‘By partnering up with well-known tech start-up c.technology, Torqeedo will digitally revolutionise the maritime industry’ 

Torqeedo, the global leader of electric mobility on water, and c.technology, a cutting-edge SaaS cloud infrastructure provider for powersport vehicles, are proud to announce their new partnership. The two companies are developing smart motors and plan to showcase the intelligent software system at METSTRADE (15-18 November 2023). Bringing cloud technology to electric boating products marks another milestone for Torqeedo on its mission to make boating more sustainable, enjoyable, and easy to use.

Fabian Bez, CEO of Torqeedo, states:

“At Torqeedo, we are always thinking ‘beyond the boat’. That means considering the sustainable boating ecosystem holistically and asking a lot of tough questions. How can we make electric boating even more user-friendly, convenient and fun? How can we best leverage charging capacity in a marina? How can we deliver remote service and system maintenance? How can we use onboard battery capacity to its fullest? How can we help fleet managers understand their customers’ usage patterns and help commercial operations maximise up-time? How can we make sure our service centers can anticipate customer needs and always have the spare parts they need in stock? The answers to these questions, and many more, are all in the data.”

Bez continued:

“The partnership with c.technology is a significant step towards a better customer experience with e-mobility on the water, whether you are a regatta sailor or running a ferry service. By leveraging cloud services, our smart motors will set new standards and further consolidate Torqeedo’s position as a global market leader. With this technology, we will decisively shape the future of the marine industry.” 

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Read More SYC News: Ripple Boats Launch Party At Cannes Yacht Show

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Torqeedo’s industry expertise combined with the technical know-how of c.technology will create an innovative platform that takes electric boating to a new level. Boaters, commercial operations and fleet managers will enjoy a more user-friendly and connected experience through highly informative web-based and mobile applications.

Torqeedo owners can also opt-in to allow Torqeedo and its authorized service centers to collect system information to provide the best service and maintenance experience, and to provide anonymized data to be used in developing the infrastructure and services to support the emission-free future of the marine industry. 

Christian Fehr, CEO of c.technology, says:

“We are thrilled to join forces with Torqeedo to revolutionize mobility on water. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision of creating connected ecosystems for powersport vehicles, and together, we will bring an unprecedented level of intelligence and efficiency to the marine industry.” 

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To mark the official launch of the brand, Ripple Boats will be hosting an invitation-only launch party during the Cannes Yachting Festival this September.

Ripple Boats is a new, long-range electric boat brand promising fun without compromising on usability, experience or the environment. The brand is the brainchild of Norwegian boat builder Frydenbø Marine and startup Pascal Technologies, who have joined forces and are pooling their expertise and resources to launch Ripple Boats.

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The Launch Party At Cannes Yachting Festival

Scheduled to run from 12th – 17th September 2023, the Cannes Yachting Festival is one of the leading in-water yacht shows in Europe. The show attracts around 700 boats each year, which are divided between two iconic marinas; Vieux Port and Port Canto. 

Ripple Boats will be hosting an invitation-only launch party during the show, where guests will have the chance to experience the vibrant and fun Ripple vibes, meet the executive team, be one of the first to see the exclusive designs and have any questions answered first-hand by the founding partners. The launch party will be held in the evening, on Wednesday 13th September (7-9 PM), and will end with drinks overlooking the marina Vieux Port during sunset. 

During the party, the Ripple Boats team will also be announcing their financing plans and upcoming crowdfunding campaign, which will be held on the Norwegian platform Dealflow. The aim is to raise 25-35M NOK (approximately 2-3M EUR). The crowdfunding round is currently open to private investors only and will open to the public on Dealflow mid-September, following the launch event. 

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Read More SYC: Marina Ibiza Use ‘Bio-Box’ To Slash Impact Of Yachting On Marine Environment

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What To Expect From Ripple Boats’ First Model 

Ripple Boats will specialise in the design and production of sustainable, family-friendly boats. Their brand is focused on creating boats that are not only easy to own and operate, but also have a positive impact on the environment. The company’s core values include fun, safety, and carefree enjoyment of the waters.

The first 10m model will be the centre of attention at the launch party in Cannes. The electric day cruiser has been meticulously designed by the award-winning Norwegian design studio, Thorup Design, to offer a range of water-based activities that families and friends can enjoy. 

Spacious and configurable seating arrangements, user-friendly technology (automatic anchor handling, remote monitoring, over-the-air updates), and advanced safety features will ensure that the modern-day boater can relax on the water without worry. 

“Our launch party during the Cannes Yachting Festival is the first opportunity for people to experience our vision for the future of electric boating and better understand how we plan to make the boating experience simple, easy and fun for the whole family.” – Nathaniel Frithiof, CCO Ripple Boats. 

About Ripple Boats 

Launched as a joint venture between Norwegian boat builder Frydenbø Marine and startup Pascal Technologies, Ripple Boats is a company that specializes in the development and production of sustainable, family-friendly boats. Their brand is focused on creating boats that are not only easy to own and operate, but also have a positive impact on the environment. The company’s core values include fun, safety, and carefree enjoyment of the water. 

About Frydenbø Marine 

Frydenbø has extensive experience with boats, engines, and marine products. The group’s Marine division produces and sells the Nordkapp and Sting boats, which are produced at its own factory in Poland. Frydenbø Marine is part of Frydenbø Group, a family-owned group consisting of five subgroups: Marine, Automotive, Real Estate, Industry and NXT. Frydenbø Group has 1000 employees and a turnover in 2022 of NOK 3.9 billion. 

