Bristol sailor and entrepreneur Tony Bullimore dies aged 79

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Tony Bullimore was also a renowned philanthropist

Sailor and entrepreneur Tony Bullimore has died at the age of 79.

He became a global star in 1997 after surviving four days in the upturned hull of his boat which capsized during a solo round-the-world race.

Mr Bullimore moved to Bristol in the early 1960s and married Lalel, a West Indian immigrant with whom he opened the Bamboo Club, which hosted Bob Marley.

He had been diagnosed with a rare form of cancer.

Mr Bullimore earned the nickname the British Bulldog after his dramatic rescue during the Vendée Globe.

He was feared to have drowned, until his vessel was spotted by an Australian navy ship and rescuers made for the scene.

The sailor famously crouched in the upturned hull of his yacht, surviving on chocolate and water.

Bristol’s Lord Mayor Cleo Lake paid tribute to Mr Bullimore, who she called “a Bristol legend both on the waters and on the music scene”.

Image Copyright @brislordmayor@BRISLORDMAYOR

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The Bamboo Club, which opened in 1966, attracted many of the big names in reggae and offered a place for people of all backgrounds to socialise safely.

Roy Hackett, who was instrumental in the 1963 Bristol bus boycott, said that before the club opened: “You couldn’t go into pubs in Bristol on your own if you were black. You’d get a hiding.”

Image caption

Tony Bullimore and his wife Lalel

Mr and Mrs Bullimore also experienced racism as a mixed race couple.

Mr Bullimore was also a renowned philanthropist and in a 2016 documentary made by BBC Radio Bristol, one friend described him as “generous and humble, who helped thousands of black people”.

In 2000 he starred in a BBC documentary with the comedian Sir Lenny Henry as they crossed the Atlantic Ocean.

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via Bristol sailor and entrepreneur Tony Bullimore dies aged 79 – BBC News.

HONORARY DEGREE FOR JASON

HOME NEWSINDUSTRY NEWS HONORARY DEGREE FOR JASON

23 Jul 2018

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Jason Kerr has received an honorary degree from Solent University

Yacht designer Jason Ker has been awarded an honorary degree of Doctor of Maritime Studies by Solent University.

Founder of Ker Yacht Design, Jason has forged a reputation for racing yachts, later expanding into high performance cruising monohulls and catamarans.

“I’m absolutely honoured to receive this award. Solent gave me a fantastic grounding in engineering that has allowed me to develop my skills and keep learning throughout my career,” said Jason. “It’s amazing how the lessons I learned over 20 years’ ago still form so much of what I know today.”

Commissions

Jason’s diverse early career included building composite yachts near Sydney, conceptual R&D for fast car ferries in Tasmania and multihulls and trimaran superyachts in the UK.

His first design commission in 1997 led to further commissions and the start of Ker Yacht Design.

A pivotal point in his career came with the design commission for the 55ft racing yacht Aera that won seven of the inshore races of the 2003 Admirals Cup and the overall trophy for the 2004 Sydney to Hobart race.

Aged 33 Jason was recruited to set up and lead the design team for Team Shosholoza – the first South African America’s Cup Challenge.

Continuous technological development has proved a hallmark of his career, not only during two further America’s Cups, but also on his designs of racing yachts and successful projects in ship hull form optimisation.

via Boating Business | Honorary degree for Jason.

ANNUAL CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE

HOME NEWSAFTERMARKETLAYING UP ANNUAL CHECKS SHOULD BE MADE

24 Jul 2018

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Safety equipment including liferafts should be checked annually

INDUSTRY DATABASE

OCEAN SAFETY LTD

Laying-up is a time for equipment to be stored ashore, checked over and if necessary replaced.

And top priority, says marine safety equipment company Ocean Safety, should be safety equipment.

“This is just as important as checking the rig and warp and removing upholstery and sails,” says training manager, Steve Bockett. “Failure to check through the safety inventory and service items where necessary, could result in faulty equipment not being noticed until it needs to be used, with dangerous consequences.”

