Amsterdam Brief

Amsterdam Luxury Yacht Charter & Superyacht News

HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show 2012 offers rate reduction to exhibitors

April 27, 2012

Calculated on top of the early bird discount (15%) for bookings made by March 31, with the general discount for members of the HISWA Association (15%), the HISWA Multimedia has presented today a structural reduction of 15% on rates for stand space as well as berths at the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show 2012.

HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show Credit: Alba Fotografie

HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show Credit: Alba Fotografie

In addition, a collective volume discount will apply to the show depending on the total number of participating yachts. Exhibitors have already registered 200 yachts, and it is expected that this number will quickly increase thanks to the reductions in rates.

Stimulus
The discounts are a response to the economic downturn, which is still creating difficulties for boatbuilders and importers. “It is particularly important at a time like this to put on a high-quality show in order to give the watersport industry a real boost,” explains Farouk Nefzi, director of show organiser HISWA Multimedia.

“Although the outlook for the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show was already very positive – with over 150 registered exhibitors and 200 boats – our goal is to represent the broadest possible range of vessels from both Dutch and international yacht builders. And our new location, the former NDSM yard in Amsterdam, gives us the capacity to do so. Additional discounts can be an important stimulus for first-time participants, and encourage existing exhibitors to showcase even more boats. We can provide this discount thanks to the expected increase in the number of participants and the fact that all exhibitors will benefit from it. The accumulated discount will easily reach 30% – and in some cases up to 60% – for many exhibitors. In this way HISWA Multimedia is making a sizeable contribution to the overall well-being of the industry.”

Volume discounts
The volume discount was introduced at the same time as the rate reduction in order to stimulate yacht builders and importers to participate in the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show with as many boats as possible. If the total number of boats presented in the water ultimately reaches more than 450, all exhibitors will receive an extra 10% discount on the amount they paid for stand space or berths. If there are more than 500 boats, the discount will be as high as 15%.

Cut-price invitations
“With the move to our prestigious new location at the heart of Amsterdam, we have a lot to offer exhibitors this year,” continues Nefzi. “And the substantial price reduction on invitation tickets that we recently introduced is another example of how we are facilitating all exhibitors. This move was already implemented in response to reactions by participants during the meeting in late March. It will make it less expensive for exhibitors to invite their business partners and potential clients to the boat show. We have also introduced free parking for exhibitors. Well aware of the difficult times that our exhibitors are facing, we are doing our utmost to provide solutions that reduce participation costs. At the same time the show is becoming even more attractive to visitors thanks to our wider exhibition programme.”

HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show 2012 at the NDSM yard
The HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show is a must-visit event for people who enjoy sailing, love beautiful boats or are looking to find out more about an area of watersports. It offers a broad overview of the latest yachts by Dutch and international yacht builders, as well as an extensive range of nautical products and services. The exhibition programme will be framed by a lively programme of activities on and around the water.

This year will mark the first time the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show is held at a new location in the centre of Amsterdam. The event will take place from Tuesday 4 to Sunday 9 September 2012, and opening hours will be 11.00 to 19.00 every day.

194 yachts registered for the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show 2012

April 12, 2012

The number of exhibitors registered for the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show is 15% higher compared to the same time last year, showing a real increase in interest. The 2012 event will be the first edition to take place at the NDSM wharf in Amsterdam.

Mulder-73-Flybridge-motor-yacht-Credit-Mulder-Shipyard

Mulder 73 Flybridge yacht on display at HISWA in-water Boat Show - Credit: Mulder Shipyard

In addition to a new location, the event will also see a new concept focused on three nautical theme worlds (luxury, recreational and active) in which the participating boats will be exhibited. From Tuesday 4 to Sunday 9 September 2012, over 250 exhibitors from the Netherlands and abroad will showcase their latest designs and nautical products within the framework of an exciting activity programme on and around the water.

Registration 15% higher than last year
It is not only the regular participants that are positive about the new location and course being taken by the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show. The exhibitor list already includes around 30 companies that will be taking part for the first time or returning after a period of absence.

“We now have 147 confirmed exhibitor registrations with 194 boats,” says Farouk Nefzi, director of HISWA Multimedia. “This is 15% more than at the same time last year, which is a great result considering the difficult economic conditions.”