About Pascal Technologies 

Pascal Technologies specializes in energy-efficient technology for marine vessels across various sectors, including leisure, personnel transport, and ferries. Pascal’s proprietary hull technology significantly enhances the efficiency of planing boats, and combined with a battery electric propulsion system the technology enables long-range, zero-emission boats. The company is focused on driving sustainable practices within the marine industry, helping clients reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. 

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Marine industry leaders, EV, and marine media, as well as tech and boating influencers will be attending. Capacity is limited, but spaces remain. Please email: cannes@rippleboats.com to learn more. 

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Charter toys play a quintessential role in making sure that guests are entertained and having fun during their time onboard. It is hardly a Superyacht charter without any toys! Having an impressive arsenal will certainly set one yacht apart from another, so keep reading to learn all about the essential charter toys to have onboard as well as some of the latest trends!

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1. Seabobs

For a sub-aquatic adventure, Seabobs let you glide through water and underwater. To use them, you only need light pressure on the handlebars to steer the Seabob with great agility, slightly shifting your body to change direction. They are a great alternative to traditional snorkelling when you want to manoeuvre that bit faster, and a must-have in any yacht’s toy garage.

Quality model: Reaching speeds of 13.7 mph over water and 12.6 mph underwater, the Seabob F5 SR is the slickest Seabob model. Alongside Porsche engineering, it is equipped with a 7th gear and added tail fins for boosted speed and manoeuvrability. You can also record and share your experience through WiFi with the 2-camera system.

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2. e-Foils

This new flash charter toy allows guests to go surfing even when there are no waves. The electric surfboard is powered by a high energy density Lithium battery installed on the board – which is accelerated by the wire-connected hand remote control. Guests can zoom anywhere on this speedy and lightweight ride.

Quality model: The Awake Vinga 3 is easy to set up and provides a great experience for riders of all levels. With its jet engine, the model offers a ride time of 80 – 120 minutes at speeds around 30 mph. It’s a smooth ride with reduced noise.

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3. Water Slide

A simple but effective installation. Guests can slide from deck to sea in seconds. Water slides offer a quick thrill and guests may spend hours splashing around, taking a break, then getting on it again. They are all-round favourites for a reason.

Quality model: Available in three sizes, the FunAir Hanger Yacht Slide is a lightweight, easy, and fast ride. This inflatable uses ultra-slick vinyl, which is so strong that there is no need for a cover sheet.

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4. Aqua Park

An inflatable sea playground.

Notable model: The Thor by Aquaglide is a diving platform, a slide, and an obstacle course – not to mention great fun. There is also a wide range of other inflatable toys (from climbing walls to floating islands) from the leading inflatables companies that offer an amazing time.

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5. Jet Ski

High-speed lovers are sure to love a jet ski. There is nothing quite like jet skiing with your hair blowing behind you as you ride through the waves. It’s a staple part of charter entertainment, and guests will definitely want a go at it!

Quality model: A multi-person craft, the Kawasaki Ultra 310LX can reach speeds of 67 pmh. It provides a great amount of stability, and is spectacular fun if there’s one person hitching a ride, or three.

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Read more SYC: The Latest In Eco-Conscious Superyacht Toys

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6. Paddle Board

Also known as SUP, paddle boarding is an easy activity to master. Guests can leisurely glide through gorgeous locations (like lagoons, caves, and coves) and explore the surroundings.

Quality model: The versatile Blackfin XL inflatable paddle board is ideal for any level, 35 inches wide. It offers an excellent recreational experience, coupled with a carbon paddle which helps guests to glide smoothly over the water.

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7. Hydrofoil eBike

A fun and quirky alternative to peddling away on the gym bicycle. This eco-friendly and portable water bike helps any guest wanting to work those muscles get in shape while having a look around.

Quality model: A new model, and the first hydrofoil eBike, the Manta5 Hydrofoiler XE-1 imitates the cycling experience on water. This was developed and designed in New Zealand.

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8. Snorkeling Equipment

Classic gear that provides hours of fun without needing to put on a wetsuit or any complicated equipment. Guests are able to entertain themselves by getting up and close with marine life.

Quality model: Aqlaung is a leading name, and has a great snorkeling set – the Vita Snorkeling Set. This lightweight and comfortable gear includes a shatter-resistant mask too.

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9. Scuba Diving Gear

Divers can spend long periods of time underwater without needing to go to the surface which allows them to get a closer look at underwater areas they might not be able to reach otherwise.

Quality model: Ocean Trust provides a definitive guide to the best scuba gear (recommended by an instructor). Notable equipment includes the Apeks MTX-R regulator, the Mares Loop Octopus for an alternative air source, and the Mares X-Vision Ultra Liquidskin mask.

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10. Wakeboard

Wakeboarding is a thrilling ride for guests while getting pulled behind the yacht’s tender. It might take a few tries before they adjust! Once they get the hang of it (if they haven’t done it before), they can go as fast as they like and try out all the tricks they want, skimming across the waves.

Quality model: With superb design, the Ronix One Timebomb offers an explosive ride, added glide speed, and less resistance to your body. It’s light and maneuverable, and is made with carbon fibre.

