critical parts for both the French and UK air forces.

The classic brands of Blakes and Taylors were added about 15 years’ ago with Blakes tracing its history back to 1789, supplying the Royal Navy at the time of Nelson. The company continues to blend the latest technology and materials into its product designs, with Shock-WBV seat suspension systems added to the product line up a few years’ ago and chosen for all of the American Magic America’s Cup chase boats.

The company exports its products across the world, with most people who have been sailing in the last 60 years having used its parts, all of which are manufactured in its Warsash factory.

8 Ted and his brother Jim at the first Southampton Boat Show. The ‘Green Jacket’ uniform became well known across Europe and is still fondly remembered by Lindermann, Sea Sure’s longest standing customer in Germany

8 Shock-WBV seat suspension systems are used on the American Magic America’s Cup chase boats

For more than 30 years, Saltwater Stone has been building and developing brands in an ever-changing landscape.

Originally known as BMC PR, the agency was founded in 1991 by Clive and Georgina Bartlett.

Early clients included the Tarquin Boat Company, International Paint, and marine electronics brand Cetrek. In its 32-year history, Saltwater Stone has witnessed significant change both across the industry and in how the company operates.

“When we first started the business, we didn’t have access to the internet,” explained Georgina. “It’s inconceivable today for businesses to be without it, but when your only means of communicating is by phone, fax, and post, you must make the best of what is available.

She added: “Before we communicated digitally to the media, our costs were significant and our work extremely time-consuming. Although the work was hard and long hours, many of those reading this will remember how much fun we had, especially at boats shows.”

Milestones

Having successfully worked with some of the marine industry’s most prestigious brands and events and developed close and long-lasting associations with clients and marine journalists around the world, the agency has achieved some memorable milestones over the years, from organising highprofile yacht launches and significant industry events to working alongside royalty for client factory openings.

LONG-LASTING ASSOCIATIONS

The agency became a full-service PR, media buying, digital marketing and design agency in 2016 and rebranded that year as Saltwater Stone.

Notable past and present clients include International Paint, Avon Inflatables, Simrad, Fairline Yachts, Bank of Scotland Marine Finance, Camper & Nicholson, RNLI, the UK Hydrographic Office, MDL, Raymarine, Discovery Yachts, Opal Marine, Azko Noble, Dometic, Peters & May and Marlink.

Challenges

Like many businesses in the marine industry, Saltwater has not been immune to some of the more challenging times.

“The financial crash in 2008 had a detrimental impact on many of our clients and we saw a dramatic but temporary drop in business while the industry adjusted to the fall out, continued Georgina. “The recent Covid pandemic meant that we had to implement a swift approach to how staff worked and how we communicated to maintain the high level of service that our clients expected. Over the years we have had to adapt and make some tough decisions, which has ensured our longevity. We are very proud of what we have achieved since we started the company and who we are today.”

8

1996

won gold at the Atlanta Olympics for a publicity shot for Saltwater’s client, Aylings, who made the Olympic rowing boat 8 One of hundreds of press launches Saltwater Stone has organised over the past 32 years. This one shows Duncan Kent and Peter Nielsen attending the launch of Splashdown’s latest range of waterproof clothing

Top: Matthew Pinsent & Steve Redgrave – this photo was taken in

after the pair

Princess Yachts was founded as Marine Projects (Plymouth) Ltd in 1965 however the boatbuilder’s origins date back to 1963 when Cliff Viney, David King and Brian Phillips set up a boat charter business.

As part of the charter business, Project 31 was fitted out and later sold and the potential for sales was realised, paving the way for the company’s history of almost continuous expansion.

In total more than 150 Project 31 yachts were produced and sold, with a second model, the Pilgrim 30 introduced in 1968.

The first Princess was launched in the 1970s – the Princess 32 - in an era when GRP moulding was introduced, facilities were expanded, dealers were appointed and the boatbuilder’s flybridge range was conceived.

More than 1,200 Princess 32 models were sold over a decade-long production run, with further models added to the range. The expanding range led to the acquisition of the boatbuilder’s third premises which was used as a dedicated mould shop.

A partnership with A.H. Moody and Sons led to the boatbuilder producing sailing yachts with almost 40 models being developed and 4,000 yachts built over a 30-year timespan.

In 1980, a design relationship was started with naval architect Bernard Olesinski with the first model being the Princess 30DS. The second design was the Princess 45 which at the time was the UK’s largest production motor yacht became pivotal for the export market.

The first sports yacht was designed in 1983, the 386 Riviera, which was aimed at the Mediterranean market and at the end of the 1980s, a fourth manufacturing site was opened.

In the 1990s, nearly 40 new models were launched including the Princess 65

PRINCESS YACHTS CREATES DEMAND

and the first V Class sports yachts, and there was more expansion of facilities with the acquisition of the boatbuilder’s fifth premises.

Rebrand

In 2001, Marine Projects was rebranded as Princess Yachts International, several larger flagship models were introduced, and the company bought its sixth site.

The largest Princess yacht, the Princess 40M

which measured 132ft was launched in 2010 and the Princess S Class was born a few years’ later, bridging the gap between the company’s flybridge models and sports yacht models.

The development of new models coincided with the introduction of new practices for the interior and exterior fit out of the yachts, developing from a hands-on process with manual adjustments to 3D

digital images.

Andy Lawrence, design and development director for the boatbuilder’s in-house team, leads the interior and exterior fit-out work.

He began work at Princess 20 years’ ago when there were 40 people in the team and has seen it more than double to 90 people.

“Pen and paper were still used and there was a lot of arm waving at the plug build stage,” he explained.

“2D line drawings were used and people used their experience and their eye to develop it.

“20 years’ ago, when I started, 3D was just starting to be used for furniture work with 2D used for designing the outside of the boat.

“There was more than more transition into using CAD.

“We used to build a mock-up of furniture inside the hull which was then broken down and then the mock-up used for patterns.”

And Andy explained that at this time, there was a large team of plug makers who were gradually replaced by five axis CNC machines.

“Slats of plywood were pinned over the shape of the formers and filler was scraped across the surface of the slats,” he said. “It was

8 Project 31 in build

8 Princess Yachts Project 31 was put up for sale in 1965

amazing watching them working.”

