SLEEPING IN MOORED YACHTS UNSAFE, SAYS MAIB

HOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSSLEEPING IN MOORED YACHTS UNSAFE, SAYS MAIB

20 Feb 2020

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The ‘Red Falcon’ ferry collided with a yacht in Cowes Harbour Credit: flickr

INDUSTRY DATABASE

MARINE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION BRANCH

The Marine Accident Investigation Bureau has released its report into a collision between a ferry and moored yacht, highlighting the dangers of sleeping whilst on board.

Moored yacht Greylag was sunk in Cowes Harbour in October 2018 when the master of the Red Funnel RoRo passenger ferry, Red Falcon, lost orientation in severely reduced visibility, driving the ferry in the wrong direction. Loss of life or serious injury was averted thanks only to there being no one on board Greylag at the time.

“Our investigation has highlighted that commercial vessels can pose a danger to people sleeping on yachts in some areas of Cowes Harbour, and recommendations have been made to Cowes Harbour Commissioners and Cowes Yacht Haven to review their risk assessments,” said the chief inspector of marine accidents, Andrew Moll.

Recommendations

Red Funnel has been advised to conduct regular assessment of ship-handling capabilities and to review the shipboard method of determining orientation displayed on the ship’s electronic charting system.

Furthermore, the Cowes Harbour Commission and the Cowes Yacht Haven have been recommended to review their risk assessments for collision detailing mitigating measures that are within their control to implement.

“It was very fortunate that nobody was on board yacht Greylag when it was struck and overrun,” said Andrew. “When Red Falcon swung around it narrowly missed Cowes Yacht Haven marina wall and had yachts been rafted there the consequences of this accident could also have been much more severe.”

via Boating Business | Sleeping in moored yachts unsafe, says MAIB.

US$6.8M IN DAMAGES AWARDEDHOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSUS$6.8M IN DAMAGES AWARDED24 Feb 2020EmailShareFacebookLinkedInTwitterPrintLaserPerformance has been ordered to pay damages to Bruce Kirby for infringing his Laser name trademark Credit: pixabayINDUSTRY DATABASELASER PERFORMANCELaserPerformance has been ordered by a US court to pay damages of more than US$6.8m for infringing the trademark of the original designer of the Laser dinghy.After a four-day trial, the jury found in favour of sailboat designer Bruce Kirby who alleged that after he ended an agreement to have LaserPerformance sell his design, the company continued selling boats with his name and mark on them.The jury found that LaserPerformance, legally known as Quarter Moon Inc., had wilfully infringed Kirby’s trademark, and awarded Kirby US$4.33 million from Quarter Moon and US$2.52 million from its European unit, LaserPerformance (Europe) Ltd. The court will also assess whether punitive damages are warranted.Ripping offYacht designer Bruce Kirby is best known for designing the Laser in 1969. He represented Canada in the Finn and Star classes at the Olympics Games in 1956, 1964, and 1968. He filed suit in March 2013, alleging that LaserPerformance, a name shared by several companies controlled by Farzard Rastegar, was ripping off the sailboat design created by Kirby around 1970.Authorised builders can use the design and put a plaque featuring Kirby’s name and trademark on the hull of each boat, and only boats with those plaques can be used in international sailboat races. Mr Kirby alleged that this system worked well for more than 20 years before LaserPerformance decided to stop paying royalties but continued using Kirby’s design and marks.Earlier this year, the International Laser Class Association announced that the ‘Laser’ name would no longer be used.

via Boating Business | US$6.8m in damages awarded.

MUSTO SIGNS UP FOR OCEAN RACE CAMPAIGN

HOMENEWSAFTERMARKETCLOTHINGMUSTO SIGNS UP FOR OCEAN RACE CAMPAIGN

06 Feb 2020

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Musto and 11th Hour Racing Team are collaborating on a range of sustainable clothing Credit: Musto

INDUSTRY DATABASE

MUSTO LTD

Musto has signed on with 11th Hour Racing Team as official supplier for the next three years, providing high performance clothing on and off the water for the team’s Ocean Race 2021 campaign.

To meet the demands caused by technical developments in foiling and subsequent developments in kit, Musto will collaborate with 11th Hour Racing Team to develop the next generation of HPX, the company’s ocean sailing collection.