Servicing

He added: “Equipment like liferafts are rarely – hopefully never – used and lifejackets, while worn regularly, are again, rarely inflated, so dig them out, along with the Jonbuoys, EPIRBs, pyrotechnics, fire extinguishers and all products with a shelf life, service date or those that need batteries or replacement canisters and take them to a reputable service agent for servicing.”

And he pointed out that because the majority of owners and crews have never used their safety equipment, it’s questionable how quickly and easily they will be able to operate it.

When servicing equipment, Ocean Safety will upon request, demonstrate customers’ liferafts being inflated in one of its service stations.

via Boating Business | Annual checks should be made.

£8M REGENERATION FOR SWANWICK MARINA

HOME NEWSMARINAS £8M REGENERATION FOR SWANWICK MARINA

26 Jul 2018

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Swanwick Marina’s £8m investment plan includes 59 new berths. Credit: Premier Marinas

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PREMIER MARINAS LTD

Premier Marinas is to invest a further £8m in the regeneration of Swanwick Marina.

The major investment follows the company’s £5.8m investment in the construction of a new boatyard in 2014 and will see 59 new berths created, with all berth holders allocated use of a berth measuring at least the length of their boat.

At the centre section of the marina, the berths will be set 700mm above water level – 200mm above standard height – to reduce customers’ deck to pontoon ‘jump down’ when berthing their vessel.

Plans also include constructing a marina bridgehead building, berth holders’ lounge and a new food and drink building.

“Swanwick Marina was constructed in the late 1960’s/early 70’s when boats tended to be smaller and narrower,” said Premier Marinas’ CEO Pete Bradshaw. “The current pontoons do not meet modern industry standards – or the quality expected by our berth holders.”

He added: “Premier’s vision for thoughtful marina design will greatly improve our customers’ experience and safety. Our plans for Swanwick will set a new standard for marina development.”

Easier access

In the new configuration all pontoons will be accessed via a single central bridgehead which has been designed to make movement easier by presenting a substantially lower access gradient than the current bridgeheads. During the in-water redevelopment the marina basin will be dredged.

The eastern side of the marina will be cleared to create additional boat storage ashore and dedicated berth holder parking. There are also plans for a pavilion building to house boat sales and marine businesses.

Phase one of the redevelopment will begin in October 2018.

via Boating Business | £8m regeneration for Swanwick Marina.

HYDE SAILS POWERS CLIPPER RACE FLEET

HOME NEWSAFTERMARKETMASTS, SPARS, SAILS & RIGGING HYDE SAILS POWERS CLIPPER RACE FLEET

26 Jul 2018

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The Clipper Race heading to Liverpool. Credit: The Clipper Race

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HYDE SAILS LTD

Hyde Sails has been demonstrating its strength and durability in the 40,000 nautical mile Clipper 2017-18 Race.

This is the fifth consecutive edition of the race for which Hyde Sails has been the official sail supplier. The company has additionally trained race crew in sail repair and provided a bespoke service during key stopovers.

“The Clipper Race is a unique challenge and this applies to its sail requirements and usage too,” said Martin Newman, production manager – Yacht Sails for Hyde Sails. “When racing in the Clipper Race, you have to get from A to B whatever is in front of you and you have to have the equipment to be able to do that.”

Easier management

The 2017-18 edition saw two major changes; trialling of soft clews and a popper system to replace wool for hoisting and releasing spinnakers.

“This not only removed the metal on metal situation of shackle to clew but also has reduced damage in this area as more forgiving for crew developing their helming skills under spinnaker whilst reducing weight at the clew and improving performance,” Martin explained.

The white sails onboard also saw some minor adjustments with changes made to make it easier to replace damaged battens in the mainsail.

via Boating Business | Hyde Sails powers Clipper Race fleet.