The transition to CAD did have advantages however, with the models being more accurate and tolerances improved.

“Every piece of furniture went into the model. Customers were getting what they expected to see, and we haven’t really looked back from there.”

Other technological developments include trying out a virtual reality facility, alongside keeping some of the more traditional techniques.

“We still make one to one mock-ups of all the interiors,” explained Andy.

“We have a full-scale conceptual model and carry out a big reveal with the directors of sales.

“It gives us a better idea of how things will fit and we’re fairly unique in the industry to do it.

“Sales still use it as a visualisation and training tool; it gives reality to people.”

The model is also used to wrap a conceptual around with a rudimentary deck which is worked up for functionality, practicality and performance before being styled.

Trends

When it comes to trends, Andy explains that boats

were much simpler 20, 30 and 40 years ago.

Over the years, the craft have developed from being very functional and become much more aesthetically pleasing.

Volumes have also increased – 20 or 30 years’ ago, boat hulls were narrow with a deep ‘V’ shape which limited accommodation space.

“We’ve also moved from hand-layered layups to model infusion which gives us better control of the thickness of the hull and tighter tolerances,” said Andy.

“They’re now more like apartments on the water rather than a boat. Everything has to work practically, with details such as edges being soft so people don’t

hurt themselves if they catch them.”

However, while the desire for speed has not changed, customers are now exploring longer range products.

“The top speed is still important in the segment that we sit in. We’re working on hull efficiency with the lowest amount of fuel burn,” said Andy who added that while sustainability is also a growing topic, the demand is not yet there.

“We’re carrying out a full life cycle analysis so we can understand how we can distribute our efforts. We’re looking at a range of items from fabrics to core materials, factory operations, waste produced, thinking how it all works and the costs

associated with it.

“We need to look at how to implement the ideas and see if there is a product available. We can only go as fast as the supply base.

“The response is to create demand. We’ve got multiple work streams going on at the moment to try to address these items.

“We have a ten-year plan and need to look at how we deliver sustainable boats. For example, is a whole new product required or

8 In 1980, a design relationship was started with naval architect Bernard Olesinski with the first model being the Princess 30DS

are there straightforward substitutions?

“We have to be careful that any sustainable choice is not seen as being an inferior step.

“There are no regulations at the moment so there’s not a lot driving us to do it.

“Changes to regulations are generally around structure, such as how we calculate the pressures that are required and regulations that have been introduced to support the additional glazing used in today’s boats.”

Other trends include more air-conditioned space on board and changes to boat use with owners wanting to be closer to the water with easier access.

“We’re also shortening development time, developing one hull that we put multiple decks and canopies on,” concluded Andy.

8 Some of the early Marine Projects team

8 Princess 37 V Hull (1973)

8 The Princess S72 has more glazing than early models

Since its inception in 1969, the Sunseeker range has continued to evolve but the brand has always remained true to its iconic styling.

Originally named Poole Power Boats, the company was founded by brothers Robert and John Braithwaite in 1969.

The company changed its name to Sunseeker International in 1985 and has since become somewhat of a global British icon.

From its numerous manufacturing bases in Dorset, Sunseeker employs 2,300 people and produces around 140 boats every year ranging from 38-131 feet.

The British brand exports 98% of its yachts which it says is due to the substantial investment it makes in manufacturing and the strategic growth of its global dealer network.

Over the years, the Sunseeker range has continued to evolve but the brand has always remained true to its iconic styling ensuring that its yachts are recognised as being ‘distinctly Sunseeker’.

During this time, Sunseeker has also seen some true historic models return with new styling and innovations, such as the Superhawk - with the Superhawk 55 now being one of Sunseeker’s strongest-selling models.

Innovation

The first Sunseeker craft to launch was the Sovereign 17 in 1971, closely followed by the Sovereign 20.

Formula One driver Henry Taylor fell in love with the boats but wanted to accommodate a full width sunbed. The team set about designing this unprecedented new boat continuing to take cues from how their owners wanted to use their boats,

Sunseeker was building exceptionally unique crafts throughout the 80s with the emphasis on enjoyment, fun and high performance.

The 90s introduced an era of style in boating.

SUNSEEKER LOOKS BACK ON A SUCCESSFUL 54 YEARS

Sunseeker began to adopt soft shapes and curved silhouettes, setting a benchmark in imaginative boat design.

The turn of the century saw Sunseeker set the pace with the launch of its then-largest ever motor yacht, the 105 Yacht, winner of two of the world’s most prestigious accolades at the International Superyacht Design awards.

In 2002, Sunseeker Europe acquired the British based Sunseeker Sales Group. The acquisition was part of the planned expansion to coincide with the future development and growth of Sunseeker International Ltd.

Then in 2004, Sunseeker began work to double an additional 10% manufacturing area of 32,000 square feet, enabling it to double its capacity for large boat construction at the shipyard and increase its workforce.

This was a precursor to its further expansion in 2007,

where it invested £10 million in its manufacturing facilities at Poole.

With demand for larger boats increasing, further expansion was vital to the boatbuilder’s growth prospects. An 11.5 acre site was acquired at Osprey Quay in Portland, Dorset, with further expansion at New Quay Road, Poole, consisting of two new shipyards.

Also in 2007, fifteen years after being awarded his MBE for Sunseeker’s export efforts, Robert Braithwaite was made a CBE in HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours.

In 2008, Sunseeker made its fourth consecutive appearance in a James Bond film, this time Quantum of Solace, complete with a cameo appearance by CEO Robert Braithwaite CBE.

The economic downturn in 2009 brought trickier times for Sunseeker as it did for many. With £9m losses, a group of Irish investors led by Dublin-based privateequity firm FL Partners,

bought a majority stake in the company.

But Sunseeker continued to ride out these trying times until in 2013 Chinese property group, Dalian Wanda, acquired the company in an agreement worth £320m.

In 2014, Sunseeker undertook sea trials for its new flagship tri-deck155 Yacht, which was ordered by Formula 1’s Eddie Jordan. It was the largest project ever undertaken by the boatbuilder at the time.

