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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FITTING OUT Sea Sure expands its range for 2023 29/03/2023 Save article Sea Sure is expanding its ‘stick on’ range of fittings for 2023 and 2024. SHOW FULLSCREEN The Rope Tidies can be stuck onto a boat using epoxy or similar products. The company’s new stick-on Rope Tidy comes complete with a 3M VHB adhesive pad so users can peel the release film off and stick the product to a boat. The Rope Tidies can also be stuck on using epoxy or similar products. “The advancement in adhesive and epoxies has meant that it is no longer necessary to always bolt or screw fittings to boats, you can simply stick or glue them on,” explained Sea Sure’s sales and marketing director, Dan Henderson. “The biggest benefit of sticking a fitting on rather than screwing is that you don’t need to drill holes in your boat. “Drilling holes can lead to a number of issues, the main one being water ingress.” In addition, points out Dan, if fittings need to be moved around a boat at a later date, the hole will need to be filled as part of the process. The retail pack contains an alcohol wipe to clean the surface prior to sticking, sandpaper so that the surface can be prepared to give the best adhesion, and stickers for the front of the Rope Tidy that are printed with the names of each rope or halyard, so these can be stored correctly. The stick-on Rope Tidy joins Sea Sure’s range of stick-on Pad eyes and FLO tell tales. The product will be available from chandleries over the next few months. Topics adhesiveboat fittingExpoxyExterior Fitting Out

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BOATBUILDING50 years’ of boatbuilding23/03/2023Save articleOyster Yachts is celebrating 50 years since the company was founded in 1973.SHOW FULLSCREENOyster Yachts is celebrating 50 years of building yachts in 2023The boatbuilder now has more than 600 employees in the UK, USA and Europe and an order book that stretches to 2026.The company was founded by Sir Richard Matthews who had a vision for an Oyster 34, a cruiser racer designed by Don Pye of Holman and Pye and built using local boatbuilders Landamores in Wroxham, Norfolk.In 1980, Sir Richard introduced the Oyster HP46, a yacht that featured Oyster’s deck saloon, which became a signature feature on all Oyster Yachts.The range extended to include the Oyster 41, 43, 53 and 55 and later, working with yacht designer Stephen Jones, the Oyster SJ35.The boatbuilder has continued to evolve with the founding of a brokerage arm followed by the start of a relationship with naval architect Rob Humphreys, a partnership that has seen 17 models designed.The largest Oyster in the current fleet, the Oyster 885, was launched in 2010 and along with the Oyster 625, was the first to feature Oyster’s signature seascape windows and twin rudders.And in 2021, the company introduced its 495 model with manufacturing taking place at Hythe.Oyster yachts have now sailed more than 20 million sea miles with around 100 circumnavigations of the world carried out.Other initiatives include the Oyster World Rally that was launched in 2013.TopicsanniversaryBoatbuildingLuxury YachtSailingSailing rallyWorld rallyyacht

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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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