Small Craft News

Sunseeker will launch Manhattan 66 model at the London Boat Show

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Sunseeker International has announced its intention to use the London Boat Show in January 2017 to launch and showcase its new Manhattan 66 model.

The Manhattan 66 model has a brand new deep V hull which offers signature Sunseeker performance and seakeeping whilst its open-plan layout provides enough space on board to rival much larger yachts.

Sean Robertson, sales director at Sunseeker International, said: “We’re really looking forward to launching the all new Manhattan 66 which is already generating substantial interest. Following the success of the Manhattan 52 which was the first in a series of new Manhattan models, it underlines our ability to keep giving our customers the best in class across every segment we operate in.”

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Hydrofoil water taxi Sea Bubble zero emissions concept

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The new concept Sea Bubble zero emissions water taxi coming to a river near you soon?
The new concept Sea Bubble zero emissions water taxi coming to a river near you soon?

A new concept of water taxi designed to operate on rivers has been developed in France. Called the Sea Bubble to reflect its shape this new water taxi is powered by electric thrusters and uses hydrofoils to reduce the power requirements, allowing the Sea Bubble to operate at speeds up to 15 knots.

The futuristic egg-shaped river shuttles are the creation of French yachtsman Alain Thébault and Swedish windsurfer Anders Bringdal, and the current plans suggest that this new water taxi concept could be tried out on the River Seine in Paris. The water taxi system is proving attractive because of its zero emission profile in this environmentally conscious Continue reading “Hydrofoil water taxi Sea Bubble zero emissions concept”

New autonomous Mayflower to cross the Atlantic in 2020

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A Crowdfunder campaign for a world first autonomous research ship intended to journey across the Atlantic in 2020 as part of the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower sailing has been launched at the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom.

The campaign is part of a funding drive to raise £10 million for the Mayflower Autonomous Research Ship (MAS), which is being created by the University, MSubs, the ProMare, and Shuttleworth Design.

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Golden Globe Race – stepping back to the golden age of solo sailing 50 years on

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Painting of SUHAILI by Melbourne Smith. Published by Rudder Magazine in September 1974
Painting of SUHAILI by Melbourne Smith. Published by Rudder Magazine in September 1974

Like the original Sunday Times event back in 1968/9, the 2018 Golden Globe Race is very simple. Depart Falmouth, England on June 16th 2018 and sail solo, non-stop around the world, via the five Great Capes and return to Falmouth. Entrants are limited to use the same type of yachts and equipment that were available to Robin Knox-Johnston in that first race. That means sailing without modern technology or benefit of satellite based navigation aids. Competitors must sail in production boats between 32ft and 36ft overall (9.75 – 10.97m) designed prior to 1988 and having a full-length keel with rudder attached to their trailing edge. These yachts will be heavily built, strong and steady, similar in concept to Robin’s 32ft vessel Suhaili.

In contrast to the current professional world of elite ocean racing, this edition travels back to a time known as the ‘Golden Age’ of solo sailing. Suhaili was a slow and steady 32ft double-ended ketch based on a William Atkins ERIC design. She is heavily built of teak and carried no computers, GPS, satellite phone nor water-maker, and Robin completed the challenge without the aid of modern day shore-based weather routing advice. He had only a wind-up chronometer and a barograph to face the world alone, and caught rainwater to survive, but was at one with the ocean, able to contemplate and absorb all that this epic voyage had to offer.

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Esthec® Solar Glow pioneers revolutionary luminous decking powered by the sun

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Esthec® introduces a special concept luminous decking material in what it claims is World first that will provide more safety on board and a new dimension in design.

It works like this. Solar energy that has been stored during the day is converted into light at night time. The Dutch producer of composite decking for the yacht industry has achieved a world first with this revolutionary invention, which was given the provisional name “Solar Glow”. The luminous decking ensures that gangways remain visible in the dark and thus substantially increases safety aboard boats. At the same time, the innovation is sustainable, since the luminous deck uses solar power instead of electricity from non-renewable sources. In addition to improving safety, the concept also provides designers with a new dimension in creative deck design. Esthec® expects the luminous decking material, which it developed in-house, to be used both by competitive sailors and in recreational boating. The first prototype has already been presented.