2016 saw Sunseeker International launch a new range of merchandise, the ‘Sunseeker Collection’ at the Southampton Boat Show and more importantly, a return to profit for the company.

John Braithwaite, one of Sunseeker’s founders, retired in 2018 after 53 years working for the boatbuilder.

Then sadly in 2019, Robert Braithwaite, CBE, joint founder of Sunseeker International, died aged 75.

Andrea Frabetti took over

as Sunseeker International CEO and remains in position to this day.

During the pandemic, Sunseeker suffered like most of its counterparts, shedding around 460 jobs as part of a rebalancing of the business.

But in the later part of 2020, the company moved back to full production and announced it would fund £38m in new product development between 2020 and 2023 with the aim of doubling its range doubling to 22 models.

Five new models launched before the end of 2020 - the 90 Ocean, 88 Yacht, 65 Sport Yacht, Manhattan 55 and Predator 55.

Then in 2021, a new shared ownership platform for Sunseeker yachts launched, combining the benefits of ownership with the convenience of a charter.

8 The Superhawk 55 is one of Sunseeker’s strongest-selling models

The company saw a record number of seven new models launched in 2021. The Superhawk 55 was launched in 2022, along with its own dedicated shipyard. Other new launches included the Predator 65, 50m Ocean and 100 Yacht. Both the Superhawk 55 and the 75 Sport Yacht made their world premiere at boot Düsseldorf 2023.

Into the future Poole remains home to Sunseeker’s design and production facilities. The dedicated design and technology centre is a unique facility which vertically integrates every detail of the yachts from the initial concept designs through to the finishing details including furniture, complex electrical systems, helm consoles and soft furnishings.

As Sunseeker produces these components in its own dedicated facility, it’s able to offer high quality control, craftsmanship and attention to detail which it says in turn drives enquiries for new yachts and export sales.

Over the past few years, Sunseeker has brought more work in-house to increase its UK supply capability.

It has invested hugely in its technology centre with over £1.5m spent on new machinery and processes within the last 18 months alone.

Over the past 40 years, there has been considerable changes in the development of boatbuilding techniques and Sunseeker has been able to remain at the very forefront by having the capabilities and skills in-house to invest and innovate as the industry progresses. This has included the use of virtual reality in design, as well as the introduction of modelling and tooling techniques that allow the boatbuilder to stay at the cutting-edge of design and manufacturing in the sector.

Last year, Sunseeker International revealed its

product development plans for 2022 to 2025, with the recent launch of 12 new models and an expansion of its portfolio to 22 yachts. Sunseeker has committed £40m for new product development and production capability – a record investment for the company. This continued investment in new products and constantly bringing new innovations to the market is it says, what sets Sunseeker apart from its competitors across the globe.

The boatbuilder is in a strong sales position with a forward order book of over £500m.

One of the new products on the horizon is the Ocean 182, launching this autumn.

The unique selling point of the Ocean 182 is its helm station located on the upper deck. This enables the main deck

saloon to open up into a luxurious open-plan space for socialising and dining, this has not been seen on a Sunseeker before.

8 The Sunseeker Superhawk 34

8 The 100 Yacht was launched in 2022

Raymarine’s product support manager, Derek Gilbert, looks at the key development in marine electronics over the last 40 years.

Marine electronics have moved an awfully long way during the 40 years that Boating Business has been reporting the marine leisure market. Boats are more connected than ever before with functionality that would only have featured in the fevered dreams of the most imaginative boat owners of 1983.

Winding the clock back to the early 80s takes us back to the world of marine electronics specialist SMEs, where, for most boatowners it would still be fairly unlikely that, for example, their radar would carry the same brand name as their depth sounder or windspeed indicator.

For the small, expert companies that dominated at this time it was hard enough to crack the market for something highly technical like a marine VHF on its own, so brands were inclined to pick their niche and stick with it.

The first full, integrated systems were coming into the market though, with Raymarine, then Raytheon, leading the charge thanks to an ambitious takeover period which through the course of the 1980s and 90s led to the company growing to encompass market leaders in radar, autopilots and sailing instruments. For the first time a single company could equip a boat with all its marine electronics.

Visionary

British sailor and visionary Derek Fawcett had already taken the marine electronics world by storm in the 1970s. His company Nautech was manufacturing the soon to be yachting household name Autohelm sailing autopilots, but his largest contribution to yachting technology came in 1989 when he came up with SeaTalk, one of the first

A PIONEERING 40 YEARS IN MARINE ELECTRONICS

within a hand held VHF radio, for example.

Developments like this one have greatly enhanced safety at sea, with a modern handheld VHF offering DSC (Digital Selective Calling) able to not only send a distress call at the touch of a button, but also alert the authorities to the casualty’s GPS position with the same button push; a set of benefits that could not be dreamt of in 1983.

commercially available network protocols. Raytheon bought Nautech in 1990. Network protocols meant that data could now be shared across multiple devices around the boat, and this breakthrough was, in the view of many industry commentators, the single most important development in marine electronics in the last 40 years.

A network protocol, such as today’s NMEA2000, allows communication between devices of any manufacturer that are built to the protocol, enabling one device aboard to ‘talk’ to another via a single cable. It is these background connection systems that enable so much of today’s incredible functionality from overlaying radar and AIS information on top of a vector chart in a modern MFD (Multifunction Device), to data from multiple daylight and night vision cameras directly informing the decisions taken by a modern autopilot.

While comparing the helm stations of a sailing yacht or motorcruiser from 1983, with the same in 2023, the key visual differentiator

is of course the giant (by 1980s standards) touch screen MFD (or chartplotter) on the 2023 boat.

But, the MFD is just the home residence for all the data; a convenient single point of reference for the skipper. Now we almost take for granted our sunlight viewable large MFDs allowing a myriad of colourful, easy to read, accessible displays integrating analogue and digital data to empower the user to make quick, accurate and insightful decisions to manage performance.

But all the background heavy lifting that makes this able to happen is provided by the principles of networking devices that got such a nudge in the right direction from Derek Fawcett when he came up with SeaTalk in 1989.

Situational awareness

Two words sum up the benefits of an MFD over older separate devices: Situational Awareness.

