Newsroom: Leisure marine industry news

Greener water jet propulsion, will it expand the concept?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 29-06-2020

As I start to write this article, I have to admit to a fairly long-term fascination with the concept of propelling a boat along, by using the very wat...

Construction Material Pavilion Round Table Sessions at METSTRADE 2020

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 24-06-2020

The fourth edition of the Construction Material Pavilion Round Table Sessions dedicated to boat building construction and materials will take place on...

Superyacht Forum 2020: One Industry - One Forum - One Mission

• By The Superyacht Group
• |
• 16-06-2020

Once again, The Superyacht Group will organise the Superyacht Forum in partnership with METSTRADE. From 16th – 18th November 2020 in Amsterdam. ...

How far can foiling technology in boats go?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 15-06-2020

As a person who started out working and living around boats many decades ago, I sometimes take a few minutes to reflect on how dramatically things hav...

Sustainability Panel Discussions at the I-nnovationLAB Stage during METSTRADE 2020

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 15-06-2020

Tuesday 17th November: Ocean Biodiversity and Biofouling

The Global Project Task Force called GloFouling was introduced at last year’s...

A message from Niels Klarenbeek, the new METSTRADE Show director

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 08-06-2020

Niels Klarenbeek, the new show director of the Marine Equipment Trade Show, METSTRADE, has been a part of the METSTRADE team since early April. Klaren...

Save The Med Foundation

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 28-05-2020

Welcome to the second blog in our series of ‘Foundations for Ocean Health.’ This time from 'Save The Med Foundation.' A project start...

Hide & Seek - A yacht melting into the seascape

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 15-05-2020

As stated by Anna Borla, a Milan-based yacht designer who with “Hide” participated to the Rossinavi Design Challenge 2020 contest, Hide is...

Solar independence, the yachtsman's friend

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 13-05-2020

When I purchased my 42-year-old Dutch steel motor yacht 7 years ago, she came with a couple of 50 watt solar panels on the cabin roof, which had been ...

Plastic Soup Foundation: Our mission

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 03-05-2020

‘Foundations for Ocean Health’, a new regular online feature from METSTRADE.
Welcome to this series of blogs, in which we plan to feature s...

Safety at sea, starts at METSTRADE

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 30-04-2020

A phrase that has come to prominence during the last few months during these unprecedented times is, 'stay safe.' Many of us use it to sign off on e.m...

Will teak decks become a thing of the past?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 15-04-2020

All of us who have been involved in boating are familiar with that moment when you kick off your shoes and step onto a pristine teak deck; it’s ...

The METSTRADE sales team takes on a challenge

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 13-04-2020

In January the METSTRADE team was strengthened by Tom Mous and shortly after Harold Mol joined him. Together they form our sales team, being the first...

Little Optimist: Building an academy with help from METSTRADE

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 03-04-2020

This blog was written by South African Greg Bertish, founder of the charity called ‘The Little Optimist’. Greg’s charity uses sailin...

METSTRADE Checks In With Icon Yachts

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 02-04-2020

Amongst the visitors perusing the latest in marine equipment, and catching up on industry developments at last year’s METSTRADE Show, was Marcel...

METSTRADE 2020 on track amid global crisis

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 17-03-2020

The marine industry is facing difficult times. The COVID-19 coronavirus is spreading fast and the implications are grave for everyone. Shows are being...

Making Super Yachts More Sustainable

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 16-03-2020

Amongst a larger than ever number of sustainability focused presentations and debates at last year’s METSTRADE, there was a significant contribu...

Greenboats make a sustainable splash at METSTRADE

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 03-03-2020

The word ‘pioneer’ is quite often used in these days of rapid technological innovation, but Friedrich Deimann of Greenboats is one of thos...

Circular Beauties: Exploring new materials at METSTRADE

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 17-02-2020

A regular feature at METSTRADE which has become very popular in recent years, is the Material District display, featuring dozens of futuristic materia...

The propeller of the future?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 27-01-2020

With the development of hybrid and electric propulsion systems gathering pace over the last few years, the high degree of focus on fuel savings and em...

End-of-use boats: An update on progress

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 13-01-2020

On Day 3 at METSTRADE 2019 we comprehensively explored a subject which has been on the agenda at the show since 2015.

As a hangover from the composite...

How much greener are we a year on?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 24-12-2019

This time our panel of experts explored how the quest for more sustainable boating has progressed in the last 12 months. Topics included disassembly,...

Biofouling: The way forward

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 11-12-2019

Against overwhelming evidence that biofouling is contributing to the loss of Biodiversity around the world, a Global Project Task Force called Glo Fou...

The boating industry in 2019, a review by ICOMIA

• By ICOMIA
• |
• 09-12-2019

Udo Kleinitz, Secretary General of ICOMIA, presented key highlights of the global marine leisure market in 2019 at METSTRADE 2019. Kleinitz dives into...

Actions Against Plastic, Update

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 04-12-2019

Visitors to the 32nd METSTRADE show this year have seen see more than ever, our commitment to supporting and encouraging environmental sustainability ...

Welcome to METSTRADE 2019

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 19-11-2019

A very good morning to you all on this first day of METSTRADE 2019. After months of hard work behind the scenes, it’s finally show time. And wha...