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Vikal International is a company that is well known for pushing the boundaries with their innovative tender designs. The two original Coral Island tenders, delivered in 1991, launched Vikal into the tender business and changed the trajectory of tender design. Now, the company has come full circle with the restoration of the two tenders that are due to be delivered to their new owner next Spring.

In this article, we explore the transformation of the two vessels, and gain insight into the future of tender designs. We interviewed the Sales director of Vikal, Gunnar Vikingur on the process of restoring the two tenders, the progression (or lack thereof) in tender technology, and how one of Elvis’ previously owned BMWs inspired them to take on this project.

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SYC: We touched on this briefly in the previous article, but to begin can you tell us where this refit project originated from?

Vikal International: The tenders were onboard Coral Island for 12 years. When the Captain offered to sell them to us, we took the opportunity. As we were the builders of these tenders, we had inside knowledge, so to speak. It seemed a ‘no-brainer’ to buy them and prepare for the next owner. A well-built composite tender has an indefinite life expectancy.

Well-built composite yacht tenders will outlive their metal-fabricated motherships. We recognised that the structures of the Coral Island tenders would be in unchanged condition from the time they left our factory. We did not need to examine them to know this. Vinyl-Ester Resin, Carbon, Glass and Kevlar are not affected by water or salt in the way steel and aluminium are.

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SYC: What made the original Coral Island tenders unique within the tender industry?

Vikal International: The Coral Island tenders have a design pedigree that conveys prestige and progressive thinking. Jon Bannenberg instructed us not to use teak decking, as even back in 1992, there was a limited supply and the resource was exploited. He was sensitive to this. The design of the boats was a fusion of the ultra-modern and art-deco, tempered by practical and operational imperatives. They were lightweight fast and manoeuvrable boats with a commanding presence.

I can not tell you how many calls I had on these tenders after they appeared on the scene in Europe. It seemed everyone knew them, even if they found their presence just “too much”, as a yacht owner’s wife once said to me (she later ordered two Vikal Tenders).

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SYC: How long has the Vikal team been working on this project and when do you envision it to be completed?

Vikal: The sports tender is restored back to new condition as you would a valuable classic car. The limousine remains in its original condition. We expect to have it ready for its new owner in nine months (March 2024).

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Read More SYC: Vikal International, Pioneers Of Challenging Tender Designs

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SYC: Are projects such as this common for Vikal?

Vikal: More common now than ever, as awareness grows of what is possible. I like to suggest to clients that if we were capable of building the tender from scratch, then why would we not be able to make the boat new again?

It can take decades for prestigious high-quality boats or cars etc to be seen as worthy of a restoration. Rarity plays a role too.
Refits are common, and poor outcomes are as common. This gives the impression that buying a new replacement tender is better than a complete restoration. The car business provides us with prophetic insights that in time might prove to be of value.

Elvis Presley’s BMW 507 is a good example. It was restored by BMW and now resides at the companies’ museum in Munich. It is a car that spent decades in the wilderness being bought and sold in America by many owners. Its provenance was of no value at first. More to the point, only 240 of the 507 BMW cars were ever made. It was destined to become an important car, with or without Elvis.

Vikal has been delivering high-end tenders to large yachts for 30 years. Maintaining boats has been around for as long as boat building has. If you have a boat or a yacht you will only avoid maintenance for so long. But, restoring yacht tenders to pristine, or better than new condition is a new thing. Like Elvis’s 507, we have had to wait, but we have two restorations of Vikal’s to do this year and into next year. 

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SYC: What major progressions in technology have been made since the original designs and build?

Vikal: Structurally, not a great deal. The paint hasn’t changed much. Seating, leather, glass and teak are all the same as ever. Electronics have advanced as your phone has. Engines or at least some (if one chooses carefully) have significantly improved their power-to-weight ratio. 

All engine manufacturers in our space have resisted using stainless steel. We use 316 stainless for everything, yet our engine suppliers use steel sumps that quickly rust. These are bolted in with rust-prone steel bolts in the bilges where the engines live, everything quickly develops brown drips and stains.

Any new diesel engine in any of our tenders begins to rust within the first months of service. On this front, engine manufacturers have made no progress.

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SYC: Can you give some examples of some of the major aesthetic differences between the original models and the new refitted ones?

Vikal: There are colour changes and teak decks, the original colours were BMW burnt orange, or ‘too much’ as one lady put it. The boats were built for a man in his early thirties. ‘Too much’ is what we delivered, with Jon Bannenberg leading the way, in milder colours, the boats look astonishingly different.

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“We do get unusual requests and we relish this. We specialise in delivering the impossible.”

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SYC: Compared to 30 years ago, when the original two tenders were designed and delivered, how have the wants and needs of Superyacht owners changed? 

Vikal: Yachts are substantially larger and the yacht builders, once small and modest, are now larger, and less modest. It follows that we now build bigger tenders but we like to think we are still modest. Jon Bannenberg ruled the Superyacht waves years ago. Today his apprentices and disciples rule the waves.

The super-rich have multiplied and, in relative terms, their wealth continues to rise. However, it is often not the owners but rather the people around them. We do get unusual requests and we relish this. We specialise in delivering the impossible.

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SYC: Is sustainability a factor in this project? 

Vikal: Restoring a yacht tender and extending its life span is sustainable in a way that building one is not. Tragically, in this business, many sustainability claimants are “post-truth operators”.

