AFTERMARKET First ever winches from Ronstan 02/06/2023 Save article Ronstan has introduced its first-ever range of winches. SHOW FULLSCREEN Ronstan’s first winch range includes the 20ST, 30QT, and 40QT The Orbit Winches have been manufactured from lightweight aluminium and designed to be performance based. The winches are easy to service, with no tools required for disassembly and maintenance. “Our long experience manufacturing Andersen Stainless Steel Winches defines our non-negotiable standards for reliability, mechanical efficiency, and unparalleled user experience,” said a company spokesperson. “For everything else, the new winches were developed from the deck up with a different set of priorities and an eye for innovation.” Design features such as the drum’s smooth surface finish and power ribs from Andersen winches are incorporated for line grip and control with minimal rope wear. The winches are available in sizes 20ST, 30QT, and 40QT with the two larger sizes incorporating Ronstan’s patented QuickTrim self-tailer which allows sailors to ease line tension to make minor sail trim adjustments without removing the winch handle or taking the line out of the self-tailer. A small anti-clockwise rotation of the self-tailing cover allows the self-tailer to turn beneath it like a sheave as the rope is eased, with grip and control maintained with the drum’s power ribs. The self-tailer is locked for normal use to resume once the top cover springs back into place. “Racing sailors can react and respond instantly to minor course corrections or changes in wind pressure and direction, providing an unmatched advantage when frequent sail trim adjustments are required,” added the spokesperson. “Cruising sailors will also appreciate the simple convenience when adjusting sail trim.” Topics Cruising sailorDeck Hardwareracing sailorself-tailing winchWinchwinch handle

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INDUSTRY NEWSWatersports participation rises in the UK30/05/2023Save articleAround 13.2 million UK adults tried a boating activity in 2022, up 3% from 12.8 million in 2021.SHOW FULLSCREENUK watersports participation risesThe figures are from the Watersports Participation Survey 2022 which shows that more than 10 million people took part in one or more boating activities once or twice in 2022, whilst the number of people taking part more frequently in on water activities remained similar to the previous year (3.2 million).“It is encouraging to see that watersports participation has continued to prove popular with the UK population post the pandemic boom,” said Lesley Robinson, CEO, British Marine.“Paddle sport activities, particularly stand up paddleboarding, which are easily accessible both on the coast and inland waterways, have remained extremely popular with participation figures continuing to rise, however it does appear that the trend is still for more infrequent, experiential participation rather than regular participation.”With the popularity of paddleboarding continuing to increase, British Canoeing has been formally recognised as a National Governing Body for the sport by Sport England and has appointed a new stand up paddleboarding lead for the organisation.“The ongoing growth of stand up paddleboarding has been unprecedented,” said Ashley Metcalfe, CEO British Canoeing, who also warned that more safety measures should be put in place.“Our new status as a recognised body presents us with a great opportunity to develop the discipline further and ensure safety guidance is enhanced for new and experienced paddlers,” he said.The Watersports Participation Survey covers participation from October 2021 to September 2022.The survey is conducted annually by a consortium of marine bodies including British Marine, Royal Yachting Association, Maritime and Coastguard Agency, Royal National Lifeboat Institution, British Canoeing, Canal and River Trust and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science.The core boating activities include small sailboat racing, other small sailboat activities, yacht racing, yacht cruising, power boating, general motor boating/cruising, canal boating, canoeing, rowing/sculling, windsurfing, water skiing and wakeboarding and using personal watercraft.TopicscanoeingIndustry NewspaddleboardingSUPsurveywatersportswatersports participation