Musto will also collaborate with 11th Hour Racing Team members and Ocean Race veterans, Mark Enright and Charlie Towill, on research and development to create a range of innovative and sustainable clothing.

Sustainability

“We’re proud to be aligned with a pair of offshore sailing stars like Mark and Charlie as they aim for The Ocean Race Trophy in 2021-22,” said Nick Houchin, head of marketing at Musto. “Not only are they world-class athletes and sailors, but also leaders in promoting initiatives around ocean health and sustainability to the wider sailing audience and sports fans worldwide.”

“Musto has long had a reputation for designing and engineering high quality, durable products.”

The key learnings from this initial collaborative line will be used across Musto’s collection in future seasons.

via Boating Business | Musto signs up for Ocean Race campaign.

NEW PLAN TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN INTO SAILINGHOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSNEW PLAN TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN INTO SAILING07 Feb 2020EmailShareFacebookLinkedInTwitterPrintThe Sunsail Magenta team Credit: Kim Hollamby/British MarineINDUSTRY DATABASESUNSAIL LTDThe Magenta Project has joined forces with yacht charter company Sunsail to launch an innovative sailing initiative.Established five years ago, the Magenta Project aims to create equal access and opportunities for women in sailing and the wider marine industry. This latest initiative, Sunsail Magenta, follows the publication of the ‘World Sailing Trust’s Strategic Review into Women in Sailing’ in 2019 and hopes to encourage more women to take up sailing and compete in yacht racing.“We very much hope that this initiative with Sunsail will help to increase the recreational and competitive opportunities for women in sailing,” said Elaine Penhaul, chair of the Magenta Project. “The Strategic Review highlighted the serious issues that our sport has in providing opportunities and pathways for women keen to progress in sailing. While the results come as no surprise to most of us, we very much hope that it will act as a catalyst for change.”MentoringSunsail Magenta will deliver a number of sailing activities, including women only RYA sailing courses, race training courses, career opportunities and mentoring programmes. It will also offer opportunities to participate in mixed-gender teams at some of the UK’s biggest sailing events, including Cowes Week and the Sunsail Racing Series.Sunsail Magenta has already attracted support from leading figures in the world of women’s sailing, including Dee Caffari MBE, the first woman to sail solo, non-stop, around the world and British Paralympic gold medal winner Helena Lucas MBE. An ambassador for The Magenta Project, Helena will teach and mentor on Sunsail Magenta courses.

via Boating Business | New plan to encourage women into sailing.

OYSTER TURNS OVER £20M

HOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSOYSTER TURNS OVER £20M

06 Jan 2020

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By mid-2020 all production sites for Oyster Yachts will be at full capacity

INDUSTRY DATABASE

OYSTER YACHTS

Oyster Yachts has achieved a turnover of £20m in its first full year of trading.

The first financial statements filed for the company for the period ended March 31 2019, show a gross margin of £2.2m with an operating loss for the company, excluding exceptional costs of £7.3m.

Oyster Marine was bought out of administration early 2018 by sole shareholder and CEO Richard Hadida and has an ‘eventful first 12 months of operation’ following the re-start of trading activities.

During the last year, the company has re-established all operations covering yacht production, design capability, technical and sales support

By mid-2020 all production sites will be at full capacity, with orders for new yachts across all models in the range and a timeline ahead of that originally anticipated when the business restarted.

Investment

Investment has included an in-house composite moulding facility and investment into the design of the yachts so they comply with Lloyds Register for deck and hull construction.

The company has also introduced an apprenticeship scheme.

“I cannot imagine a world without Oyster yachts and so am investing into all the activities of the business to ensure that the company has a sustainable long-term future,” said Richard.

“We are on track with the turnaround and I am building a business which has a long-term sustainable and profitable future for the next generation of Oyster owners.”

At the time of Oyster Marine’s administration, there were 14 yachts that were mid-construction – agreements were reached with the owners in respect of these vessels with the last of these yachts scheduled for handover in March 2020.

2020 will also see the launch of Oyster’s new 595 blue water sailing yacht and the directors are looking into the possibility of a sub 50ft Oyster.

via Boating Business | Oyster turns over £20m.