YACHT RACE MAKES HISTORY

HOME NEWSINDUSTRY NEWS YACHT RACE MAKES HISTORY

30 Jul 2018

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Wendy Tuck is the first woman to win a round the world yacht race

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CLIPPER VENTURES PLC

Wendy Tuck has became the first woman to win a round the world yacht race after leading her Sanya Serenity Coast team to clinch victory in the Clipper 2017-18 Race.

Second place overall went to British sailor Nikki Henderson, 25, skipper of the yacht Visit Seattle.

“I don’t think it’s about being a woman. It’s just do what I do. But I am very proud and even prouder of my team,” said Wendy who is from Sydney. “They are the ones that did all the work and considering many had never sailed before, what they have accomplished is incredible.”

Level playing field

The Clipper Race trains non-professionals to be ocean faring sailors.

The event was established in 1996 by Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, the first man to sail solo, non-stop around the world.

He added: “There has never been a round-the-world sailing race where the leading skippers are women.

“To have men and women competing together in sport on a level playing field is very special.”

40% of Clipper Race crew have no previous sailing experience before signing up and undergoing a compulsory four weeks of training.

Aground

In total, 712 people representing 41 different nationalities and from all walks of life have taken part in the 40,000 nautical mile Clipper 2017-18 Race, the event’s eleventh edition.

The race has not been without incident however. In October 2017 the yacht Greenings ran aground hours after the start of the third leg from Cape Town, South Africa, to Fremantle, Western Australia.

The yacht suffered substantial damage deemed too extensive for it to continue in the race.

And in November 2017, GREAT Britain crew member Simon Speirs drowned after falling overboard during a headsail change. An investigation into why his safety tether failed is ongoing.

via Boating Business | Yacht race makes history.

RECORD ORDERS FOR SUNSEEKER

HOME NEWSBOATBUILDINGBOATBUILDING RECORD ORDERS FOR SUNSEEKER

30 Jul 2018

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Sunseeker is concentrating on re-establishing its brand in the smaller boat segment

INDUSTRY DATABASE

SUNSEEKER INTERNATIONAL BOATS LTD

Sunseeker’s revenue increased by 17% during 2017 from £252.4m to £294m, driven by a record order bank.

Profits also grew with EBITDA approaching £6m – £1.1m profit after tax.

The increase means that since 2015 the boatbuilder has seen revenue rise by 50%, boats by 30% and employees by 25% as the business continues to grow.

During 2017, Sunseeker launched four new models which the company says have contributed to the record forward order book – up 52% year-on-year.

Stronger future

“I’m delighted with our performance, especially given the substantial investments we continue to make across the business,” said Phil Popham CEO. “We are now reaping the rewards of this, but it is vital that we continue to invest in product and infrastructure to build an even stronger future. Our product plan for the next five years absolutely reflects this, we now have one of the youngest product line-ups in the industry with some very exciting additions still to come.”

And he said the company is sold-out for 2018 and 50% sold for 2019 with the Manhattan 52 and Manhattan 66 two of the most popular models.

Ambitious plans

“As we develop new products across the size range, we will also see a substantial growth in our profitability, providing the investment for our ambitious plans going forward,” added Phil.

During 2018, the company is concentrating on re-establishing the brand in the smaller boat size segment with the launch of the Predator 50 and Predator 74. The 74 Sport Yacht will be launched at the autumn shows.

Expansion of the global dealer network has also been key in supporting continued revenue increase with Asia and the Middle East target growth territories.

via Boating Business | Record orders for Sunseeker.

LATEST SPIRIT YACHT TO LAUNCH

HOME NEWSPROMOTIONSSOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW LATEST SPIRIT YACHT TO LAUNCH

30 Jul 2018

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The Spirit 63DH will be launched at TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show

INDUSTRY DATABASE

SPIRIT YACHTS LTD

Spirit Yachts is launching its latest new build, the Spirit DH63, at this year’s TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show.

The 19.2m yawl has been designed for cruising and racing.

The deckhouse design incorporates a raised coachroof for protection from the elements. Panel windows incorporated into all sides of the coachroof facilitate near 360° views of the horizon from the chart table.