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SYC: In terms of the future of tender designs, where do you see the industry going?

Vikal: I see some good designs and some pointless designs. I see desperate designs. I see attention-seeking designs that blur the boundaries. Design that is disingenuous where the owner well knows that operationally the design is unworkable.

You see this now in car design, where the design blurs so far into marketing that it becomes just marketing without substance or design merit.

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To discover more about Vikal International and their designs, visit their website.

For more Tender & Toys articles, click here.

Norwegian boat builder Frydenbø Marine and startup Pascal Technologies have joined forces to launch Ripple Boats, a long-range electric boat brand promising fun without compromising on usability, experience or the environment. 

Sharing a collaborative vision for the future of boating, Frydenbø Marine and Pascal are building a new electric day boat with global ambitions. Together, they are pooling their expertise, resources, and shared passion for the environment to launch Ripple Boats. 

Frydenbø Marine is one of the largest boat producers in the Nordics with their own factory in Poland, covering brands such as Nordkapp, Sting, and Airborne boats, in addition to distribution for Zodiac. The Norwegian boat builder boasts a storied heritage, spanning generations and renowned for its expertise in the marine industry. With Frydenbø’s partnership, Ripple has guaranteed access to high quality manufacturing capacity, and can launch an asset light company at high speed and low investment cost. 

Oslo-based Pascal, on the other hand, is a fast-growing marine tech startup developing an energy-efficient solution for leisure boats based on an air cushion principle. Air is pumped between the hull and water, which significantly reduces the water resistance and thus extends range considerably without the need for complex technology. Pascal Technologies recently raised an impressive €4.6 million (53MNOK) in a funding round led by Ocean Zero LLC. 

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A sustainable brand focused on fun

Ripple Boats exists to make boating sustainable, whilst simultaneously putting fun at the centre of the experience. The brand will design and build the next-generation of long-range electric boats for the recreational market, incorporating the Pascal innovative air cushion technology that extends range without compromising safety or usability. 

The first model will be a 10m electric day cruiser, designed by award winning designer Thorup Design. The boats have been meticulously designed by the Norwegian studio to cater to a wide range of water-based activities that families and friends can enjoy. Spacious and configurable seating arrangements, user-friendly technology (automatic anchor handling, remote monitoring, over-the-air updates), and advanced safety features will ensure that the modern-day boater can relax on the water without worry. The whole ethos of the brand will be about creating a boating experience that is simple, easy and low maintenance. 

Commenting on the launch of Ripple Boats, CEO Stian Gulla said:

“I’m very excited to announce the launch of Ripple! What’s truly unique about us in the startup scene is our ability to combine innovative, range enhancing technology from Pascal with the extensive industry experience and manufacturing assets of Frydenbø, enabling us to quickly bring a unique and high quality electric boat to market. Over the coming years we aim to build a series of models in the 6-11 metre range, with a focus on international sales and not just in our “home market” of Scandinavia.” 

“The leisure boat industry and electrification is at an inflection point. Consumer sentiment is changing, battery costs are coming down and investment in the space is growing rapidly, both from established players and startups. Ripple brings the combination of an innovative and fast-paced startup with the reliability and quality of an experienced boat builder, and I’m thrilled to show what we can build.” 

As the first electric boat brand born from the collaboration of an esteemed boat builder and an innovative startup, Ripple Boats represents the convergence of expertise, innovation, and environmental consciousness. 

For more information on Ripple Boats and their electric boats, please visit: https://www.rippleboats.com/ 

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Cobra Ribs are a UK-based Rib manufacturer and offer a range of customisable Ribs and Yacht Tenders in a variety of sizes. In this article, we take you through their story as the company talk about their approach to craftsmanship and the expertise of their team. Read more to hear all about their foundations, their work ethic, and their exciting new business developments.

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When Was Cobra Ribs Founded?

Cobra Ribs was founded in 1988, starting off from very humble beginnings. That being said, the extraordinary craftsmanship, quality and attention to detail at the heart of the company, quickly afforded Cobra Ribs its reputation for build quality and sea-keeping. This put us at the forefront of the UK Rib market.

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Spotting Potential In The Market

Keen to remain at the top of our game, Cobra was unique in building not only commercially based Ribs but also for being one of the first manufacturers to see potential in the leisure market. This enthusiasm quickly led to the introduction of the first Nautique leisure boat range.

Partnered with the increasing high demand from leisure boat enthusiasts, the business increased in popularity. In 2000, Cobra launched generation two of the Nautique range. This kept our steadfast product firmly in the limelight and helped us remain at the forefront of the market.

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Work Ethic & Expansion

We have always felt that success within the business, which is evident in the design, build quality, and outstanding craftsmanship, is due to the hard work and dedication of the exceptional engineers within the company. We strive off expertise within the business and frequently share ideas, tweak designs, and use all of our resources to create constant solutions. This way, Cobra can create Ribs designed purely with the customer in mind.

This passion and development within the company helped lead to generation three and four of the Nautique range and furthermore, the introduction of the now world-renowned ‘deep V’ hulled Nautique powerboat range. This unique Cobra design, the first of its kind, and provides boats with increased performance and edge in rough seas.