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EVENTS & SHOWS Anchor drag risk is minimised 25/05/2023 Save article AnchorGuardian uses new patented technology to minimise the risk of anchor drag. Sensors are used to provide intelligent data throughout the anchoring procedure, providing a continuous stream of information to a captain and crew. “The technology is entirely new and provides a smarter way, a safer way we can anchor,” explained Suzy Chisholm, head of company communications and co-founder. “We’re providing a wealth of information to a captain and crew, intelligence they didn’t have before; laying the anchor, at anchor and lifting. “We’re able to give all the information, what sediment there is, how far the anchor is from the seabed, when the anchor has hit the seabed, how its lying on the seabed. “Our ultimate goal is to bring safety to anchoring.” And if the anchor does start to drag, information is provided on how fast it’s moving, with data visible on an electronic chart, providing predictions and triggering alarms, minimising the risk of groundings, collisions and environmental damage with the anchor ripping up the seabed. The technology operates independently of a GPS and any movement of a ship. “How to reduce the impact of an anchor on the seabed is a huge issue,” added Suzy. “Anchors do get dragged, and we want to minimise that as much as possible. “It’s another tool in the crew’s arsenal.” AnchorGuardian has been certified by the leading class societies including Lloyds and RINA. The product will be in the Innovation showcase at Seawork and available to see with UK distributor, Atlantis Marine Power on stand P12. Topics AnchorAnchor dragCertificationenvironmentEnvironment & Sustainabilityintelligent datapatents

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ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY IMOCA makes strides towards sustainability 10/05/2023 Save article IMOCA’s 2022 sustainability report details the progress it has made surrounding the use of alternative materials and collision avoidance. SHOW FULLSCREEN Source: Sailing Energy/The Ocean Race IMOCA’s 2022 sustainability report details the progress it has made surrounding its use of alternative materials and collision avoidance zoom inzoom out “Over the last five years our sport has grown and flourished, but not without consideration of our environment and our impact,” said Antoine Mermod, president, IMOCA. ”Our ambition is to continue to share the adventure but not at the expense of the planet.” said Antoine Mermod, president, IMOCA. Green commitment The IMOCA Class first committed to sustainable principles in 2018, but it wasn’t until 2021 a host of rules determining IMOCA’s course for the next four years were introduced. One of the commitments was geared towards the use of alternative materials for removable parts (chart table, seats, bunks), which it said would be deducted from the boat’s measurement weight within a 100 kg limit, giving teams a slight competitive advantage. Nine teams have already snapped up the opportunity to trial this new rule. Material preferences favour flax fibre, but basalt, recycled carbon and recycled PET are also in the mix. To date, more than 300kg of parts have been made from alternative materials. The report also reveals that new boat builds after 2025 are expected to be capped with a CO2e limit. Work has begun to study the best future system for the Class in this respect. Sailmakers have got together to revise the ‘Green Sail’ Rule, tightening the criteria and introducing a ‘Green Sail’ Label. Two sailmakers, OneSails and Quantum Sails, have already joined the initiative. IMOCA has also been making headway on its Collision Prevention Project which is based on a combination of approaches. These include installing a set of sensors on the boats, but also improving communication and signalling on the race course. In 2022, a consortium of three entities was selected, composed of Pixel sur Mer, Sea.Ai and Ensta Bretagne. The objective is to provide operational and reliable collision avoidance instrumentation for the Vendée Globe 2024. Work is also underway to introduce an integrated warning function on the routing software Adrena. This will provide automatic feedback in case of collision, a more detailed observation reporting system and data collection work for scientists. This warning system will first be exercised at the Guyader Bermudes 1000 Race in May 2023.         Topics BoatbuildingEnvironment & SustainabilityIMOCASustainabilityThe Ocean RaceVendée Globeyacht racing