The 194 yachts registered for the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show include 30 Dutch, European or global premieres, such as the following motorboats: the Tenderline G7 (Tenderline), Marex 320 Aft Cabin Cruiser (Marex/De Boarnstream), Sturier 620 (Jachtwerf Volharding), Maremiss 63 (Hofstra Jachtbouw), Mulder 73 Flybridge and 72 Convertible (Mulder Shipyard), Swift Trawler 48 (Bénéteau), Contest 52MC (Contest Yachts), Smalland Tempo (Smalland Maritiem), Jetten 44 Sedan (Jetten Yachting), Vivante 55 HT (Vivante Yachts), Williams Dieseljet 565 (Delta Watersport) and Thomasz Tristan 50 (Thomasz Yachts).

New sailboats include the Sense 46 (Bénéteau), Contest 72CS (Contest Yachts), Oyster 725 (Oyster Marine) and Bavaria Vision 46 (Bavaria). A surefire crowd puller will be the clipper Stad Amsterdam, which will be moored at the outdoor quay during the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show as a hospitality ship for the city council.

Amsterdam Marina
The construction of a breakwater by the NDSM wharf is currently underway. It will provide the necessary protection for the new, permanent marina that will be built after the breakwater is completed. Amsterdam Marina will be the new home base of the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show, featuring berths for passing vessels in summer and permanent berths during the rest of the year.

Due for completion in 2013, the permanent facilities on the quay include the HISWA Nautical Centre which will accommodate various businesses such as the HISWA Group. The upcoming edition of the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show will make use of the new marina and temporary facilities created for the event on the quay.

Explore, Experience, Enjoy
The HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show is the ideal event for everyone who enjoys the water, loves beautiful boats or is looking to find out more about the watersport sector. The event offers visitors a wide range of products from Dutch and international yachtbuilders. Series-built or (semi)custom, tender or superyacht, steel or polyester: The available range offers an impressive overview.

Additionally, there will be a focus on popular watersports and small open (sail)boats. The exhibition programme will be combined with exciting activities on and around the water, which include demonstrations, races, sea trials, lectures, free sailing lessons for kids and much more besides.

HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show 2012
The HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show takes place from Tuesday 4 to Sunday 9 September 2012 in the brand-new Amsterdam Marina at the NDSM wharf in Amsterdam. The event is open daily from 11.00 to 19.00.

HISWA In-Water Boat Show 2012 at the heart of Amsterdam

March 13, 2012

The city council of Amsterdam has given the green light to the arrival of the HISWA association in Amsterdam North. The piles for the breakwater will be the first to be placed, followed by the construction of the ‘yacht and event’ marina, then the office building as well as the marina office.

HISWA In-Water Boat Show 2012 at the heart of Amsterdam

HISWA In-Water Boat Show 2012 at the heart of Amsterdam

“Our goal was to upgrade the HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show, which we have been successfully organising in Marina Seaport IJmuiden since 1995,” says André Vink, director of the HISWA Association. “Our ambitions exceeded what IJmuiden had to offer as a location, however. For example, there was very little for our visitors to do in the area outside of the show location. Moreover, the time was right to renew the exhibition concept and this required a different approach and a new location.

“Amsterdam was always the most attractive option. The NDSM wharf is a logical and nautical location, where we can bring the boat show and our offices together and centralise all our activities in one location. This will also result in considerable cost savings. And our international focus is in line with the style and appeal of Amsterdam as the capital of the Netherlands.”

With these impressive new facilities the organisation will be returning to its roots: The HISWA association was established in Hotel Krasnapolsky in the Dutch capital in 1932, and the Amsterdam in-water Boat Show used to take place on the Oosterdok, also in Amsterdam.

Breakwater
Rob Post, Chairman of Amsterdam North district council, and Rob Vooren, project manager at property developer Noordwaarts (developer of the City of Amsterdam for locations such as the NDSM wharf), immediately recognised the added value of HISWA to the area, and both were constructive and cooperative. In a local newspaper, Post says: “The district council recently signed an agreement with HISWA. As a result the Amsterdam in-water Boat Show will be held at the NDSM wharf starting 2012. The HISWA Association is also moving to Amsterdam North, bringing an actual marina to the area. A great asset!”

Installing a breakwater is an essential part of the realisation of the plans. This will be placed in the IJ waterway and provide the necessary protection to the marina. The 400-metre structure will be accessible during events and construction will get underway in February.