DISCOVERY CALLS IN ADMINISTRATORSHOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSDISCOVERY CALLS IN ADMINISTRATORS06 Jan 2020EmailShareFacebookLinkedInTwitterPrintDiscovery Yachts Group has gone into administration Photo: Discovery YachtsINDUSTRY DATABASEDISCOVERY YACHTS LTDDiscovery Yachts Group Ltd has appointed administration – and been sold in a pre-pack deal – following the conclusion of undefended court action which has left the company owing nearly £1.2m.The company appointed Chris Moore of K J Watkin & Co. as liquidator on 9 December 2019 and went into administration ten days later. Continuity of employment has been assured.”I can confirm that Chris Moore was appointed administrator of Discovery Yachts Group Ltd on 19 December 2019. Immediately upon appointment a pre-pack sale was completed to Binti Marine Holdings Limited, a UK subsidiary of Binti Holding GMBH,” said  Simon Wall of K J Watkin & Co.”This business rescue has ensured continuity of employment for all employees and all yachts in build will be completed.”Breach of contractIt is understood that the decision was made to protect the company from a lawsuit brought by a customer, the conclusion of which took place on 16 December.Andrew France claimed breach of contract against Discovery Yachts Sales Ltd and Discovery Yachts Group Ltd following the latters’ failure to make good defects in a £1.5m yacht Mr France had ordered in 2015.Defects included a leak around the mast collar, a flood in the forward cabin and a generator failure. Despite Mr France being told the problems would be resolved, this did not happen.Following the case heard by Mr Justice Teare in the High Court which Discovery Yachts failed to attend, damages of £911,113 and £262,957 were awarded against Discovery Yacht Sales Ltd and Discovery Yachts Group Ltd respectively.It is unclear whether Discovery Yachts Sales Ltd has also appointed administrators. No one from Discovery Yachts Group Ltd was available for comment.

via Boating Business | Discovery calls in administrators.

INEOS AND MERCEDES IN PERFORMANCE PARTNERSHIP

HOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSINEOS AND MERCEDES IN PERFORMANCE PARTNERSHIP

19 Dec 2019

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The AC75 INEOS TEAM UK race boat Photo: INEOS TEAM UK

Mercedes-AMG Petronas Motorsport and INEOS, in collaboration with Team INEOS cycling and INEOS TEAM UK sailing, have announced a new partnership to help improve performance levels on the track, road and sea.

The partnership will see the teams work together to develop and implement innovations in areas such as engineering, human science, simulation and data analysis.

“At the very heart of these three great teams lies a shared passion for racing, for winning and creating great sporting moments,” said Team INEOS team principal, Sir Dave Brailsfords.

“Our unrelenting determination to drive, sail and pedal faster and outwit the ever-improving competition will benefit hugely from this partnership. We can cross-pollinate our collective knowledge in science, technology, human performance and racing strategy to create even stronger winning environments,” he added.

INEOS TEAM UK are looking to win sports oldest international sporting trophy, the America’s Cup, using the recently launched AC75 race boat, Britannia.

Technical projects will include supporting the development of the race boat across hull and deck aerodynamics, foils, drivetrain and hydraulics, FEA, simulation and validation tools and control systems.

Also undertaken will be implementing CFD software support, the manufacture of major parts, mechanical design and fit out alongside processes for procurement, quality control and reliability management.

via Boating Business | INEOS and Mercedes in performance partnership.

DISCOVERY YACHTS TO APPOINT INSOLVENCY EXPERTS?

HOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSDISCOVERY YACHTS TO APPOINT INSOLVENCY EXPERTS?

16 Dec 2019

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Discovery Yachts MD Sean Langdon. The company is understood to be in negotiations with an investor

INDUSTRY DATABASE

DISCOVERY YACHTS LTD

Discovery Yachts has filed notice of its intention to appoint insolvency experts and could enter administration.

The news comes less than two years after the company raised around £2.2m through crowd funding and just months after the company officially opened its new UK HQ at Lymington Yacht Haven Marina.

It is understood the notice has been filed in order to protect the company from a lawsuit bought by a customer and that discussions are taking place with a potential investor.

However those who invested money through the crowd funding could be left out of pocket. The legal move may only affect the holding company with staff and customers unaffected.

MBO

The company is headed by MD Sean Langdon who completed a management buyout following the retirement of founder and chairman John Charnley.

In June 2017, Discovery Yachts announced it had acquired the Southerly range of swing keel sailing yachts for an undisclosed sum.