Cobra’s ever-expanding reputation within the Rib market, and being known for selling the ‘ultimate family adventure Rib’, naturally prompted heads to turn in Europe and further afield.  In 2014, we made our first leap over to the Balearics where we partnered with Marine Power Menorca. Since then, we are proud to have partnered with dealers based in Ireland, France, Greece, Turkey, Australia, and the USA.

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“Success within the business is due to the hard work and dedication of the exceptional engineers within the company.”

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Evolution & outreach

With the success of Cobra Ribs in the leisure market, 2017 saw a launch into a new market for the brand. With our Patronus range, we launched into the Superyacht Tender market and quickly had orders in for a 6.2m Solas, 6.2m Beach Lander and a 7.2m Guest tender. Bespoke, custom tenders, designed specifically for each project. Cobra Ribs have seen rapid growth in this market, and now offer a wide variety of tenders, including; Beach Lander, SOLAS, Luxury Guest Tender and Chase Tender. This expansion meant that we outgrew our workshop at the start of 2022. We then opened a further two units permitting us to have an in house GRP unit, tubing workshop, and customer experience suite – a truly British built product in every department.

The evolution of Cobra Ribs has spanned more than 30 years and we remain the sole designer and manufacturer of the now highly respected Cobra Ribs products. We are proud of our British heritage and all that we have achieved in the UK. However, in the latter stages of 2022, we felt it was the right time to broaden our horizons within the USA by offering a flexible and alternative approach to leisure boating in America. We made our first appearance at the International Miami Boat Show 2023 with an 8.7m and a 9.7m Cobra Nautique. Accompanying us on our display were our new partners, Blackbeard Marine. Despite this being a very recent change, we are already seeing development and growth within our brand. We sold two boats within the first four months of our launch.

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Pride In British heritage

Technology and innovation being at the forefront of our designs, requires us to be one step ahead. This is why we are currently perfecting a new, larger model, the Navis range which we are hoping to launch late 2023/early 2024. Our intention is to offer a larger model and bring something completely unseen into the powerboat market. We currently have an 11.85m Navis chase tender in production and are excited to share more.

From humble beginnings to leaders in a variety of sectors, Cobra Ribs continues to fly the flag for British built quality, design and innovation.

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To learn more about Cobra RIBS and their range of products, visit their website.

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Having worked in the Superyacht industry for over 20 years, the designs of Elite Yacht Covers (EYC) incorporate a great deal of thought, innovation and experience. A unique feature of Elite Yacht Covers is their ability to work with both traditional methods of hand templating, or pattern-making, and digitally with CAD software.

As a result, they are a ‘One-Stop Shop’ for making Superyacht covers, offering the most intricate designs. As one of the few companies that design and construct Tensile Awnings for yachts, EYC is one of the select few cover makers who are capable of doing so.

Aside from creating bespoke covers for Motor and Sailing Yachts, EYC also create covers for Superyacht Tenders, an equally as important aspect of any vessel. In this article, EYC’s Sales Director Paul Gray answers some burning questions from an ex-captain and current Superyacht Tender broker, on the ins and outs of creating and maintaining Tender covers. Read on to discover how to choose the correct cover for your vessel’s Tender, how to prevent damage, and more…

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Would a cover outlast the tender before replacement, or is there a recommendation for how often you should get the covers replaced?

“A good fitting cover will keep the tender clear from scuffs and scratches, whilst on deck. The cover will improve the longevity and pristine look of a tender, due to marine grade fabrics’ ability to block harmful UV rays from attacking anything that is ‘undercover’. It’s important to note, that as a general rule, marine grade fabrics will block UV for around 10 years (this very much depends on the UV strength around the globe). After this time the UV inhibitors will fade away and the cover will still function, as in keeping the item clean and dry.”

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How long does it take Elite Yacht Covers to produce and deliver a bespoke tender cover?

“Most of our yachts have an annual replacement itinerary and as such, we can forecast projects early on in the season.”

“With regards to damage replacement, we always expedite these for the yacht. Once costs are agreed, and if we do not already have the digital data or pattern template, we jump on the first convenient flight and spend the day template making or digitising, depending on the scope of work.”

“Once back to the loft, the CAD design usually takes a few long days before the cut files are sent for laser cutting, these are back with us, on average 7 days later, sometimes as little as 2 days later, ready for the manufacturing and shipping. I would generally expect to turn around an unplanned cover in 2 weeks from receipt of deposit, to being ready for shipping.”

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More SYC: Vikal International, Pioneers Of Challenging Tender Designs

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What are the best types of covers for different styles of tender?

For example, is a full cover underneath the tender good for a tender that is stored on the vessel’s deck,  and what type of covers do you put on a tender that is stored inside (if any)?

“Great question! Yes indeed, we use an array of fabrics and carefully choose the best fabric for the job. Stamoid top is the Superyacht ‘go-to’ fabric, because of its wipe clean surface and great UV rating. However Serge Ferrari (manufacturer) has a variety of fabrics in their range. We recently made a figure hugging 58 foot tender cover for a Mega Yacht in Stamoid ‘Heavy’ due to the colossal wind loads on the bow of the Explorer yacht. For another yacht, with less crew to fit the cover, we used Stamoid ‘top’ for lightness and then used a skeleton of Dyneema ‘cables’ to provide a solid structure framework.

