FASTNET FANS DISMAYED AT FINISH MOVE

HOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSFASTNET FANS DISMAYED AT FINISH MOVE

28 Nov 2019

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The finish of the Fastnet Race is moving from Plymouth to Cherbourg Photo: RORC

INDUSTRY DATABASE

ROYAL OCEAN RACING CLUB

Supporters 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 tradition

The 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.

PHIL SHARP SETS IOW RECORD IN ECO BID

HOMENEWSECO AWARENESSPHIL SHARP SETS IOW RECORD IN ECO BID

02 Dec 2019

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Phil Sharp is raising awareness of the need for clean energy Photo: Paul Wyeth Photography

Phil Sharp has set a new record for sailing around the Isle of Wight aboard his Class 40 race boat in a bid to raise awareness of the need for clean energy in the maritime sector.

“Today’s record was about raising awareness for the need to accelerate clean energy innovation in the maritime sector,” said Phil. “OceansLab is a platform demonstrating vital and scalable clean technologies like solar, battery, electric and fuel cell systems that can be embraced to decarbonise the sector.

“Industry targets need to be accelerated to better fall in line with climate change targets. We need to start introducing these technologies and replace fossil fuel systems in order to reduce harmful air pollutants. Inshore and commuting ferries would be a good start and where levels of air pollution such as in Southampton are too high and hazardous to the health of local communities.”

Once ratified by the World Sailing Speed Record Council, Phil’s time of five hours, five minutes and four seconds averages 9.8 knots and breaks the previous record for the circumnavigation of the island in a single-handed monohull of up to 40ft of six hours, 29 minutes and 32 seconds set in 2017 by Alex Alley.

This latest record adds to his previous two – the crewed Around Great Britain and Ireland and the single-handed Cowes-Dinard.

via Boating Business | Phil Sharp sets IoW record in eco bid.

PRINCESS YACHTS NEW ACADEMY OPENS

HOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSPRINCESS YACHTS NEW ACADEMY OPENS

02 Dec 2019

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Princess Yachts apprentices are to be taught at South Devon College

INDUSTRY DATABASE

PRINCESS YACHTS INTERNATIONAL PLC

The new Princess Yachts Learning Academy has officially opened at South Devon College.

The development follows on from a recent partnership between the college and the boatbuilder and will allow apprentices to be taught at the college while gaining a realistic experience working with the same products and systems that the company uses.

The new workshop is 90m² and will provide real life skills training and allow apprentices to practice their areas of specialism in relation to their individual apprenticeship.

Apprentices will work on a Princess V40 hull, built especially for the academy.

To complement the newly opened workshop, there is also a new Princess Yachts classroom in the college’s £17m Hi Tech and Digital Centre.

Realistic experience

Apprentices will receive on and off-water activities with exposure to each of the roles involved in building luxury yachts.

The week will be structured to follow Princess Yachts’ working hours to provide a realistic work experience, with the college providing a coach to pick up apprentices from Princess Yachts’ Coypool base at 7am, returning to the site at 5pm.

In addition to their apprenticeship qualifications, each apprentice will receive the Open Awards Exploring Maritime Skills qualification, as well as a range of additional transferable skills.

The ribbon on the new workshop was cut by chief operating officer of Princess Yachts, Matt Pears.

via Boating Business | Princess Yachts new academy opens.

CREWSAVER UNVEILS NEW SAFETY LINES AT METSTRADEHOMENEWSBOATBUILDINGSAFETYCREWSAVER UNVEILS NEW SAFETY LINES AT METSTRADE22 Nov 2019EmailShareFacebookLinkedInTwitterPrintThe Crewline Pro range Photo: CrewsaverINDUSTRY DATABASECREWSAVER LTDCrewsaver has launched a range of new safety lines.The Crewline Pro safety line range is designed for those who have a need to tether to a yacht in unstable conditions, where there may be risk of falling overboard.“Our goal is to introduce a brand-new safety line range, for those in high performance racing environments, where nothing but the best technology will do,” explained Crewsaver’s commercial director, Matt Bridge.The full rangeSelf-locking safety hooks with a wide opening allow the user to easily attach the Crewline Pro to the lifejackets or safety harness attachment point and a suitable anchor point on the yacht as required.The hydrophobic webbing helps to keep the safety line as light as possible, even in the harshest environments, as it reduces the amount of water absorbed compared with more conventional safety lines. The range is available in four models including elastic and non-elastic with a choice of a single, double or triple hook set up.  Crewline Pro is ISO 12401 approved and includes an overload indicator which is activated once placed under an excessive load of 400kg. The range will be available from March 2020.

via Boating Business | Crewsaver unveils new safety lines at METSTRADE.