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BOATBUILDING The world’s first recyclable racing boat 19/04/2023 Save article The one design Ecoracer (OD30) is believed to be the world’s first recyclable sportsboat. SHOW FULLSCREEN The one design Ecoracer is due to be launched in June The boat, which is due to be launched in June, is designed by Matteo Polli YD and built by Northern Light Composites (nlcomp). It has a length overall of 9.15m and a beam of 3.03m with a displacement of 1850kg. The craft is a recyclable composite solution for the boating industry’s end-of-life problem, say the founders of nlcomp who have been awarded the Smart Innovative Yacht Award in the Startup category at this year’s Smart Yacht Rendezvous held during the Monaco Ocean Week. Nlcomp aims to part of the transformation towards a fully circular economic model, solving the problem of abandoned fibreglass boats being left abandoned at the end of their life. The Ecoracer uses thermoplastic resin and natural and recycled fibres in the construction of the craft. The rComposite material, which is patent pending, can be recycled at the end of its life. It incorporates thermoplastic resin with natural or recycled fibres to lower the impact with the layers also including a recycled carbon surface protection, a carbon/flax basalt reinforcement layer and a core. Topics abandoned boatcomposites recyclingEnvironment & Sustainabilityglass-reinforced plasticsRecyclingVessel Launches

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AFTERMARKET More than 2km of wire used per yacht 14/04/2023 Save article Sta-Lok Terminals is returning as the official standing rigging supplier for the next edition of the Clipper Race. SHOW FULLSCREEN Sta-Lok is kitting out the Clipper 70 yachts prior to the next edition of the Clipper Race This will be the Essex-based company’s third edition of partnership with the round the world yacht race, with Sta-Lok again providing its fittings for the fleet of Clipper 70 ocean racing yachts. As part of the partnership, Sta-Lok provides hundreds of fittings and more than 2km of stainless-steel wire for the Clipper 70 rigs. Ahead of each edition, the 11 Clipper 70s are refitted with new fittings to ensure maximum safety of the rig in the severe ocean conditions faced. “We see this partnership as the main portal for us to represent our products around the world,” said Terry Barfield, Sta-Lok MD said. “Seeing the crew sailing in extreme weather and severe sea conditions in the footage that is sent back from the yachts is inspiring. “For us, we see that the teams are relying on our fittings to get them safely around the world, and the proudest moment for us is seeing the teams arrive safely back after a circumnavigation.” Fleet rigger, Andy Peck, added: “Sta-Lok supplies over 2400m of wire, plus around 40 fittings per yacht which are assembled by our rigging team by hand. Assembling over hundreds of fittings across the eleven yachts is a big task, so having a product that is so easy to assemble is key.” All the yachts are currently being refitted in Gosport, ahead of the start of the 40,000nm race which gets underway this summer. The announcement coincides with the rigging company’s 50th anniversary of manufacturing. Topics Clipper RaceMasts, spars, sails & riggingocean racingRiggingyacht race

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ENVIRONMENT & SUSTAINABILITY New sustainable mooring system to benefit sea life 17/04/2023 Save article Blue Parameters has developed and deployed its first Mermaid K, an Advanced Sustainable Mooring System (ASMS) for the Port of Jersey. SHOW FULLSCREEN English Braids has partnered with Blue Parameters and Seaflex to develop a sustainable mooring system Developed with partners Seaflex and English Braids, the system eliminates the use of chain which can be harmful to the seabed and marine life due to scouring. “The marine environment is a challenging space to operate in,” said Simon de la Rue, Blue Parameters director. “And with increased use, both recreational and commercial, the impact on the seabed and biodiversity has been significantly higher. “Bringing together the top partners in their fields will result in a new standard for mooring systems that protect the environment and allow nature to get back on its feet without compromising quality or safety for the marine industry.” The Mermaid K has a small footprint alongside synthetic system parts designed to extend the life of the mooring and benefit local sea life. SHOW FULLSCREEN The Mermaid K mooring system eliminates the use of chain It is a single point swing mooring, with a multiple point design – Parameter 3 – available for larger vessel numbers and wider applications for marinas, aquaculture, and navigational markers. There are also options developed to support restoration and biodiversity. “The project with Seaflex and Blue Parameters is the latest example of how blending existing experiences and technologies from like-minded and progressive companies can spur innovation and development in the sector,” added Chris Duffy of English Braids. Topics biodiversityEnvironment & Sustainabilitymooring systemSustainabilitySustainable mooring