“For yachts such as Sailing Yacht A, they require covers that have an almost ‘self-cleaning’ surface and breathability and we use Stamoid ‘Smart’ which has a silicone outer surface. This material is the most expensive fabric that we use and it’s not without its limitations too. Because of its make up, when it is sewn with Tenara (PTFE 15-year warranty thread) it shows slight crinkling through the zig zag stitching.” (See Below)

In terms of cleaning the Stamoid range of fabrics, we urge the use of Serge Ferrari ‘Cleaner 500’.

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How do you stop a cover from damaging the tender if the material on the inside is sometimes too abrasive?

It often occurred that crew noticed slight damage on a tender due to the inside material of the cover being too abrasive. Can you elaborate on why the materials EYC use mean this won’t occur?

“The key is to have a tailor-made cover, that does not allow for any movement in the canvas work. This does mean that the cover will require additional fitting time, and the crew should be prepared for this. We also use a lot of WeatherMax SG (surface guard). This has a flannel-like backing, that does not scuff of flatten polished surfaces or brightwork. WeatherMax is a breathable polyester, and is harder to keep clean, as such we always recommend purchasing the correct Ultramar cleaning kit when ordering.

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You stated that you ‘jump on a flight’! How does being based in the UK effect your ability to service the Superyacht Fleet?

We have always worked by referral, between Captains, Officers and crew, such that our location in the UK isn’t really an issue. We also have a great collaboration with Loft Customs, who are based in Palma and we work well together to share production capacity to provide the very best product and to the best timeline.

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Contact Information: Elite Yacht Covers

Email: enquiries@eliteyachtcovers.com

Telephone: +44 (0) 1206413494

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elitesuperyachtcovers

Facebook: www.facebook.com/eliteyachtcovers

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elite-superyacht-covers/

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Elite Yacht Covers should be your go-to bespoke cover specialists.

Website: https://www.eliteyachtcovers.com

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Imagine this: the owner of the yacht has requested a new custom tender, and has asked you, a crew member, to come up with some ideas. Now imagine designing and building it. As crew, we understand that the owners we work for are some of the world’s most accomplished and discerning people – understanding their requests and preferences is perhaps one of the most challenging aspects of the job. As an extension of the mothership, yacht ownership is incomplete without a tender, the pressure to attain the right one can be challenging. Vikal International have created a legacy around delivering products that some deem too challenging to approach, all while respecting a client’s needs and wants and honouring their own values as a company.

Gunnar Vikingur, Managing Director of Vikal International, has spent 30 years working with the owners of some of the world’s largest Superyachts. He has delivered more tenders to large yachts than any other bespoke tender builder in the world. In his own words: “Owners of Superyachts, against all odds, often achieve what appeared to be impossible and are not afraid to make requests for the same“.

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Nordic Heritage

Vikal International is, and has always been, a family focused company. The family’s boatbuilding skills stem from Vikingur’s father, who worked as a boatbuilder in Icelandic shipyards, before moving a 15-year-old Gunnar to Australia in 1969. Following in his father’s footsteps, Vikingur cut his teeth during a 5-year boatbuilding apprenticeship in Australia. Fast-forward to 1976 when Vikingur began independent operations as a sole trader and contractor, working on new boat constructions and repairs. In 1982, the family company was formed. Vikingur’s son Lynden, also a trained boatbuilder, joined the company in 2013, after gaining a double university degree from the university of Western Australia in Science and Economics.

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Coral Island

Vikingur’s relationship with the innovative yacht designer Jon Bannenberg brought about another opportunity in 1991, when he asked Vikal International to build two tenders for Lürssen’s 73m Coral Island (now Coral Ocean), often deemed as one of the most groundbreaking vessels in the industry at the time of build. Bannenberg’s daring Superyacht designs had a major impact on the European market and Vikal’s execution of the two original tenders is what Vikingur believes launched the company into success:

“The delivery of the two Coral Island tenders launched Vikal into the tender business, while re-setting the bar for European builders. Painted in a BMW burnt metallic orange with leather finishes and a Budnik steering wheel, these were wild looking boats. They were not for the faint hearted or conservative yacht owner.”

Often inspired by the world of motoring, many design aspects of the two tenders were taken from cars, such as the laminated glass windscreen on the Limosuine, borrowed from a 1959, 62 series Cadillac Convertible, and the screen wiper washers taken from a 911 Porsche. Bannenberg also gifted Vikal with a brochure of the McLaren F1 to insight inspiration for the builds, subsequently the transom view of the Limosuine tender has many similarities with the vehicle. The tender also features a central driving position and split rear window which were designed to echo the McLaren F1.

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Company Values

“We deliver an honest product, we innovate.”

Vikingur describes the company’s core values as: “Taking responsibility. Be that for quality, innovation, meeting deadlines or for warrantee. Vikal does not hide behind the small print. We deliver an honest product, we innovate”. This level of quality and innovation has been repeatedly recognised by customers such as Lürssen – Vikal have built tenders for many Lürssen builds, such as Pelorus, Octopus, Al Salamah, Dilbar, Darius, Oasis, Radiant and Topaz. Vikingur states that forming a longstanding relationships with customers is of the utmost importance, stating that: “The customer that you have is much more valuable than the one you want. It makes sense to do everything you can for the customer that you have been with for the longest”.