Amsterdam Marina
The Amsterdam Marina, as it will be called, will be constructed as a typical marina. Investments and operations will be in the hands of Fred Redeker, director/owner of Marina Projects BV. Redeker operates large marinas in Stellendam, Schokkerstrand and the Regatta Centre Medemblik. The marina, with permanent berths for around 340 vessels, will open in summer 2012. Facing south, it will catch plenty of sun and the fresh deep water (c. ten metres) will make it ideal for large yachts too.

HISWA Amsterdam in-water Boat Show 2012
The international Amsterdam in-water Boat Show will establish itself in Amsterdam as of September 2012. Amsterdam city council has already booked the clipper Stad Amsterdam for the event to serve as hospitality ship and crowd puller. “We will build a bridge between consumers and businesses by organising a range of activities,” adds Farouk Nefzi, director HISWA Multimedia and organiser of the boat show.

“These will gradually be introduced to Amsterdam not just during the Amsterdam in-water Boat Show but all year round. Our goal is to organise nautical events (alone or with third parties) such as meetings between specific yacht classes, expo platforms, and even seminars and conferences or study programmes. We will also host trade missions and media visits. And, over the past year we have been working on a new exhibition concept that is focused on enhancing the ‘visitor experience’.”

Office building
The HISWA offices will be housed in a building of around 2,000 square metres that will be ready in May/June 2013. Marina Projects BV has also invested in these premises. A contemporary design with distinctive terraces around the building has been developed by SeARCH Architecten. The building will also house the marina office and a restaurant, and there is still space for a maritime tenant, preferably one associated with HISWA.

HISWA Nautical Centre
The arrival of HISWA at the NDSM wharf will create a nautical centre with service providers such as watersport shops, brokers and dealers. Together with the HISWA main office, the marina and the marina restaurant, they will form the HISWA Nautical Centre. The centralisation of companies, events and activities in the watersport arena should attract (inter)national watersport enthusiasts, holidaymakers and tourists alike.

Accessibility
Although Amsterdam is not known for its wealth of parking facilities, there will be a major demand for parking near the marina during the Amsterdam in-water Boat Show. For this purpose five locations will be established at walking distance from the site in order to accommodate the thousands of visitors. The NDSM wharf is also easily accessible by public transport, including a free ferry that travels to the wharf from Amsterdam Central Station in five minutes.

Sidebar: The NDSM wharf
The NDSM wharf in Amsterdam North is creative, versatile, innovative and inspiring. NDSM is short for the Nederlandsche Dok en Scheepsbouw Maatschappij (Dutch Dock and Shipbuilding Company). The area has a rich maritime and nautical history that is still visible on the site of the former shipyard. The premises had been left undeveloped for many years and are now being transformed into a multifunctional city district offering a wealth of new activities and initiatives.

The area project developer, Amsterdam Waterfront, aims to transform the NDSM wharf into an exciting contemporary area that combines working, living, culture and water and offers opportunities to businesses on the water, along the water and related to the water. The goal is to create the optimal cluster and mix of nautical companies so that all benefit from the economies of scale. Some 65 watersport companies are currently interested in locating at the NDSM wharf.

METS and SuperYacht Pavilion 2011′s optimism for 2012

December 14, 2011

METS and the SuperYacht Pavilion (SYP) 2011´s expectations were exceeded by a high level of visitors, a notable display of newly developed products and lots of first time exhibitors.

METS 2011

METS 2011

“The 2011 show exceeded our expectations,” said Communications and PR Manager, Annelie Koomen. “Although we had the highest number of exhibitors to date and advance visitor registrations got off to an early start, we also heard that many companies were considering reducing costs by sending fewer members of staff or for a shorter period of time.”

“Having realistically anticipated a small percentage drop in attendance, we were understandably delighted to see visitor levels actually rise. On top of that the atmosphere at the show was vibrant and optimistic” she continued.

New contacts and global reach
As METS/SYP is widely acknowledged as one of the industry’s top networking events with trade-only quality visitors, it came as no surprise, however, to hear exhibitors speak enthusiastically about making new contacts and exploring global opportunities.

“Being here has been one of the key factors in the success of our international development,” said Guillaume Delcourt, export manager for French company Karver. “For us it is the place to be to meet existing clients and look for new business opportunities. This year we had a bigger stand and it proved to be a wise investment.”

Fellow French exhibitor Franck de Rivoyre, CEO and founder of Rivoyre Ingenierie, described METS/SYP as “mandatory in increasing export business” and Philip Marsh, managing director of UK boating footwear specialist, Chatham, confidently expects to sign new distributors and retailers as a direct result of the show. “Interest was global, from the Caribbean to Croatia, Poland, the Ukraine and New Zealand,” he confirmed.