SAILGP RETURNS TO COWES IN 2020

HOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSSAILGP RETURNS TO COWES IN 2020

15 Nov 2019

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Cowes will again be the venue for SailGP

INDUSTRY DATABASE

COWES WEEK LIMITED

SailGP is to return to Cowes in 2020, with the British team aiming to improve on its 2019 performance.

The UK leg of season two will take place on August 14-15 during Cowes Week with the world’s fastest sail racing boats competing on the Solent.

“Our apprenticeship is over now that season one is finished, it’s time to deliver and bring it home for the British fans,” said Great Britain SailGP team CEO Chris Draper. “The turnout last year was unbelievable and something we hadn’t experienced in the sport before, so we can’t wait to unleash the F50s on our home waters and showcase speeds and technology not often associated with the sport.”

It is estimated around 24,000 spectators turned out to witness the Cowes event in 2019 with US$24m contributed to the community.

Iconic venue

“Cowes had some of the most exciting action of season one and we can’t wait to see what’s in-store for next season’s event,” said SailGP CEO Russell Coutts. “Cowes is renowned as an iconic sailing venue but also the south coast is a big tourist destination in the summer and we look forward to welcoming both existing and new fans to witness SailGP.”

Strong winds contributed to heartbreak for the British team which had to retire from racing after sustaining damage during a nosedive.

The event takes place in F50 catamarans that are capable of speeds over 50 knots.

Other confirmed events are Sydney, San Francisco and New York.

via Boating Business | SailGP returns to Cowes in 2020.

11,000 ANTI-CHAFE PADS SOLD

HOMENEWSAFTERMARKETCHANDLERY11,000 ANTI-CHAFE PADS SOLD

06 Nov 2019

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Wear and Tear Pads has collaborated with 3M

Wear and Tear Pads has developed a new adhesive system, in conjunction with 3M.

The anti-chafe product has been designed by chartered engineer Andrew Grogono with applications ranging from superyachts to sailing dinghies.

The pads are comprised of ultra-thin marine grade stainless steel sheets with a high spec self-adhesive backing.

“Over 11,000 of these simple stainless-steel self-adhesive chafe protection pads have now been sold worldwide,” says Andrew.

“Rope and line chafe damage to gelcoat surfaces is not only difficult to repair but it also reduces the sales value of yachts which have otherwise been well cared for.”

He added: “In addition, unsightly chafe damage is easily concealed behind the polished stainless steel.”

The product doesn’t need screws to fit as is the case with more traditional rubbing strakes.

via Boating Business | 11,000 anti-chafe pads sold.

CALL FOR MANDATORY KEEL GUIDANCE

HOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSCALL FOR MANDATORY KEEL GUIDANCE

07 Nov 2019

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Comar Yachts’ Comar Comet 45 ‘Tyger of London’ capsized in December 2017. Image: MAIB

INDUSTRY DATABASE

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A major accident has prompted a call to require manufacturers provide guidance on the inspection and maintenance of keels fitted to their craft.

Following the investigation of the keel failure and capsize of Comar Yachts’ Comar Comet 45 Tyger of London, off Punta Rasca, Tenerife in December 2017, the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) recommended in its accident report that British Marine propose changes to the International Standards Organisation (ISO), to require, rather than recommend, this guidance.

The recommendation was initially made in June 2018 and followed the initial MAIB investigation. The investigation found that the failure of the keel structure caused the loss of the keel and led to the 13.77m yacht capsizing.

Manufacturing problem

Technical inspection of the keel plate, recovered with the hull, revealed that the keel had not been manufactured in accordance with the designer’s drawings. Furthermore, the unusual keel design meant that the condition of the weakest part of the keel structure could not be monitored or inspected as it was hidden within the external lead casting, stated the report.

The MAIB has issued a safety bulletin advising owners of yachts fitted with similar keels to note that due to its design, the condition and tightness of the keel bolts do not indicate the true condition of the keel. It said owners should arrange for an out of water inspection by a suitably qualified surveyor if a yacht is damaged, grounded or if there is any doubt as to the condition of the keel.

MAIB’s keel guidance recommendation was backed by Andrew Moll, chief inspector of marine accidents. On publication of the report last month, he said: “The failure of Tyger of London’s keel is a timely reminder that a yacht’s keel is a safety critical item, and it should be surveyed and inspected regularly with this in mind.”

Stowage lessons

The incident, involved Tyger of London heeling to starboard, capsizing and inverting. The crew were able to release their lifelines and fall into the water where their lifejackets automatically inflated. They were rescued by another yacht, St Barbara V, whose skipper raised the alarm.The EPIRB and liferaft were not rigged to float-free and the crew did not have time to release and operate them before the yacht capsized.