The age old challenge of navigating boats at sea is that there can be a lot going on at once, and if things aren’t going right

there can suddenly be the feeling that twice as much is happening. A modern MFD, such as those from Raymarine’s Axiom+ range is highly configurable and intuitive to use so that a pressured user has a mix of tabs and overlays so that all the necessary information is available in one place, but not in a way that makes it feel as though it is pouring in uncontrollably from all directions.

Concurrently with this, microprocessors were revolutionising consumer electronics in the 1980s on land and at sea. Their compact size and high processing power led to the rapid demise of some slower and bulkier analogue electronic technologies. GPS arrived in the 1980s, sweeping away almost overnight the now forgotten position fixing technologies like Decca and RDF (Radio Direction Finding), but it was the rapid developments in microprocessors that allowed a GPS receiver to be small enough to be housed

That single handheld VHF of 2023 would contain many times the processing power of all the devices and systems aboard an ocean racing yacht of 1983 and all this new data is not going to waste.

Data collection for later analysis has been around for some years and it’s informed safer skipper decisions as well as feeding back into better performance of later devices. We are moving into the next stage in this; where we are beginning to use data to enter a neural network, apply AI to it and manage other parts of the system to respond to it in real time. Some industry commentators say we are just a few years from an AI autopilot that can sail a boat, under sail, better than any America’s Cup helm.

Boaters are very much less alone in 2023 than they were in 1983. Thanks to satellite communications, data can be shared off the boat, for instance to shore based support or management teams. Some have argued that this takes some of the skill away from boating, but I believe the sea has a limitless capacity to challenge us.

I think few sailors would ever choose to go back to the technologies of 1983 due to the retrograde shift it would represent in safety, comfort and pleasure.

8 A modern MFD, such as one from Raymarine’s Axiom+ range, is highly configurable and intuitive to use

THE BRITISH BOATBUILDER WHICH HAS OVERCOME ADVERSITY

Established in 1960, Fletcher has built and maintained a reputation for quality and innovation over the years, despite tackling some very tricky times.

From its humble origins of a model shop in the West Midlands in 1960, Norman Fletcher built his first boat to satisfy a boyhood passion for speed and performance.

But the Fletcher brand quickly became successful when in 1964, Norman Fletcher became the first Class III Offshore Champion.

Overcoming adversity

Norman sold his business in the late 1990s to Hornby, the train people.

But many argued that being bought out by a corporate giant made it lose the personal touch and this damaged the company over time.

Sadly in Janauary

2002, Fletcher went into receivership.

The sad news about the company was made all the more poignant by the news that Steve Castle, managing director of Fletcher International, committed suicide on 9 January.

Portfolio dates from 2010

But like a phoenix to the flames, the Fletcher brand, design rights and remaining assets were sold to Tony Wyer’s Wolverhamptonbased SBS Trailers in 2003.

SBS used to supply Fletcher’s with boat trailers and knew the company really well.

Over many successful years, Fletcher’s boats were used in films such as James Bond and the children’s thriller, Stormbreaker.

It was a weekly joke on the TV show Bullseye when the prize at the end of every show was a Fletcher boat.

Fletcher boats were also used as prizes on The Price is Right and the crew of Never Mind the Buzzcocks used one for a show too.

Then in 2015, the opportunity to sell Fletcher arose, leaving SBS to concentrate on manufacturing and improving its trailers.

Fletcher was bought by a private investment group, bringing boat manufacturing to Somerset.

Into the future

Over the past few years and under Ed Ahmed’s creative

direction, the team has been working hard to refine current models and develop new and exciting launches.

This includes the celebrated launch of Fletcher’s F23, the first new model from the brand in more than 20 years, along with the promise of an all-electric future, coming in 2024.

Initially launched as a petrol outboard in July 2023, the F23 sets a new standard for the brand, blending its retro heritage with modern design and unique innovations.

Constructed with luxury and performance at the forefront, the F23 presents high levels of craftsmanship and design with an impressive performance of up to 50mph, thanks to its 300hp outboard and innovative fibre carbonreinforced fibreglass construction.

Expected in 2024, Fletcher is developing and refining its answer to diesel engine alternatives – electric motor propulsion – which will offer improved fuel efficiency, reduced emissions and quieter operation.

8 Above:Fletcher is an iconic British-born performance boatbuilder that handcrafts sports boats

With a rich heritage dating back several decades, Fletcher specialises in blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. Its designs are fundamentally performance-driven, reaching maximum power of up to 225hp with its classic Arrowhawk 19GTO model.

In more recent times, the brand has experimented with techniques such as marine grade vinyl wrapping, offering clients flexibility on boat colour, thus moving away from the traditional practices of gel coat colouring and the restrictions that come with this method.

Renowned for its iconic retro design, Fletcher combines this muchloved DNA with modern development and boatbuilding techniques, supplying hand-built performance boats to its customers all around the world.

Communications and safety at sea company, Ocean Signal, was established in the wake of the 2008 recession and launched its first portfolio of GMDSS safety devices in 2010.

The evolution of Ocean Signal portfolios has been designed to meet or exceed the technical requirements of the International Maritime Organisation (SOLAS), International Electrotechnical Commission standards, European Directives and Decisions, United States Coastguard standards as well as many other applicable national and international rules.

The company is now present in almost 50 countries and has produced more than 250,000 lifesaving marine beacons across the leisure, commercial, leisure marine, governmental/military and land/recreational markets.

Ocean Signal tripled its business footprint in 2021, moving to a 19,200sqft Margate factory to support growth plans, meet increased production demands, and enhance capabilities to launch the next generation of beacons.

The latest beacon is the rescueME AIS PLB3, which won the DAME Design 2022 award.

The product, developed to assist rescue services in finding and helping survivors, combines multiple technologies into one compact device.

8 Ocean Signal’s RescueMe

Five decades for MDL

Over the last five decades, MDL Marinas has grown into a leading marina operator and one of Europe’s largest marina groups with 18 UK marinas and one in Spain.

The company has seen many positive changes, acquisitions and developments since it started in the early 1970s, as well as bearing witness to the evolution of boating in the UK.

“MDL’s story is not dissimilar to that of the British marina industry itself,” said MD, Michael Glanville. “Fifty years ago, if you owned a boat, you most likely kept it afloat on a pile or swinging mooring.