Vote of confidence for SYP
The SuperYacht Pavilion 2011 enjoyed a constant flow of visitors and well attended networking events. Cheryl M. Zimmerman, CEO of first-time US exhibitor, FarSounder, was particularly impressed with the quality of visitor and described the SYP as being “etched” into her trade show calendar for 2012. “The SYP allowed FarSounder to focus on this important market while also drawing in customers from other market sectors,” she noted.

Chris Hornidge, managing director of long time METS exhibitor Henshaw Inflatables of the UK moved into the SYP for the first time for 2011. “It was a worthwhile and positive move and we were extremely pleased with the level of enquiry and constant flow of visitors to our stand,” he reported. “We expect to confirm a good level of orders over the next few months from enquiries received directly from the show.”

Acclaimed products
METS/SYP 2011 featured over 270 new products, and 133 products from 21 different countries were entered for the prestigious DAME (Design Award METS). Of the 43 nominations, there were eight category winners, 11 special mentions and special certificates awarded for Most Innovative Product and Most ECO-Friendly Product. The overall winner of the DAME 2011 was SCM of Italy for its innovative revolving portlight.

DAME jury member, Andrea Frabetti of the Ferretti Group, was delighted to present the DAME to SCM, describing its product as ‘a truly deserved winner in a highly competitive field’ and DAME jury chairman, Bill Dixon, in the Jury Report reinforced the quality of this year’s entries. “It was one of the best we’ve seen in years,” he said.

For the fifth year running, proceeds of the DAME registration fees were donated to a designated charity. Theo Lingmont, Director International Exhibitions for Amsterdam RAI, presented a cheque for €19,950 to the Sailing Kids Foundation, which arranges six-day holiday trips for chronically ill children and their families.

METS and SYP for 2012
2012 will be the 25th anniversary of METS and special celebrations are being lined up. The event will be held 13-14-15 November.

Statistics 2011
- 19,232 visits from 106 countries (2010: 18,861)
- 1,331 exhibiting companies from 42 countries (2010: 1,320)
- Including 162 exhibitors in the SuperYacht Pavilion (2010: 151)
- 5,940 exhibitor staff

Australian companies impressed by METS 2011

November 23, 2011

Australian companies had once again a huge success at this year’s Marine Equipment Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam – the world’s largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international marine leisure industry.

Ed Slack Richard Chapman Phil Draper Alistair Murray

Ed Slack, Richard Chapman, Phil Draper and Alistair Murray

The Australian Pavilion had moved location this year and included for the first time “The Outback Café” which was themed profiling iconic Australian images, wines, beer and food. This café was a key attraction during the show and was the location of the Australian outback party which was touted as being the best international party at METS. An invite only event it was hosted by the Victoria and Queensland governments with key Australian government officials in attendance. The party attracted the key stakeholders and clients interested in buying Australian made products.

MaryAnne Edwards AIMEX CEO with the METS Team

MaryAnne Edwards AIMEX CEO with the METS Team

A substantial group of members and industry heavyweights exhibited in the Australian pavilion including Aeronaut Automation, Adit Marine, Aqualuma Underwater Lighting, Austral Propellers, Barz Optics, Coursemaster Autopilots, Donaghys, FinScan, GME, Hydrive Engineering, Kinetic Technology, Marine Tech Industries Australia, Marine Tuft, Marine Protection Systems, Muirs, MultiPanel, Outback Marine, Palm Unbreakable Drinkware, Polyflex Group, PowerDive, Ronstan International, Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, Stormy Seas, SOS Marine, Marina Industries Association of Australia, Release & Retrieve Boatlatch Pty Ltd, Superior Jetties, Superyacht Australia, Tide Tech, TMQ International, Vuplex and VEEM Propellers.

All companies reported a positive outcome from the show despite visitor numbers appearing lower than previous years but this appears to be the norm in the current economic environment. All exhibitors felt a key value is in the networking that takes place as this show as it is where all the key players in the industry gather to do business. The saying “if you do no other show do METS” is heard over and over again.

The Ronstan crew

The Ronstan crew

As Alistair Murray MD Ronstan stated, “if you are serious about exporting you have to be here”. Alistair Murray who is also Chairman of AIMEX  was MC for the Australian Outback party which was hosted by the Victoria and Queensland governments. The Honourable Andre Haermeyer, Commissioner to Europe, State Government of Victoria addressed the function promoting the key strengths of Australian businesses being innovation, quality and a can do attitude. He said “ in the current global market many players are looking to do business with Australian companies given the resilience of the Australian marine sector and the current Australian economy which has weathered the GFC extremely well”   This certainly was evident during the show as a number of boatbuilders advised they were looking to source more equipment from Australia due to the stability, resilience and innovation being seen in the Australian market.