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Critical skill gaps revealed by British boat builders

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Despite recruitment across Britain’s marine industry increasing by 2.7% in 2014/15, and with a further increase of 2% predicted for 2015/16, new statistics released today at the Southampton Boat Show have revealed that 30% of companies have identified critical skill gaps that are holding their businesses back.

The majority of the workforce growth has reportedly come from the boat manufacturing (20%), equipment supply chain (20%), and boat distribution and retail (15%) sectors, with the industry’s 4,500 businesses now employing 31,600 people.

The statistics revealed that technical skills are perceived to be the biggest “obstacle to recruitment” in the British marine industry’s, with 74% of businesses citing a lack of technical training, such as manufacturing and engineering as a barrier, compared to the UK-wide average of 41%: “For an industry where one in two jobs are boat building and repair and equipment manufacturing (34% and 13% respectively) the need to plug the skills gap is becoming more important for future growth.”

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Scruffie Marine to deliver its second solar powered launch

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The solar powered launch by Scruffie Marine
The solar powered launch by Scruffie Marine

Scruffie Marine, based in Queensland, Australia, is close to completing its second solar powered launch with its latest Secret 33 model due to be launched within weeks. It will then be shipped to Perth where it will operate as a tourist launch on the Swan River.

The first prototype of the Secret 33 has been operating in Perth since March.

Derek Ellard at Scruffie Marine said the key to the new boat’s performance is its racing yacht pedigree with the proven hull being perfectly suited for electric propulsion.

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MAIB safety bulletin published for the Love for Lydia carbon monoxide poisoning incident

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Photograph of the Love for Lydia alongside a marina after the accident showing the canopy as found
Photograph of the Love for Lydia alongside a marina after the accident showing the canopy as found

The MAIB has published a safety bulletin after the carbon monoxide poisoning on board the Doral 250 SE motor cruiser Love for Lydia at Wroxham on the Norfolk Broads between 6 and 9 June 2016 resulted in 2 fatalities.

The safety bulletin highlights the dangers of carbon monoxide on boats and calls for people to fit carbon monoxide alarms, similar to those used in caravans and homes.

MAIB Chief Inspector Steve Clinch said:

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Report on the sinking of the scallop dredger JMT published by the MAIB

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The report on the sinking of the scallop dredger JMT has been published
The report on the sinking of the scallop dredger JMT has been published

The MAIB has issued its report into the capsizing and sinking of the scallop dredger JMT in 2015. The report will be of particular interest to surveyors given that the incident raises issues around the effect modifications made potentially had on the stability of the craft.

During the afternoon of 9 July 2015, routine contact was lost with the skipper and crewman on board the 11.4m scallop dredger JMT that was fishing off Plymouth, UK. A search and rescue operation was initiated the following morning when the vessel did not return alongside as expected.

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Volvo Penta cuts down on components with new battery management system

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Volvo Penta has launched a new remote control battery management system
Volvo Penta has launched a new remote control battery management system

Volvo Penta has launched its latest battery management system, suitable for 12 and 24-volt installations. The device is a remote control and gives users a ‘car like experience’ offering theft protection, battery control and monitoring.

“It gives total control of the system, both status and health,” explained Petter Andolf, product management, Volvo Penta.

“When leaving a boat, people can just switch off and the system will power down and switch off. It’s built to be very simple and robust.”

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Cheetah Marine builds the world’s first hydrogen powered boat

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Cheetah Marine has built a hydrogen-fuel catamaran which demonstrates the potential of zero CO2 technology in the marine industry. It is believed to be the first hydrogen powered craft.

The 9.95m catamaran, designed and built at Cheetah Marine’s workshops on the Isle of Wight in the UK, features a Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine (HICE). The Honda outboard works in the same way as traditional petrol engine, except it burns hydrogen and produces harmless water vapour as the only emission.

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Fairline Yachts signs new collaboration deals

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Fairline Yachts has signed a contract with the Alberto Mancini Yacht Design studio in a bid to secure its collaboration to design new innovative yachts.

Alongside the deal with the Italian yacht designers, Fairline Yachts also confirmed a partnership with Dutch naval engineers, Vripack.

Andrew Pope, head of design at Fairline Yachts, said: “Alberto clearly demonstrated his understanding of the Fairline brand and we’re very excited to see him applying his talent and design language to our future new models.”

“The addition of Vripack and the excellence in naval engineering that they bring, will ensure each of our new models are at the leading edge of marine technology.”

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