The reported stated that multiple actions have been taken by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and BM to improve guidance on keel inspection and the stowage of lifesaving appliances.

via Boating Business | Call for mandatory keel guidance.

EXPLORER YACHT FROM HEESEN AND WINCH DESIGN

HOMENEWSBOATBUILDINGBOATBUILDINGEXPLORER YACHT FROM HEESEN AND WINCH DESIGN

08 Nov 2019

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The Xventure Photo: Heesen

Dutch yacht builder, Heesen, has teamed up with British studio, Winch Design, to create a new explorer yacht.

The 57m Xventure was launched at the New York Yacht Club and Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show. With an FDHF hull, the seven-star yacht has a cruising range of 5,000 miles and is fully IMO Tier III emissions-compliant. An optional hybrid propulsion system is also available to further reduce her carbon footprint.

The new yacht has an interior volume of approximately 1,280GT, floor-to-ceiling windows and a full-beam owner’s apartment. Also on board are an upper deck saloon, main deck guest suites and an observation deck with glass-ceilinged winter garden.

Ready to explore

With access for an Airbus H135 helicopter, large tender, jet skis or submarine, Xventure comes equipped for a variety of expeditions. The double-height tender garage accommodates an 11.4m Intrepid 375 Sports fishing boat port-side, with a second 8.6m Beachlander in a side garage.

Personal watercraft, scuba diving equipment storage, a 4.5m crew tender and storage for fishing equipment and small toys are also easily accommodated.

via Boating Business | Explorer yacht from Heesen and Winch Design.

SHIP RECONSTRUCTION MOVES FORWARD

HOMENEWSINDUSTRY NEWSSHIP RECONSTRUCTION MOVES FORWARD

11 Nov 2019

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The Sutton Hoo Ship could take two years to build

A campaign to raise £1m to reconstruct the Sutton Hoo Ship has received the backing of a British Museum lead curator.

Gareth Williams, who specialises in Anglo-Saxon and Viking coinage and has an interest in experimental archaeology, is supporting the ‘Make Ship Happen’ campaign that has been launched by the Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company to help fund the project.

All that was left of the 90ft royal ship that was buried with gold 13 centuries ago were markings in the sand but It is hoped that the ghost ship can be bought to life through the use of digital plans and CGI images.

“This is an incredible exciting project,” said Gareth. “There has been some very successful work done building replicas and reconstructions of Viking ships in the past – and even smaller versions of the Anglo-Saxon ship from Sutton Hoo.”

Reconstruction

“But this is the first time anyone has attempted to build a full-scale reconstruction of this vessel – and test it on water.”

It is anticipated the vessel will take two years to build at the site of the former Whisstocks Boatyard in Woodbridge.

“We cannot wait to watch this magnificent vessel slide down the slipway into the river, before making the maiden voyage,” added Philip Leech, chairman and director of the Sutton Hoo Ship’s Company. “We hope this ship will provide key insights into Anglo-Saxon construction, skills and seamanship.”

Once complete the full-size replica is set to be used as a movable educational exhibition.

via Boating Business | Ship reconstruction moves forward.

SARAH AND SAM TO HOST RYA DINGHY SHOW

HOMENEWSPROMOTIONSBOAT SHOWSSARAH AND SAM TO HOST RYA DINGHY SHOW

11 Nov 2019

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Sarah Ayton will be one of the hosts of next year’s RYA Dinghy Show

INDUSTRY DATABASE

ROYAL YACHTING ASSOCIATION

Double Olympic gold dedallist Sarah Ayton OBE is to join with British Sailing Team’s Sam Whaley to host the 2020 RYA Dinghy Show in association with Yachts & Yachting.

The show theme is ‘a world of opportunity – see where dinghy sailing can take you.’

From competing on the race course, to travelling the globe, a career on the water, or spending valuable time outdoors with family and friends, the show will celebrate the wealth of opportunities that dinghy sailing provides.

Sarah is known as one of the ‘three blondes in a boat’ trio from the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games where she won her second gold medal in the Yngling class.

Sailing career

She was also named Rolex World Sailor of the Year in 2016 and is currently a performance coach, motivational speaker and mum to her two boys.

Sam initially enjoyed racing at his local sailing club before entering his first national competition in 2011.

After that he was hooked and at 19 knew he wanted to pursue a career in sailing. He is now a member of the British Sailing Team competing in the Laser class.

The show will take place at Alexandra Palace, London, over the weekend of February 29 – March 1 and will include a range of speakers on the Great Hall and West Hall Stages and in the Knowledge Zone.

via Boating Business | Sarah and Sam to host RYA Dinghy Show.