Alistair advised that networking is essential to drive business sales and increase your contact base and for this reason the function at METS was an important part of the programme for the Australian exporters.

Dometic Marine’s annual Sales and Service Awards at METS 2011

November 17, 2011

Dometic Marine, the world’s leading supplier of marine air conditioning and sanitation systems and equipment has presented the winners of the Dometic International Marine Excellence (DIME) Awards for distributors and dealers.

Winners from Holland and Germany

Winners from Holland and Germany

Winners from Spain, Italy and France

Winners from Spain, Italy and France

Given annually in recognition and appreciation of sales performance and customer service, the awards were presented by Ned Trigg, Senior Vice President, Global Marine Sales at a gathering of dealers and distributors during METS. The awards are based on sales of the company’s brands, which include Condaria, Cruisair®, Marine Air, SeaLand®, and WAECO as well as the company’s own Dometic brand.

Winners from Canada, Brazil and Argentina

Winners from Canada, Brazil and Argentina

Winners from the UK

Winners from the UK

On announcing the awards, Ned Trigg said, “This year’s DIME awards recognise the provision of locally-focused support to our global customer base which is fundamental in continuing to satisfy the needs of the market. I would like to congratulate all our distributors and dealers who have provided exceptional customer service and out-performed expectations this year with high sales. Thanks for your on-going support and all the best for your continued success in 2012.”

Winners from Asia Pacific region

Winners from Asia Pacific region

Winners from Turkey

Winners from Turkey

There are four categories in the 2011 Awards – Sales Platinum, Sales Gold, Sales Silver and a Service Award. This year a total of four Sales Platinum, eight Sales Gold and 25 Silver Sales Awards were presented and three companies were recognised with a Service Award.

Winners from U.A.E., Russia and Greece

Winners from U.A.E., Russia and Greece

DOMETIC CORPORATION MARINE AWARDS 2011

Details of the Awards by Country:

Australia
Seabreeze Industries, Sales Platinum Award
SEAIRLAND SYSTEMS, Sales Gold Award

Brazil
Marine Express, Sales Gold Award
Lestada Comercoi Ltd., Sales Silver Award

Canada
Northland Supply Company, Sales Silver Award
Western Marine Company, Sales Silver Award

China
FMT Global Resources PTE Ltd., Sales Gold Award
S & D Oilfields Supply & Safety., Sales Gold Award

France
Big Ship., Sales Silver Award
Coolmarine., Sales Silver Award
Kent Marine., Sales Silver Award

Germany
A.W. Niemeyer., Sales Gold Award

Greece
Aegean Diesel Electric Ltd., Sales Silver Award

Holland
Heinen & Hopman Eng. BV, Sales Platinum Award
Lankhorst Taselaar, Sales Gold Award
Technautic, Sales Silver Award

Italy
Osculati SPA., Sales Silver Award
Powerline SRL., Sales Silver Award
Ecosan SRL., Service Award
Francesconi Manrico SRL., Service Award

Japan
Gunji Coorporation, Sales Silver Award
Tominaga & Co., Ltd., Sales Silver Award

New Zealand
Whiting Power Systems, Sales Silver Awards
Lighthouse Marine, Service Award

Russia
STANDARTE., Sales Silver Award

Singapore
Tripower Corporation, Sales Platinum Award

Spain
Acastimar, Sales Silver Award

Taiwan
Ing Hai Co., Ltd., Sales Gold Award
Mercury Marine Supply Company, Sales Platinum Award

Tortola
Parts & Power, Sales Silver Award

Turkey
Arti Marin., Sales Gold Award
Denizmar, Sales Silver Award
Eltesan, Sales Silver Award
Marina Deniz Araclari TIC., Sales Silver Award

U.A.E
Mantech Generators & Engines Industry, Sales Silver Award

UK
Lee Sanitation Ltd., Sales Silver Award
Aquafax, Sales Silver Award
Arleigh International, Sales Silver Award
Nauticool, Sales Silver Award

Details by Award Category:

Sales Platinum Award (4)
• Heinen & Hopman ENG. BV Holland
• Mercury Marine Supply Company Taiwan
• Tripower Corporation Singapore
• Seabreeze Industries Australia