“American boat owners, perhaps used to higher standards of service and convenience, were beginning to keep their yachts and motorboats alongside floating pontoons, with access to the shore and facilities such as showers and chandleries, and where security could be provided.

“This new way of boating started to filter across the water and the first marinas started to appear in the UK.”

The first marina to be acquired by MDL was Penton Hook Marina on the Thames in 1972. A decade later MDL purchased its first saltwater marina – Cobb’s Quay in Poole – which, along with two marinas now no longer owned by MDL, added 1,200 berths and doubled the size of the company overnight.

Further marinas followed and with momentum gaining, civil engineering firm Dean & Dyball accepted a takeover offer from MDL which added five further marinas to the line-up. In 2017, MDL opened its first lodge park and also expanded its holiday offering on the south coast.

PETERS & MAY CELEBRATES 50 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Peters & May began life in 1973 as a small freight forwarding company operating in Reading UK.

Fast forward 50 years, the company is celebrating its 50th anniversary as a logistic provider operating around the world.

The company has its UK HQ in Southampton and also occupies ten global offices, across Europe, Asia and the US, employing more than 100 staff members.

It first became a key player in the marine industry during

the 1980’s by providing logistics for prestigious events such as the Americas Cup and the Whitbread Round the World Race. From then on, it has expanded continuously, broadening its scope to offer transport and shipping services in areas such as yacht racing, leisure boating, commercial cargo, general freight forwarding, and courier services (CEC). In recent years, the yacht shipping industry has witnessed significant technological

advancements in hull designs, revolutionising boat performance and sustainability.

While the standard shipping methods for yachts, such as roll-on/ roll-off or lift-on/lift-off have remained unchanged, these innovations have necessitated adaptations to lifting equipment and requirements.

From international customs protocols to cradling and deck lashings, Peters & May has improved

its craft and built its knowledge base using highquality equipment to deliver customer-tailored lifts. Despite facing numerous challenges, such as global price rises, port closures, labour and cargo capacity shortages, Peters & May has reported increased shipments across all divisions, making 2022 one of its most successful years to date.

8 Peters & May staff have celebrated 50 years of the company being in business

8 Peters & May yacht shipping

Family is at the heart of business for distributor IMP.

Established in 1984 by Pamela and Roger Ralston at their family home the company has grown over thirty years and now works with leading yacht manufacturers including Princess, Sunseeker and Fairline.

The company distributes products from a wealth of brands such as Actisense, Ronstan, Techimpex, Italwinch, Bamar and lighting specialists including BCM Benedetti Lighting, Dalcnet Lighting and Frensch Lighting.

A keen sailor, Roger initially began developing IMP’s portfolio with Netherlands-based GEBO Marine Glazing and Zwaardvis Pedestal Systems. With a growing number of customers, there came new requests and an expanding product range of emerging brands.

Ably assisted by daughters Kate, Liz and Susannah, Roger and Pam worked to build the

River Canal Rescue, a 24/7 breakdown and emergency assistance service for boaters, is the brainchild of founder and CEO Trevor Forman after a recurring dream about a breakdown service for boats, prompted him and partner, Stephanie Horton, to research the market to see if such a service existed.

The couple owned a boat on the River Thames and with Trevor being a diagnostic mechanic and Stephanie an electro mechanical power engineer, they were often called upon to help out fellow boaters in difficulty.

After finding no such business existed, they took the plunge and launched RCR in January 2001.

A fire in a neighbouring firework factory in October 2014 however, nearly ended the dream, gutting the company’s offices and stores.

Not only was stock

FAMILY AT HEART OF IMP’S BUSINESS

company acquired Nauquip before celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2009 when Roger and Pamela said the company was still going strong. “I am very proud of our company, the IMP team and the supplier and customer relationships we have established over the years and look forward to many more years of success,” said Roger.

The 2010s saw the team expand with the addition of six new team members and another move to a purposebuilt warehouse and office space. The decade also saw IMP update its order processing system to increase productivity and efficiency.

business, exhibiting at many marine shows.

Expansions

In the 1990s, IMP moved premises to a small site in Essex, taking on nephew Andy as sales director, a post he still holds today.

In the 2000s, the company expanded once again, this time to Hertfordshire, welcoming the second generation of IMP – daughters Susannah, Liz and her partner Darren. 2002 saw the company enjoy a boom year after

the collapse of Sowester Simpson-Lawrence, then Europe’s largest marine importer and distributor.

In January 2007 the

In April 2015 Luke Yeats joined IMP as marine field sales executive and Nick Davey joined in 2022 to represent the Vimar brand and JBL.

The company is still going strong this decade with recent signings including Seaview Blinds, ShadowCaster, VeeConnect and LXNav Marine.

RCR WAS A RECURRING DREAM

wiped out that had been built up over years, but the team also had to work out of temporary premises for 18 months until a new HQ was built in April 2016 and officially opened by actor and boat enthusiast, David Suchet, two months later. Now the business employs 40 people, has 626 contractors on its books, supports 19,000+ members – around one in five waterway users – and

handles an average of 500 calls a month.

RCR also owns engine refurbishment and rebuilding firm, Key Diesels, and marine engineering service provider, Canal Contracting and in December 2022, the company launched River Coastal Rescue in Perth, Australia.

And with various challenges, perhaps the

biggest is ‘managing the expectations of members and delivering a quality service whilst keeping staff up to date on latest technologies and training,

coping with changing regulations and recruiting good staff’.

8 IMP on the Thomas Foulkes stand at the London Boat Show 1985

8 The RCR team at work

8 Trevor, Stephanie and David Suchet at the re-opening of RCR in June 2016

After 46 years in the business, C-Quip continues to be at the forefront of marine equipment with a focus on delivering stainless steel, lighting, marine hardware and fittings.

The company was established in 1987 by Roger Wood, Alistair Lawrence and Norman Kerslake, a trio that stayed together until 1994.

After the original trio split up, Roger carried on with C-Quip and Alistair took over Simpson Davits. With the sad and unexpected death of Roger in 2000, Neil Wood (Roger’s son) took over the business with, Ian Cooke (who joined the company in late 1997).