In June 2018, Werner Schnaebele increased his shareholding in Discovery Yachts Group by 20% from Sean Langdon, in addition to a 10% shareholding acquisition in the group during the crowd funding.

Sean and his management team are understood to have retained more than 35% of the company.

The company employs 120 staff.

Crowd funding websites state that investors should implement a diversification strategy when building an investment portfolio in order to cushion any losses.

via Boating Business | Discovery Yachts to appoint insolvency experts?.

FASTNET FANS DISMAYED AT FINISH MOVEHOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSFASTNET FANS DISMAYED AT FINISH MOVE28 Nov 2019EmailShareFacebookLinkedInTwitterPrintThe finish of the Fastnet Race is moving from Plymouth to Cherbourg Photo: RORCINDUSTRY DATABASEROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUBSupporters of the Fastnet Race have expressed dismay that the iconic race’s finish will move from Plymouth to Cherbourg in France.The Royal Ocean Racing Club (RORC), organisers of the Rolex Fastnet Race, has announced that Cherbourg will host the finish for the 2021 and 2023 editions of the biennial race.The French city is putting in place a package that includes increased birthing, enhanced shoreside facilities along with new competitor functions and events. RORC Commodore, Steven Anderson, said that it was an exciting time for the race. “Finishing the race in Cherbourg will encourage and secure continued growth of the Club’s must prestigious event and provide an enhanced competitor experience,” he said.“The race has grown steadily over the past two decades and more and more people want to take part. We have had to limit entries in recent years because of berthing constraints, but Cherbourg offers significant additional berthing and improved facilities for competitors, so we will be able to take a larger number of entries and give more sailors the opportunity to compete in this very special race.”British traditionThe new course will be 90 nautical miles longer and RORC says there is no decision yet on whether or not it will run before or after Cowes Week in 2021. Details of the announcement were made online in a Facebook Live broadcast with many watching opposing the decision.Fastnet is “a British tradition and British race,” said Gareth Evans. “It should really finish in Great Britain.” Adrian Gray agreed, calling the news ‘stomach-churning’ whilst Paul Browning called it a ‘sell out of the many for the vested interest of the elite.”The comments continued with Paul Cunningham saying that ‘a precedent has now been set; that the race finish can be moved to anywhere that is approximately 600-plus nautical miles from Cowes after rounding the Fastnet rock’ and Nick Barlow stating that the ‘additional distance will definitely favour the larger boats’.

via Boating Business | Fastnet fans dismayed at finish move.

HONDA POWERS INEOS TEAM UK SUPPORT BOAT

HOMENEWSBOATBUILDINGENGINES & PROPULSIONHONDA POWERS INEOS TEAM UK SUPPORT BOAT

27 Nov 2019

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Honda is supplying the engines for Ribquest’s Velocity, the support boat for INEOS Team UK Photo: Honda

INDUSTRY DATABASE

HONDA UK LTD

Honda is working alongside marine manufacturer Ribquest to provide two new support boats for INEOS Team UK in its bid to take home the America’s Cup for Britain for the first time.

Supporting the new AC75 race boat will be the 11.6m Ribquest Velocity, weighing 3.5 tonnes and capable of speeds in excess of 60 knots powered by its three BF250 Honda Marine Outboards.

“This is the first support boat for the race boat, it’s going to get used for any close quarter manoeuvres, coming in and out of the harbour and also for any on the water emergencies,” explained Jake Bishop, support fleet manager at INEOS Team UK. “The new America’s Cup boat is going to be reaching between 50 and 60 knots so for these support boats we should be seeing 60 plus knots which should enable us to keep up with them.

Unmatched support

“We’ve chosen to partner with Honda for our engine package, because they managed to step forward and offer a level of support that’s unmatched by all the other brands and we’re really excited about working with them.”

The two boats will each carry 700L of fuel and the expectation is that they will have a range with the three Honda engines of 700 nautical miles.

“We’ve worked with Honda before on a number of projects,” said Graham Lawton, Ribquest MD. “The technical basis of the Velocity hull is built on a stepped hull design, race technology that’s actually been brought forward into the public sector, scaled to a point where we can still prove the load carrying capability and speed achievable.”

via Boating Business | Honda powers INEOS Team UK support boat.