Not only do Vikal have impressive longevity in the relationships they have with their clients, it is also important to Vikingur to maintain stability with Vikal’s employees: “It is important for our employees to know we are stayers. We value our employees like we value our clients. Clients also value stability”. It is clear that loyalty and consistency is key to Vikal’s success, building a team of dedicated experts is often crucial to the operation of any good business, and being a multi-generational operation is clearly another area of pride for Vikingur:

“Vikal is a mature company because it is multi-generational. We take the responsibility that comes with being an employer seriously. Our employees are as critical to Vikal as is the customer. We have some multi-generational employees. This is what makes up the quality story that Vikal is. Today we have 15 people in the company who have been in our employment from 12 years up to 35 years. The corporate memory that these people contain can’t be bottled.”

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Continuing Innovations

Conjuring up what Lynden has previously described as ‘oddball tender solutions’ is clearly the name of the game for Vikal. In 2016, Vikal delivered another world-first with the 11.25m ‘Convertible’ tender for the 147m Topaz, merely one example of the company’s track record for taking on challenging owner requests and subsequently, delivering the goods. Continuing to innovate is integral to the success of the company and offering solutions that are hard to provide are what the company strives for, Lynden explains: “the best innovations come from a tricky question”.

Like many in the industry, Vikal have made strides to find more sustainable solutions when it comes to yacht propulsion, and have designed a hybrid propulsion system for their tenders. With a new generation of yacht owner comes perhaps more of a concern for sustainability than before. Vikal are fully capable of moving with the times and have even come up with a solution to re-fit their existing builds with a diesel/electric system without compromising the design.

Refitting older models is not something the company does often, but one of their most recent projects has brought them full circle with the refit of the two original 7.5m Coral Island tenders. The tenders are to be fully transformed with a new lightweight construction and the most state of the art materials that will appeal to the preferences and tastes of modern Superyacht owners. The tenders will be indistinguishable from new whilst maintaining the style of the original tenders, for this reason build time is seriously reduced. The Sports tender is almost complete, and the Limo tender has an estimated 6-7 month build time. Due to the relationship Vikal has with Superyacht Tenders, they have been entrusted with the exclusive sale of the two models.

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To learn more about Vikal International, visit their website.

To learn more about Superyacht Tenders and for more information on the refit and sale of the original Coral Island tenders, click here.

For more Tender And Toys articles, click here.

Surf sports are becoming more relevant to the superyacht industry. As more charter guests and owners get into water sports, the industry needs more instructors, more frameworks and more solutions. To ensure an optimal learning experience, safety and exceptional service, we need to raise the bar and implement standards that match those of the yachting industry. Luxkite does that, for kitesurfing. 

Focusing on large private yachts and charters, this company paves the way to a  worldwide accessible onboard kitesurfing experience – by offering stress-free  solutions for charter brokers, managers and crew they blend in with the flow of the industry. 

To see what opportunities their approach might bring to you and what problems it will solve, keep reading below…

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1. For Crew – Getting prepared to host kitesurfers

Kitesurfing is a complex sport, it involves checking the spot, the wind and weather conditions, setting up the suitable kites, launching and landing from the boat,  giving the right instructions and assisting the client with a tender throughout their session. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. It can be dangerous to host kite-surfers without the extra knowledge, even when they are experienced. So what to do when your next guest is a kite-surfer? 

Luxkite have developed a crew training program in which their team will give you a look behind the scenes. Non-kiting crew members will learn the basic theories behind the sport  and the dos and don’ts of assisting a kiter. Kiting crew members are introduced to an optimal teaching process to maximise their client’s progress. If time allows, crew members get the chance to learn kitesurfing from the start. The goal is to  strengthen the crew’s competence and confidence, getting them prepared to host kiters on their next trip.

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2. For Brokers – A kitesurfing solutions that fits every boat

The boat choice for charter trips is always dependent on the charter guests’ requirements and preferences. When it comes to more specific requests like kitesurfing, the possible selection of yachts narrows down quite drastically. Not all yachts are properly equipped, nor can they offer a safe setting for teaching  beginners. As a result, brokers have to compromise and can’t offer the boat they want. Something is missing there. A trustworthy kitesurfing solution that fits every boat, is easy to implement and can satisfy clients.  

That’s what Luxkite is offering with their ‘Charter Trip Assistance’ (CTA). This service covers everything needed, from the right gear to highly trained instructors with the right amount of yachting knowledge. Their team tailors solutions to assist charter trips, either onboard the yacht itself or from nearby accommodations. The instructors integrate with the crew and dedicate their time onboard to training  clients and guests. Providing an unforgettable kitesurfing experience, that will last way beyond the client’s charter vacation, is their goal.  

A ‘Charter Trip Assistance’ can not just help brokers to broaden their boat selection, but also inspire them to reach a new clientele by offering pre-planned kite itineraries to their prospects.  

Attracting new clientele is something managers have to take into account as well…

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Read More: How Seahub’s Engineering Grant Can Elevate A Yacht Engineer’s Career

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3. For Managers – Smart marketing without the extra work

Reaching a wide clientele and maximising bookings for their fleet is a charter manager’s objective. With the correct positioning and a smart marketing strategy, they drive revenue to the boat and make sure the owner is happy. From the perspective of an ever-changing market, this isn’t always easy. As the client’s  behaviour changes, so do the offerings.  