Some of Ian’s earliest memories of the company he says, were the boat shows.

”Of course we travelled all around the country to see trade customers, but nothing replaces the face to face contact, or the atmosphere of a boat show. Whether it be trade or retail, UK or overseas, boat shows bring us all together, and that’s one of the reasons why the marine industry is so special I think!”

A specialised offering

The company worked hard to develop its niche for specialist stainless steel parts, but being appointed distributor for Aqua Signal in the late 90’s was a big step for C-Quip and it went on to become the largest recreational distributor of their lights in the world.

”As a wise man once told me “business is people, and people is business” and nothing about that has changed. So behind all the deals that get done, are ‘people’, many of whom I am proud to call ‘friend’ and therein lies the greatest highlight of business,” says Ian.

Ian and Neil completed the MBO of C-Quip in July 2006 and it was then they specialised their focus even more. Not wishing to be a distributor with what Ian says was ‘a phone-book-sized catalogue’, the duo ramped

SPECIALISATION KEEPS C-QUIP BUSINESS STRONG

more effective support for small events such as regional boat shows, thus covering all sectors.

Another aspect close to Ian’s heart is the environment and the growing understanding it needs to be looked after better.

He is passionate about fostering a more collaborative approach in the industry to this day.

In June 2023, the MTA chair’s Special Award went to Ian, whom chair Paul Martin called a ‘true leader who works with passion and pride’.

up the emphasis on stainless steel fittings and fixtures, while maintaining their core business as an OEM distributor for boat builders.

In 2007, no stranger to developing its own products, C-Quip launched its Super Soaker, the ‘thirsty mini-sock encased in a protective sleeve that absorbs water, but not oil, petrol, diesel or hydraulic fluid’, which took the top award at the BBEx Innovations Showcase.

Then in 2008, after more than 12 years at Swanwick Marina, C-Quip moved to Whiteley, which at that time could better accommodate its space and growth requirements.

The economic downturn in 2009 saw C-Quip make a clever move, whereas most people were tightening the belts, it invested in another British distributor, Onward Trading. Ian said at the time said that one of the great the keys to success during such a significant downturn is versatility.

That was a theme which was to continue to the present day.

Fast forward to 2012 and the company celebrated its 25th anniversary. Its newly launched commercial division allowed C-Quip continued expansion into new markets.

Continuing on the diversification front, in 2014, C-Quip opened a new shop in Warsash – a showroom for the company’s Onward Trading company. It was also set up to be a working artist’s studio and, with the separate building at the back, a gallery/teaching space as well.

Changing times

It was a sad year in 2015 when Neil passed away after a long illness aged just 53. Ian had picked up the reins shortly before Neil’s passing steering the company through this sad time.

But new talent came to a forefront in 2017 when C-Quip, as part of a British Marine working group, helped develop a range of the government’s new trailblazer apprenticeships.

That same year, the British Marine Trades Association launched a new award to highlight the large variety of career opportunities in the UK marine industry and it went to C-Quip apprentice, Alex Bere.

During 2017 C-Quip continued to invest in new products and partnerships with stainless steel remaining at the core of its offering.

In 2018, Ian became British Marine’s next president elect becoming known as a strong

industry voice for the industry during Brexit.

That same year he sat down with BB to talk about how overcoming adversity, recognising and utilising other people’s strengths and greater collaboration are the key foundations for business growth.

2019 saw C-Quip appoint Lily Ross-Smith as field sales manager, who remains an important part of the company to this day.

When the pandemic hit in 2020, Ian once again addressed the BB audience. He said that we needed to treat Covid-19 as a period in time and not let it divert attention from other challenges and demands.

”I think the real difficulties came afterwards with severe supply chain shortages made more complicated by Brexit and the war in Ukraine, though it feels like the world is settling down a bit, but it’s not over yet. That said, there are always opportunities in difficult times and the demand for boats has been at record levels since Covid, so it could always be worse!,” he says.

One aspect Ian feels strongly about is getting

Staying resilient

Where is C-Quip at now? The business is strong currently, with stock coming in and going out at a fairly matched rate, which makes a nice change from recent years, says Ian.

However costs are ever increasing in every direction. Ian says that raw materials may be closer to where they were, but they’re not below per-pandemic levels and salaries are going up internationally. As are rents and day to day costs associated with running a business, so the next year or two is likely to remain challenging. Especially as demand for boats moderates.

When it comes to the future, Ian says that one aspect will be to continue to keep a close eye on the supply chain which has changed dramatically in the last twenty years and will continue to do so.

”Our plan was always to have some control over every product we manufacturer or represent from factory, right through to end user and we have had great success in achieving that goal. But it is an ongoing challenge in an ever changing environment, so we must continue to learn and adapt.”

8 Stainless steel remains at the core of C-Quip’s business, pictured, Douglas Marine silenced spring

AQUAFAX KEEPS ITS EYE ON PRODUCT EXCELLENCE

Aquafax was founded in 1982 by Harry Mason, with the company’s core philosophy to offer good service and reliable products, which remains its focus to this day.

The name Aquafax was chosen by Harry to be memorable and for better positioning in directories and the alphabetical order of customer accounts.

The early days of Aquafax are filled with memories of the first few orders and interactions with customers and the joy and satisfaction of fulfilling those initial orders and establishing a reputation for reliable products and service.

Boating Business covered highlights and key events in Aquafax’s history, such as acquisitions, expansions, and product introductions.

Aquafax utilised Boating Business to gain recognition in the marine industry using the publication to highlight their products, innovations, and success stories, which helped increase their visibility and reputation within the industry.

Key highlights over the years include:

5 Since the mid-1980s, Aquafax has held the exclusive distributorship for Johnson Pumps (SPX) and Ultraflex.

5 In the early 2000s, Aquafax acquired wellknown brands such as Blue Sea Systems, Squire padlocks, and became the exclusive UK distributor for White Star Products’ brass hand pumps.

5 By 2007, Aquafax had an extensive portfolio of over 14,000 quality marine products.

5 In 2008, Aquafax added Peek cleaning products and the Mastervolt portfolio.

5 In December 2010, Harry Mason retired and sold his shares in Aquafax to his fellow directors, brother Andrew Mason and Nigel Pearson.