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INDUSTRY NEWS Round the world sailor rescued 12/04/2023 Save article Ian Herbert Jones, skipper in the Golden Globe Race (GGR), has been rescued from the southern Atlantic. SHOW FULLSCREEN Ian Herbert Jones on board Puffin. Photo credit Ian Herbert Jones/GGR2022 The Shropshire based sailor had suffered a back and head injury when his Tradewind 35 yacht Puffin was rolled and dismasted. Race authorities were alerted by Ian using a YB3 satellite tracking and texting device and with Ian unable to cut the mast free due to storm conditions, and also suffering water ingress into the yacht’s hull a rescue mission was put into place. Three fishing vessels were diverted to Ian’s position along with a British fisheries patrol boat which was later stood down. SHOW FULLSCREEN The yacht Puffin, photo courtesy Jackie Zanetti & Alex Papij (Rusalka)/GGR2022 This was Puffin’s second circumnavigation – the first was in the GGR 2018. After Ian’s rescue by one of the fishing vessels, the yacht was scuttled as she was a hazard to safety. Ian had been in heavy weather with winds gusting up to 75 knots and an 8m sea. He had been unable to deploy his drogue or warps as the wind intensified. The race started last September with 16 entrants and is around 30,000 miles around the globe. Topics BoatingIndustry NewsSailingSailing boatSailing raceyacht race

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AFTERMARKET New Singapore distributor for marine hardware company 31/03/2023 Save article Barton Marine has announced a new partnership and distribution agreement with EELAT pte Ltd in Singapore. SHOW FULLSCREEN Barton Marine has taken on a new distributor in Singapore The Singapore sailing marketplace is expanding with dinghy sailing, cruising clubs and racing fleets. Singapore is used as a stop-over location for vessel repairs and refit due to its location in Southeast Asia alongside a competitive tax system. “We met with Viejaya Jeya, director at EELAT during METSTRADE 2022, and we have been able to discuss a distribution plan and move the partnership forward in the short time since then,” explained Barton chief commercial officer, Jeff Webber. “We are confident this distribution program in Singapore will be a great addition to our worldwide trading platform and we welcome EELAT to the Barton Team.” Barton has more than 35 marine distributors globally, along with expansion in industrial markets and growing the US market through their own satellite company, Barton US LLC. EELAT focusses on engineering and distribution to the marine and power generation industries. Topics BoatingDistributionDistributionLeisure marineMarine distributionSailing

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MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS Rigging company acquisition 17/03/2023 Save article Ancasta Group has acquired Cowes-based Spencer Rigging. SHOW FULLSCREEN Spencer Rigging has been acquired by Ancasta Group Spencer Rigging was established in 1958 and is LEEA accredited and ISO 9001 registered. The company will continue to operate from the company’s existing rigging loft and the team will continue to be led by MD, Neil Brinsdon. Spencer Rigging’s facility offers the capability to support a wide range of international projects, including the in-house manufacture of lifting systems for marine, commercial and construction industries. “Spencer Rigging is a hugely respected name with a reputation built on trust and quality products produced by its skilled workforce, continuing the company ethos established by Harry Spencer over 65 years ago,” said Nick Griffith, Ancasta Group MD. “We’re delighted to be extending this reputation to further enhance Ancasta Group’s turnkey boat repair, maintenance and aftersales services The company has completed sailing rigging projects from dinghies to ocean racers and also produces lifting and architectural equipment for clients across commercial, MOD and construction industries, and carries out non-destructive and destructive testing. Rigging capabilities include wire swaging 1.5mm to 32mm wire, talurit swaging 1mm to 58mm, rod rigging -4 to -540. In-house production of lifting equipment includes webbing (CE Marked), chain and wire slings. The rigging loft joins Advanced Rigging and Hydraulics within the Group which will continue to operate from its base in Port Hamble. Both Advanced Rigging and Hydraulics and Spencer Rigging teams are set to expand. Topics AcquisitionaftermarketAftersalesExpansionMergers & AcquisitionsRigging

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