By joining the Luxkite ‘Yacht Assistance Program’ (YAP) managers can now link their yachts with the Luxkite service. They can market their boats with a full-service kite school onboard, without having to equip the vessel or hire an additional crew. The program takes care of all that, having the resources ready to jump on board and teach charter clients and their guests whenever there is a need. Besides that, the Assistance Program comes with a plethora of additional solutions for the vessel itself. Those can be discounted gear or gear subscriptions, premium availability, long-term instructors and the crew training.

As the Yacht Assistance Program integrates with the yacht, there are no extra costs for the charter clients. This makes it particularly easy to attract brokers and get them excited to start booking the low seasons.

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Conclusion – The Start Of A New Era? 

All in all, this company brings something to the market that has never been there before. By raising the standards in kiting and offering solutions exclusively for the yachting industry, they are bringing together two very different worlds. Their approach already got them recognised by major companies. Seems like the doors to kitesurfing onboard superyachts are finally open.  

Time to get on the water! 

Contact them via contact@luxkite.com to learn more about their services.

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What is a yacht charter without yacht toys? Having the right water toy setup is crucial to creating unforgettable experiences for guests, whether they desire to float peacefully around nearby coves on a Stand Up Paddleboard, or prefer to rip past the local beach club on a jet ski, there is a toy for every type of guest. With more need than ever to consider our carbon footprint, perhaps it’s time to consider the type of materials we are introducing to the water via yacht toys. Thankfully there are some incredible innovations hitting the eco yacht toy market that not only reduce carbon emissions but also look amazing and most importantly don’t compromise on fun!

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SeaBob F5 SR

A long-time leader in yacht toy technology, SeaBobs are a must-have in any yacht’s garage of toys. The F5 SR model is the most powerful watercraft in their F5 series and is also emission-free. The F5 series works based on the patented ‘E-Jet Power System’, meaning that water is sucked in by a rotating impeller and then forced back out under high pressure. This technology means the toy requires little energy to operate and thanks to electro-technology, it is environmentally friendly with low operating costs.

Williams Jet Tenders, a leading manufacturer of jet tenders that produces 1,200 boats annually, has announced a social media giveaway competition to celebrate its new collaboration with Bird Eyewear, the sustainable sunglasses company.

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Birds Eyewear is a provider of glasses and sunglasses that uses sustainable materials in the design of its frames. As a result of its outstanding commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices, the eco-friendly brand was certified as the first B Corp eyewear brand in the UK in 2020. According to Bird, social and environmental impact are of the highest standard, and profit is balanced with purpose.

As part of the giveaway, Williams and Bird will offer its Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter followers an opportunity to win a pair of beautifully designed, environmentally friendly Suma-Reef sunglasses worth £85 by following their pages and liking / sharing the competition post.

Williams will offer a free pair of Bird sunglasses to every customer who registers their warranty and completes the customer service survey following the giveaway competition. As part of the collaboration, Williams will offer a discount code for the sustainable eyewear brand, and sunglasses will be packaged with co-branded packaging. For 15% off any product, customers can enter the code ‘WILLIAMSJETTENDERS’ at checkout.

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Read More: Latest Yacht Crew Travel News

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Tom Dowdell, Head of Marketing at Williams Jet Tenders said:

“We are incredibly excited to begin this collaboration with Bird Eyewear, it is an exceptional brand, and its fierce dedication to sustainability and renewable resources made it the perfect candidate for a partnership with Williams.”

Lawrence Bird, Co-Founder and Chief Design Officer at Bird Eyewear, added:

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Williams to bring our exceptional eyewear to their customers. We share a lot in common, from being founded by brothers to our approach to craftsmanship and drive for sustainability.

“Our Suma sunglasses frame is inspired by our own ocean adventures, mimicking the beautiful colour pallet of the ocean. There’s always a need for good eye protection on the water and our polarised lenses will ensure any boating experience ticks all the right boxes.”

To find out more information please visit: www.williamsjettenders.com or www.findyourbirds.com

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Suzuki GB has launched a new campaign in collaboration with sustainable apparel manufacturer, OceanR, to assist in the removal of plastic from our oceans.

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As part of this new initiative, Suzuki has committed to removing 1kg of plastic waste from the oceans with every outboard sold in the UK until the end of March 2023. Suzuki will also provide customers with a custom-designed, Suzuki/OceanR hoodie made of organic cotton and recycled polyester as part of this process.

“We are thrilled to be able to launch this exciting new campaign which we believe can help make a real difference to our oceans,” says Mark Beeley, head of ATV & marine for Suzuki GB.

“As we know, plastic pollution is a huge problem, and it is through collective and collaborative action such as this that will have the biggest impact. The initial launch phase for this project will be until the end of March, but we are hopeful of being able to extend this to a longer-term commitment in partnership with OceanR as I believe our ethos is very much aligned with theirs.”

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Read More: Working On Small Yachts Vs Big Yachts

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This is Suzuki’s latest campaign in its global ‘Clean Ocean Project,’ which also saw the Japanese manufacturer launch a microplastic collection device. The device is currently fitted as standard to the DF115 and DF140, and the company hopes to roll it out across the entire product line in the near future.

Suzuki GB Clean Ocean Project began in 2011 as a global network of beach cleaning efforts. In the past few years, it has evolved to include technological innovations, such as the microplastics collection device, as well as changes to Suzuki’s operational processes, such as the removal of nearly 20 tons of plastic from the packaging of its products since 2021.

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