5 In 2011, at the Southampton Boat Show, Aquafax revealed itself as a key distributor of International Paints.

5 In 2013, Aquafax expanded to the Scottish market through the purchase of the assets of Marinac Scotland and launched its range of safety products.

5 In 2016, Aquafax became the UK distributor for Wilks’ Fendapac range.

5 In 2017, Aquafax won the business of the year award at the British Marine Trade Association annual awards.

5 In 2018, Aquafax was appointed the UK distributor for Lenco Marine and Plastimo products. In the same year it was bought by Arleigh International. Arleigh International had previously acquired Marine Mart in 1997,

Midland Chandlers in 2006 and A.S.A.P. Supplies in May 2017. Following the departure of Nigel Pearson as Aquafax MD, the company reorganised its team with Adam Ramsden joining the Arleigh Group as group sales director.

5 In 2019, Aquafax joined forces with Jotun Marine Coatings, and the Arleigh Group achieved its bestever sales figures in July of the same year.

5 In 2021, Aquafax invested in a new training and conference facility at its Luton head office and expanded into the electronics market as the distributor for Navico’s B&G, Lowrance, and C-MAP brands. Sadly, in the November, Harry Mason, Aquafax founder, died at the age of 74.

5 The post-pandemic era brought challenges like supply chain disruptions and changes in consumer behaviour. However, it also presented opportunities for Aquafax to adapt efficiently to the challenges of operating a business during the pandemic and to expand into new markets, such as the electronics sector.

8 Aquafax’s Hamble training room provides a technical learning space to build customer product knowledge

8 Adam Ramsden, group MD, Arleigh Group

Understanding your customers’ opportunities and challenges is key to Marathon Leisure’s success as a marine distributor, says founder and former MD, Tim Millinder.

The company was set up on Hayling Island in 1992 and stocks leading brands including Hempel, Spinlock, Whale, Humminbird, Loctite, LifeJacket, Navionics and Clamcleat as well as products from own-brands Waveline, WavEco and Maindeck.

Tim credits understanding the end customers’ needs and having a good relationship with suppliers as crucial in an industry that has seen many go out of business over the years.

“It’s about learning about your customers, their opportunities and their problems,” he says.

“If you don’t learn about their problems you can’t do anything to help them. But equally, it’s not just about working with the customer but working with our suppliers as well.”

Still based on Hayling Island, Marathon Leisure operates from a 10,000sqft warehouse and offices. Good merchandising is all about stock management, says Tim, which is why the company created a specialist team in 2002 to go into chandlers to give advice on stock levels and displays.

That year also saw the company expand with a new partnership with Walker Bay Boats in the US, manufacturers of 8ft and 10ft dinghies.

Pandemic boost

The company weathered the Covid-19 pandemic, increasing its stock value by 20% in 2020 and expanding its warehousing space. 2021 was another bumper year with sales up 25% compared with the previous year.

Despite challenges wrought by increased shipping costs and supply chain disruption, orders showed no sign

UNDERSTANDING NEEDS IS KEY TO MARATHON’S SUCCESS

of slowing and in 2022 Marathon took on four new brands and opened another 1,000sqft of warehouse space.

In November 2021 the company was acquired by Toulon-based Alliance Marine Group, positioning the company for growth

and expansion. “We will broaden and deepen our portfolio with the addition of some of Alliance Marine’s products and brands and look forward to taking advantage of pooling buying resources,” said Tim at the time.

A year later, Tim stepped

down as MD when he was appointed group purchasing director for Alliance Marine. He was succeeded by Oliver Cook who still heads up the company today.

The company has won a host of awards over its thirty years including Spinlock’s

Best Distributor in 2014 and the Boating Business Environment Award at the British Marine Trade Association Awards 2018.

8 The Marathon Leisure team with founder, Tim Millinder, third from right

8 Winners of the Boating Business Environment Award in 2018 - Bainbridge and Marathon Leisure

LONDON BOAT SHOW: A HISTORY

The first National Boat Show took place in 1954, sponsored by the Daily Express and held at Olympia.

And with a recorded attendance of 120,850, it exceeded all expectations.

In year two attendance rose by 44,000, however the distraction of the Bertram Mills Circus, taking place at the same venue at the same time with only a heavy canvas curtain dividing the two shows, meant another venue was required and the show moved to Earls Court in 1960.

The show was well supported by the entire marine sector and showcased everything from small boats to engines, electronics to chandlery. Boatbuilders converted the olympic sized swimming pool into a floating harbour, and with more space and height the new space allowed for bigger boats, that could be displayed fully rigged.

With the show taking place in early January when many people had a long period of time off for Christmas and were looking for something to do, attendance figures soon jumped to 320,000.

The 1964 National Boat Show was turning point for glass fibre construction, with more than half the craft exhibited, including the Nicholson 32 having been moulded in GRP.

In 1991 when Earls Court 2 opened, the now named

London International Boat Show housed more than 1,000 boats and some 650-750 exhibitors. Visitor numbers had dropped to closer to 180,000 including some 15,000 overseas enthusiasts.

With Earls Court closing for redevelopment a new venue had to be found for the show of similar size or larger and in 2004 the show moved to Excel.

In the first year some 200,000 visitors came to

the show, more than the final show held at Earls Court, however attendance dropped in 2005 to 160,00, with some saying it was too far off the beaten track to visit. This led to increased efforts in providing more tutorials and interactive activities at the show –making it more than just a place to shop and in 2011 the Boardwalk was created to show an increased number of smaller boats

alongside the bigger brands such as Sunseeker, Fairline and Princess.

The boardwalk had a real presence at the show and was well received.

Sadly, as attendance figures continued to decline the last London Boat Show took place in January 2018.

Interesting facts

5 1984 the show became the first national exhibition to have carpeted aisles.

5 In 1987 snow drifts

coupled with train strikes prevented visitors getting to London. On one day only 120 visitors came to the show and bored exhibitors played cricket in the empty aisles.

5 The boat show is the only national exhibition to open for four people –The Beatles

5 The boat show was the first exhibition to open on a Sunday after the British Marine Industries Federation led a successful campaign to overcome the Sunday Trades Act.