Sales Gold Award (8)
• Lankhorst Taselaar Holland
• A.W. Niemeyer Germany
• ARTI MARIN Turkey
• Marine Express Brazil
• Ing Hai Co. Ltd Taiwan
• FMT Global Resources PTE LTD China
• S & D Oilfield Supplies & Safety China
• SEAIRLAND SYSTEMS Australia

Sales Silver Award (25)
• Technautic Holland
• Denizmar Turkey
• Eltesan Turkey
• Marina Deniz Araclari TIC Turkey
• Aquafax UK
• Arleigh International UK
• Lee Sanitation Ltd UK
• Nauticool UK
• Parts & Power Tortola, BVI
• Northland Supply Company Canada
• Western Marine Company Canada
• Lestada Comercoi LDT Brazil
• Trimer S.A. Argentina
• Acastimar Spain
• Osculati SPA Italy
• Powerline SRL Italy
• Big Ship France
• Coolmarine France
• Kent Marine France
• Mantech Generators &Engines Industry U.A.E
• STANDARTE Russia
• Aegean Diesel Electric Ltd Greece
• Whiting Power Systems New Zealand
• Gunji Corporation Japan
• Tominaga & Co. Ltd Japan

Service Award (3)
• Ecosan SRL Italy
• Francesconi Manrico SRL Italy
• LIGHTHOUSE MARINE New Zealand

Global Superyacht Forum 2011

November 15, 2011

The 17th annual Global Superyacht Forum, November 14-16, is in full swing, with over 400 industry players met all together in Amsterdam immersed in debate, discussion and networking. This year, the theme is ‘change´so, the conference structure has been refitted in the most effective way possible to benefit its delegates.

GSF-2011

The Global Superyacht Forum is, once again, providing three days of intense industry discussion coupled with unrivalled networking opportunities, all focused on discussing the ways in which we can change our industry and grow the business for the future. Figureheads due to take to the stage are well informed and ready to challenge the issues that need to change.

Global Superyacht Forum - three days of intensive discussion

Global Superyacht Forum - three days of intensive discussion

Experienced individuals such as Mr Guido Krass – Investor and Owner, Hanseatic Marine and Mr Sietse Koopmans – Investor and Owner, who is on a week’s break back in Holland during his world tour on board motor yacht Zeepaard, will deliver their views and perspectives on the market and ownership. Industry luminaries such as Hein Velema – CEO, Fraser Yachts, Henk de Vries – CEO, Koninklijke De Vries Scheepsbouw, Dr Mohammed Al Barwani – Chairman, Oceanco Shipyards, are amongst a broad cross section of business leaders, technical experts and consultants that will all make their unique contribution to the most powerful conference in the large yacht industry.

Martin Redmayne, Chairman of The Superyacht Group said, “GSF will give everyone in attendance the opportunity to have their say on what needs to change and how we can build a bigger, better and more sustainable superyacht industry.”

Georgina Lucey, Events Director at Superyacht Events said, “For the 17th year running GSF will provide the unique opportunity to spend valuable time with the leading builders, brokers, managers, lawyers, owner representatives and build captains who are actively involved in some of the major new projects currently under discussion or at contract stage. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to stay ahead and informed of what is really happening in the market.”

New Manson Boss Anchor at METS 2011

November 15, 2011

At the opening of METS 2011 at the Amsterdam RAI today, Manson Anchors has presented its new Boss Anchor, the New Zealand-based company’s most technically-advanced, safest anchor ever.

Manson logo

“An anchor is first and foremost a safety item. When a customer puts their family’s life and their yachts value in your hands, you treat that trust with the utmost responsibility. There are no shortcuts or cheaper alternatives when lives are at risk. Our new Boss anchor is the culmination of Manson’s 39 years of manufacturing anchors with integrity, to the highest possible standards,” said Manson CEO Steve Mair.

The new Manson Boss boasts an average of 20-25% more holding power than the Manson Supreme in most seabeds. As with all Manson anchors, the Boss is manufactured at Manson’s purpose built facility in Henderson, New Zealand by Lloyd’s Register approved welders and using approved mill steel.

The Boss is packed with features and patented technology.

The shank, made from high tensile, Lloyd’s Register-approved (minimum 800mpa) steel, features the new, patented shackle Preventa™ and has been FEA optimized for strength. This puts weight in the right places with savings made in non-essential areas. The weight savings are transferred into the fluke to ensure even more holding power.