The yacht has a 110hp Yanmar engine that gives a maximum speed of 9 knots and a cruising speed of 8 knots and an approximate cruising range of 820Nm.

Sail wardrobe

Carbon spars and nitronic rod rigging are paired with a OneSails sail wardrobe comprising a fully battened mainsail and mizzen, a smaller 105% jib and a custom electric furling asymmetric.

The cockpit has been designed with hydraulic winches, fold-out table with built-in drinks fridge and wide, sunbathing and crewing area.

Access to the engine room, which is fitted with hi-density sound proofing, is via the deckhouse, saloon and guest cabin to give multiple access points for servicing. A 400ltr fuel tank is supported by a second 240ltr tank for longer passages.

Equipment

Lazarette lockers cater for stowage of a dinghy, outboard engine, gas bottles and all cruising equipment.

A water maker, carbon passarelle, Anthony Gallo sound system, washing machine, sun awnings and bimini add to the equipment.

A bow thruster, Raymarine navigational instruments and Lewmar remote deployment anchor are in place to assist with manoeuvring and mooring.

The yacht will be in berth M260.

via Boating Business | Latest Spirit Yacht to launch.

BLUEBIRD K3 PROWESS AT TRAD

HOME NEWSINLAND WATERWAYS BLUEBIRD K3 PROWESS AT TRAD

30 Jul 2018

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15 awards were up for grabs at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival, which featured numerous historic vessels. Credit Amersham Photographic Society

The late Sir Malcolm Campbell’s ‘Bluebird’ K3 world water-speed record breaker was a star attraction at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival.

During the ruby anniversary of the festival at Henley on Thames, Bluebird ran the Henley Regatta Course, while Bremont Watches-sponsored Berylla made an appearance on the water for the first time in decades. 1930s boat Magyar, having just been rebuilt from a bare hull, was also displayed on a trailer for the public to visit and admire the craftsmanship that modern boat-builders can still offer.

“That is, of course, what the show is all about,” said festival chairman Lady Judy McAlpine. “Preserving the skills needed to conserve these rare beauties and to create new versions for those not fortunate enough to be able to buy an old one. That said, it is also a great family weekend with something for everyone to enjoy.”

15 awards

Gloriana – The Queen’s Rowbarge was at the show, alongside its builder Sir Jeffrey Stirling, who greeted early cruisers. Other river craft ranged from little canoes to the big ‘Little Ships’ used during the evacuation of Dunkirk.

15 awards were up for grabs at the festival with some of most popular entries including a floating Triumph Herald, a bread-van and a motorised basket chair.

At lunchtime each day a Hurricane and several WW1 aircraft had the crowds staring skywards and on Saturday evening everything stopped for the illuminated parades and more quirky British tradition including a parade of a few dozen old cycles.

via Boating Business | Bluebird K3 prowess at TRAD.

FLAGSHIP DUFOUR TO BE SHOWN

HOME NEWSPROMOTIONSSOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW FLAGSHIP DUFOUR TO BE SHOWN

30 Jul 2018

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The Dufour 360 Grand Large will be on show at TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show

The new Dufour 360 Grand Large and the Dufour 56 Exclusive will both make their debut at TheYachtMarket.com Southampton Boat Show 2018.

The 56 Exclusive is designed to be easy to handle across all conditions. Her 17m hull has a high ballast ratio and hull stability supports her 9/10 fractional rig with 141m² sail area.

The Dufour 360 GL is the latest addition to the Grand Large range and features a number of significant design evolutions, primarily to the coachroof and deck.

Redesigned

Changes include a recessed coaming for the spray hood that deflects water on the deck and gives neat stowage when the hood is down.

A redesigned helm station with discreet instrument consoles in front of each wheel creates more space on the aft deck.

Both yachts feature an external galley, BBQ, sink and bathing platform.

A range of Dufour Grand Large yachts will be on stand M310-318 including the popular 412 GL.

via Boating Business | Flagship Dufour to be shown.