5 The Guinness Bar became an institution at the show, and it is believed that, at its peak, it was the largest in Europe for number of pints pulled.

8 Far left: Period Britain,

Left:

1979

8 London Boat Show 1960

London Boat Show, 1986.

The Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, opening the London Boat Show in

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The Southampton International Boat Show was founded by Norman Kemish and Arthur Gale in 1969, with the show running for six days with around 50 exhibitors contained within Mayflower Park.

The show was taken over by the British Marine Industries Federation (BMF) in 1983 with the army, supplying a small pontoon for mooring a handful of boats. The running of the show remained with the original organisers.

During the early years of BMF ownership, early hovercrafts, water-bikes and concept hydrofoils were amongst the inventions that were given their first showing at the event.

In 1986 Richard Branson displayed his Virgin Atlantic Challenger at the show, fresh from an unsuccessful transatlantic crossing, whilst Virgin Atlantic presented a fashion show in the Virgin Atlantic Hall. Other guest appearances included stars of the popular sailing soap, Howard’s Way.

In 1988, Arthur and Norman handed over the reins of running the event to BMIF and the event saw a dramatic expansion on the water with 254 boats afloat. Over the years, the show expanded to a nine-day

SHOW DATES BACK TO 1969

event, until 1997 when the event was debated by Parliament which granted permission for an extra nautical day of pleasure and the show was extended to ten days.

Key dates in the history of the show include its first

celebrity chef, Ross Buden, in 2004.

The show has since worked with Anthony Worrall-Thompson, JeanChristophe Novelli and James Martin and Si King and Dave Myers (a.k.a. The Hairy Bikers).

In 2005, the event featured a makeshift beach, with tonnes of sand imported.

In 2012, the show welcomed the successful sailing Team GB, fresh from the 2012 London Olympics and Paralympics. Visitors to the show also witnessed the Royal Marines attempting a 24-hour underwater 240mile cycle.

The first passenger boat was introduced in 2017 and in 2019, the show broke previous records with 600+ marine brands, 240+ boat and product debuts and

103,000 attendees. The 2020 edition of the show was cancelled due to the ongoing global pandemic COVID-19 but in 2022, the show bounced back with 685 stands and berths covering a 70,000+ sqm footprint. More than 650 craft were on display, with around 300 boats berthed in the marina.

8 SIBS began as a six-day event and expanded to a ten-day event

8 Below left: SIBS has seen many boat launches over the decades. Below: Southampton Boat Show in 1993

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experts, helps visitors to keep up to date with the latest challenges and emerging opportunities.

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Arleigh Group, distributor of parts and accessories to the caravan, motorhome and marine sectors, has appointed a new sales director.

Mike Lewis previously worked at Travis Perkins, and with more than 15 years of knowledge and experience, is tasked with helping Arleigh Group and its customers identify and unlock opportunities for growth.

“The leisure and marine market is constantly changing and evolving,” said Arleigh Group MD, Adam Ramsden. “That’s why we’re always looking for fresh insights and perspectives, to make sure we’re the partner of choice in helping our customers continue to grow.”

Mike added: “I’m proud to be joining a business with a huge amount of heritage and expertise, and with customer relationships that go back decades.

“The breadth of our product and service offering across leisure and marine is second-to-none, and it’s clear our customers see us as a true partner to their businesses. I’m looking forward to helping deliver the exciting plans we have for the year ahead.”

Richard Kent has been appointed as a director at Osprey Technical following a career of more than two decades working in yacht race marine electronics.

Richard joined the Hamble-based company that specialises in complex marine electronics for superyachts and racing yachts in 2021, to head up the Tiger Lily Too – Gunboat 90 refit in Newport RI.

His promotion to director follows a growth in the company and an expansion in its work with major superyacht yards and builders.

Starting out with an electronics qualification, Richard began his career working with various marine electronics firms, before moving to a variety of Volvo Ocean Race and America’s Cup campaigns.

After the Bermuda America’s Cup, Richard joined management team at Sailmon to help grow the business over a two-year period.

“Becoming a director at Osprey is a new career highlight for me,” comments Richard. “Previously, it was being part of the ABN Amro and Ericson teams that won the Volvo Ocean Race. As well as being closely involved in running the electronics teams for major projects, I’m going to be more involved with shaping the growth of Osprey and mentoring and developing our engineering team skill set.”

A+T Instruments has appointed Pete Simmonds as head of sales to lead the company’s sales in super yachts and race yachts.

Pete joins the company after a career as a superyacht captain and a decade as manager of Antigua Yacht Club Marina and running a rigging business on the island.

“I’ve stared at A + T’s equipment during tens of thousands of miles of sailing. It’s always been a stand-out quality product to use, simple and reliable,” he said. “The company has an enviable reputation for quality build and performance in the industry, and I can also vouch for the A + T’s customer care – the few times I’ve needed assistance with a problem, they’ve immediately helped over the phone or sent someone out to see us.”

A+T director, Hugh Agnew, added:

“We are delighted to welcome Pete to the A+T team, he brings a huge amount of energy, experience, and contacts to help our rapidly growing position at the pinnacle of the instrument market for upgrades and new builds.”

The International Council of Marine Industry Associations, ICOMIA, has appointed Joe Lynch to the newly created role of CEO.

The role succeeds the previous ICOMIA leadership position of Secretary General.

Joe joins ICOMIA from a career in the tourism and charity sectors including roles as marketing director for various Tui Travel brands and commercial director of the Youth Hostel Association (YHA), driving membership numbers up, modernising the brand, and raising the charity’s profile.

Joe has also been involved in the marine industry for much of his career, including time as a water sports instructor, training and flotilla manager as well as commercial and general management roles in inland waterways and coastal charter companies.

He continues to race yachts on the south coast of the UK.

“We have set an ambitious future vision for ICOMIA with the recent release of our Strategic Plan and are confident that Joe’s leadership and experience will continually develop and improve ICOMIA’s profile, services and performance in the best interests of our members,” said Darren Vaux, ICOMIA president.”

Mike Lewis Arleigh Group

Richard Kent Osprey Technical

Pete Simmonds A+T Instruments

Joe Lynch ICOMIA

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