The international marine industry is comprised of a series of innovative companies (some more so than others) that constantly press the envelope on what’s possible. For the cruising crowd, this often translates to added comfort or extra amenities, but for us racers, the offer of increased speed drives research, design, development and, ultimately, sales.
The DAME awards, which are part of the METS equipment tradeshow that’s held each November in Amsterdam, are a competitive way for companies new and established to showcase their newest, flashiest kit. 2012 proved to be no exception, with some great innovation coming from a variety of sectors of the racing scene.
While the list of entrants was long (and the list of other great kit on display at METS even longer), here’s a snapshot of what caught my eye while walking the halls today.
For dinghy sailors, Zhik’s new Grip II system involves a pair of hiking boots with a dedicated hiking strap. The top of the boot’s toe box is covered with a series of rubber 'dots' (or really small rubber 'pegs'); these correspond to a similar material on the bottom of the hiking strap, thus acting as Velcro-like system to help keep you in the boat. Slick!
For sportboat sailors, Spinlock has introduced a new modular line organizer that allows you to add sheaves as necessary, depending on how many lines you lead abaft. The system can be mounted anywhere, but the doghouse roof is the obvious destination. Best yet, Spinlock designed the kit to allow a 'bullseye' fairlead(s) aperture(s) to be attached to the top of the unit, providing even more line-handling infrastructure.
For sailors who use continuous-line furlers, Selden has introduced a double fairlead that attaches to a lifeline stanchion. Should you need to release the line from its containment, simply press in the stainless fitting and rotate it ninety degrees and the lines are released. Easy!
And for the classic yacht racer, Karver has you covered (literally) with a really sweet set of 'wood' laminate covers for their already-sexy looking composite blocks. These covers—which weight about as much as a sheet or two of printer paper—can be retrofitted onto existing Karver blocks, adding a decidedly vintage look to an otherwise state-of-the-art unit.
But what stopped me dead in my tracks and had me reaching for my camera was Harken’s new line of aerodynamic grinding pedestals. While these units are born and breed for the 34th America’s Cup, I strongly suspect that owners of super-quick monohulls will be interested in these sleek units. It will be really interesting to see how and where this technology trickles down, but suffice it to say that Harken has again ratcheted up the ante for Grand Prix toys.
Burke Marine
Burke Marine, suppliers of international quality marine clothing and equipment, was founded by Martin Burke on the shores of Sydney Harbour in 1971. Visit our website for your nearest stockist. [More info]
http://www.burkemarine.com.au
Ensign Ship Brokers
Ensign Ship Brokers was established in 1980 and has spent the last 28 years expanding our marine knowledge and developing our reputation! We strive to provide the very best service! [More info]
http://www.ensignbrokers.com.au/
GME Standard Communications Pty Ltd
Leaders in communications and navigation. Their goal has always been to make products whose innovation, convenience and peace of mind can help improve the lives of their customers. [More info]
http://www.gme.net.au
Hamilton Island Luxury Accommodation
Full range of private apartments, villas and houses on Hamilton Island. 1, 2, 3, 4, and 6 bedroom options available. All include buggy and island airport or marina transfers. [More info]
http://www.whitsundayholidays.com.au
Multihull Solutions
Multihull Solutions is Australia and New Zealand’s premier offshore and cruising catamaran and trimaran specialist, offering sales and servicing of the world’s finest multihull brands.
[More info]
http://www.multihullsolutions.com.au
Navionics Australia
Navionics is proud of its superb cartographic database comprising more than 25,000 charts and port plans; the largest privately owned database of its kind, the only one using full seamless technology [More info]
http://www.navionics.com.au
OziOpti
OziOpti is all about 'getting kids in boats' and the Australian company supporting the introduction to of the world’s most popular junior sailing yacht, the 'International Optimist Dinghy' [More info]
http://www.oziopti.com.au
Performance Sailcraft Australia (Asia Pacific)
Laser builder Performance Sailcraft Australia has taken on the successful RS Sailboat range from Britain, and is now licensed to build and distribute all of the RS range in the Asia Pacific region. [More info]
http://www.lasersailing.com.au
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
2013 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is Australasia's most significant marine lifestyle event. We look forward to welcoming you to the 25th annual event. [More info]
http://www.sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au/
Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week
Entries for the fourth annual Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week have opened! 4 days of racing, 5 days of fun – that is what you can look forward to from 3-7 September at Magnetic Island. [More info]
http://www.magneticislandraceweek.com.au
Ullman Sails
For over 45 years, Ullman Sails has been devoted to helping our customers reach their sailing goals. [More info]
http://www.ullmansails.com
VicSail Sydney
Vicsail Sydney Pty Ltd, launched into the Australian sailing fraternity in 1983 and has been sailing strong ever since. At Vicsail, “We Sail the Boats We Sell”. [More info]
http://www.vicsailsydney.com.au