The unique FEA designed hole in shank for weight savings also doubles as a retrieval hole for attaching a second anchor to operate in tandem or buoyed retrieval line. Shank clearance has been streamlined for access into tight pulpits on motoryachts.

Roller flaps have been specifically designed to make the anchor roll and adopt the correct setting attitude immediately upon connection with the sea floor.
A double-reinforced nose is twice the thickness and geometrically designed to give the strongest, tip welded for higher MPA. Like a wear edge on a digger bucket, this reinforced area lasts twice as long as other anchor edges and is weld hardened for long life.

The new Manson Boss and other Manson anchors are on display at stand 02.222 at METS 2011.

ACG’s Prepregs for Holland Composites’ A-Class Advanced Racing Catamaran Yachts

November 10, 2011

Customised MTM®57 carbon prepreg materials from Advanced Composites Group Ltd (ACG), a member of Umeco Composites Structural Materials (UCSM), a division of Umeco plc, are being delivered to Holland Composites to create the lightweight, ultra-thin laminate hulls and various structural parts on its A-Class Advanced Racing Catamaran Yachts.

ACG Logo Blue

ACG MTM®57 Series resins are toughened, 80 to 120°C curing, epoxy matrices offering flexible processing and a wide range of handling characteristics. MTM®57 Series resins can be supplied on a variety of reinforcements and are available in ACG’s standard prepreg and ZPREG® partially impregnated formats.

ACG’s out-of-autoclave processable MTM®57 carbon prepregs and Holland Composites’ unique structural assembly techniques have combined to produce a boat that has an ultra-lightweight, honeycomb cored hull which is stiffer, stronger and more durable than previous builds. The curved carbon prepreg daggerboards and beams on these competition catamarans offer improved stiffness and reduced drag, both leading to a significant improvement in overall performance.

Pieter-Jan Dwarhuis, founder of Holland Composites, a Round Texel Race winner on two occasions, an experienced A-Class sailor, and an established composites manufacturer, said: “We needed to satisfy the demands of our highly competitive customers, and had already identified ACG as a prime candidate for materials because of the company’s international reputation in the marine industry, and outstanding ability to offer tailored solutions that satisfy its clients’ needs.”

Continuing, Pieter-Jan Dwarhuis said: “ACG was extremely flexible in its approach to providing customised prepregs to suit our particular requirements. We worked in partnership to tailor MTM®57 carbon unidirectional and fabric prepregs in application specific resin weights to provide the optimum level of performance for the parts on our A-Class Advanced Racing Catamarans.”

PieterJan Dwarhuis of Holland Composites approached ACG with this interesting marine volume production project. He was looking for a higher level of accuracy on resin content and fibre weight tolerances for the ultra-lightweight honeycomb hulls.

Tom Bernstein from ACG said: “It is always a pleasure to work with knowledgeable customers, especially those who push boat design and production methods to the next level; the Holland Composites Team excels at thinking beyond the scope of current marine prepreg application techniques and assembly.”

The DNA, the new Dutch A-Class by Advanced Racing Catamaran Yachts made his debut at Easter 2011 during the Vele di Pasqua. These catamaran yachts, which are enormously popular with amateur sailors, have attracted professional sailors from other classes, such as the America’s Cup and the F18. Various America’s Cup teams use DNA catamaran yachts for training purposes and several syndicates have actually bought their own DNA’s. Recent successes include a first and a third position in the Worlds 2011, a first position in the New Zealand Nationals 2011 and a first position in the Australian Nationals 2011.

ACG’s marine prepregs can found on Stand 11.632 at METS (Marine Equipment Trade Show) in Amsterdam between the 15th and 17th November.

WhisperPower products at METS 2011

November 10, 2011

At METS 2011 WhisperPower will show why the Dutch company has such a strong reputation as a supplier of total solutions in the field of (hybrid) power technologies. Four new power systems will be presented, varying from a small solution for yachts longer than eight metres to sophisticated systems for yachts up to 25 metres with a wide range of power consumers onboard. Moreover, following years of development, WhisperPower will introduce its first complete hybrid propulsion system for yachts from 20 to 40 metres, which includes the new super compact 50 kW Genverter.

WhisperPower genverter system

WhisperPower genverter system

METS will be the launch pad for the new Orange Label products for recreational applications, including battery chargers and chargers/inverters. These products are small, lightweight, and easy to operate and install at an affordable price.

Four new power systems introduced at METS (stand nr. 9.521):

The Basic Comfort system is the smallest system. It consists of a 3.5 kW Whisper Power Centre sine wave inverter/battery charger, a remote control panel with energy monitor, shore connection with isolation transformer (optional) and a set of long-life GEL power batteries.

The Advanced System consists of the GENVERTER 7 i, a variable speed generator that supplies 24 V to the onboard batteries and/or 230 VAC power via the WPC (Whisper Power Centre) inverter/battery charger, Power System Control Panel with built-in battery monitor and a set of GEL batteries. It can feed the complete DC and AC board system. Total 230 VAC power rating  is 7 kW, sufficient for electric cooking, air conditioning, a washing machine or dishwasher and other 230 V devices. ‘Silent power’ is supplied by the highly reliable and efficient sine wave inverter (3.5 kW) that can also serve as a booster in case of limited shore power availability. The three-stage battery charger supplies a charge current up to 90 A. The system enables complete plug & play installation, with the application of variable speed permanent magnet technology providing considerable savings in fuel consumption. Also available for 12 VDC and 48 VDC batteries.

The Admiral System was developed for yachts and small professional vessels longer than 12 metres. Its total capacity is 9.5 kW with sufficient peak power to start inductive loads. It is based on the super silent WhisperPower SQ 6, 1500 rpm generator, of which the AC output is connected directly to the WhisperPower Centre. Additionally, the Whisper Power Centre has a shore connection, with the option of an isolation transformer. The Power System Control Panel (PSCP) controls both the Whisper generator and the 3.5 kW Whisper Power Centre inverter/battery charger. A shortage of shore power can be compensated by the Whisper Power Centre via the batteries. The system is equipped with WhisperPower High Density deep cycle AGM batteries for 700 full cycles.

The Royal System offers the perfect solution for yachts and professional vessels longer than 16 metres. It is based on the WhisperPower SQ 12 (12 kW) basic generator, linked to two parallel connected Whisper Power Centres of 3.5 kW. The total system capacity is nearly 20 kW, while the ‘Silent power’ is 7 kW and the charge capacity 180 A. The system can also be three-staged (3×400 VAC) with three Power Centres. Royal Systems are supplied with 2- VOLT GEL power traction batteries.

Hybrid systems go live

The hybrid systems for vessels from 20 to 40 metres, the subject of extensive R&D at WhisperPower since 2009, are now market ready. At METS the company will exhibit a complete system consisting of a 450 hp propulsion engine including an integrated permanent magnet flywheel generator with a 50 kW capacity that also serves as electric propulsion when sailing ‘silently’ on the battery.

Another WhisperPower premiere is the GENVERTER 50 kW: A highly compact and lightweight hybrid generator system (1.2m x 86cm x 86cm; weight approximately 400kg), which consists of a powerful turbo diesel and a permanent magnet generator. The system is based on a so-called Hi DC bus system with Li-Ion long-life batteries that supply power for electric sailing and onboard loads. A DC/AC inverter takes care of the three phase onboard power system with capacities from 30 to 100 kW. The GENVERTER 50 kW is Lloyds certified, as is the entire hybrid system.

The new label for recreational sailing

WhisperPower is also launching a new concept with its ORANGE label, given to equipment developed specifically for recreational applications: Small, lightweight, easy to operate and at an affordable price. The new label includes, among other things, a new range of switch mode battery chargers, the HANDY range. These fully automatic five-stage chargers can be applied universally as chargers for GEL, AGM or open-lead acid l batteries. Available models range from 7 Ampere to 50 Ampere for 12 VDC.

WhisperPower is also presenting two sine wave inverter/battery chargers under the ORANGE label with the following capacities: 12 V / 2000 W/ 80 A, 24 V/ 3000 W/60 A, and 48 V/4000 W, 40 A.

Introducing WP Logic

A global premier is the partnership between WhisperPower and E-T-A, a market leader in the field of electrical components for vehicles, vessels and the industry. This German company has developed a digital power system based on CAN Bus technology for the intelligent distribution of mobile and maritime power systems. WhisperPower is presenting the system to the global market as WP Logic. The digital modules for DC and AC with eight double-pole or 16 single-pole in and outputs will also be presented at METS. The maximum power per I/O is 30 Ampere.

Finally, Whisper Power will also exhibit its standard fixed rpm generators of 1500 and 3000 rpm and the Genverter 4 Basic variable speed model.

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