On the expansion trail

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 17-11-2019

Several companies have expanded their footprint at METSTRADE this year. Celsus UK (01.245), for instance, has taken double its usual amount of floor s...

SuperYacht Times on the importance of superyacht data

• By SuperYacht Times
• |
• 13-11-2019

The superyacht intelligence market is always interesting to follow, but it does require more professionalism and should not just be a tool to make mon...

Boat Builder Award nominees to speak on METSTRADE Sustainability Panel

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 30-10-2019

‘How Green is Green in the Leisure Marine World?’ was the theme of a panel discussion which took place at the InnovationLab stage during l...

Promising prospects for end-of-life composite mountain

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 24-10-2019

At this year’s METSTRADE a panel of speakers will once again update visitors on the important challenge of how to deal with end-of-use boats.&nb...

Sustainability: a core component of METSTRADE

• By The Superyacht Group
• |
• 22-10-2019

Sustainability is top of the agenda at METSTRADE, highlighting the industry’s burgeoning focus on this vital subject. 

In just over four wee...

World's first Plastic Health Summit held in Amsterdam

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 15-10-2019

I was privileged, shocked and motivated in equal measures to be at the very first Plastic Health Summit in Amsterdam recently, on behalf of METSTRADE....

Charting the Superyacht Market

• By SuperYacht Times
• |
• 09-10-2019

At SuperYacht Times, we have noticed an increasing demand for intelligence about the refit market over the past few years. As a result, we started to ...

Future-proofing the superyacht industry

• By The Superyacht Group
• |
• 30-09-2019

The steps the superyacht industry is taking to ensure future prosperity

METSTRADE 2019, which will take place from 19-21 November, is the world’s...

Green manufacturing from water plants, featured at HISWA Boat Show

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 24-09-2019

Visitor records were broken earlier this month, at the 36th edition of the HISWA in-water boat show. Around 30,000 people ignored (or braved) the typi...

Absolute on expansion trail as award-winning production methods bear fruit

• By IBI News
• |
• 20-09-2019

Italian builder registers 18% year-on-year growth and spotlights significance of its ISS manufacturing system that picked up a Boat Builder Award in 2...

Dispose Recycle Reuse

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 19-09-2019

The production and worldwide consumption of engineered composite materials, in particular fiber-reinforced polymers (FRP), have increased in recent de...

The METSTRADE Customer Journey

• By The Superyacht Group
• |
• 19-09-2019

METSTRADE is referred to as the ‘one-stop-shop’ for marine industry professionals, so for the Superyacht Industry, the combination of METS...

Recyclable composite breakthrough to feature at METSTRADE

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 18-09-2019

Since 2014, the subject of how to handle the increasing number of redundant boats, and in particular, the difficulties of recycling traditionally empl...

Award-winning collaboration extends to new Custom Line 106

• By IBI News
• |
• 04-09-2019

Last year Ferretti, along with Francesco Paszkowski Design Studio and Mecaer Aviation Group picked up the inaugural award for ’Collaborative Sol...

Loss of ocean biodiversity; Facts to consider

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 27-08-2019

The IMO GloFouling Project will be on the agenda at this year’s METSTRADE show, as part of the ongoing series of expert panel discussions around...

Training takes centre stage

• By IBI News
• |
• 26-08-2019

NZ Marine Industry Association continues to be a beacon when it comes to training and apprenticeship programmes with a total of 460 apprentices curren...

A Unique Shipyard

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 20-08-2019

Technologically advanced sailboats are often built in carbon and other state-of-the-art materials. The key to a successful project lies within the kno...

Boat Builder Awards 2019: Foilers on the innovation radar

• By IBI News
• |
• 14-08-2019

Last year it was a dynamic new deck layout by Galeon that picked up the Innovative On-Board Design Solution award sponsored by Fusion. As foilers ente...

Can wood make a comeback?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 14-08-2019

There is no question that the search for more sustainable boat building materials is being intensified for a number of environmental reasons.  No...

An interview with 'Rising Star' Dan-Bloice Smith

• By IBI News
• |
• 17-07-2019

Williams Jet Tenders’ Design Engineering manager, Dan Bloice-Smith, was named the inaugural winner of the Rising Star award at last year’...

Sustainability: What does the METSTRADE Show do?

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 11-07-2019

During the last couple of years, we have seen a big increase in sustainable initiatives within the marine industry. Products and building methods bec...

Making superyachts truly 'super'

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 10-07-2019

When it comes to leisure purchases, superyachts take the cake. And in line with their size, the business around them and the thousands of families tha...

Ocean Conservation in focus

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 08-07-2019

On 7th June, during the IFBSO Annual Congress in Croatia, the organisers of the World’s leading boat shows enthusiastically attended a ‘Re...

Construction, composites & eco-compatibility

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 04-07-2019

The marine industry is more and more committed towards eco-compatible solutions that respect the Earth and marine environment. An increasing amount of...

Changing lives - Meet the 2019 DAME Charities

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 27-06-2019

Sailing4handicaps and the Little Optimist Trust are the fortunate charities chosen by the DAME Design Award committee. They will share the donations g...

Video: METSTRADE 2019 - The Industry's Home Port

The organisers of the event have released a short movie that captures the spirit of the show well. Behind the scenes, a key factor in ensuring the qua...

Sustainable boating projects highlighted

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 17-06-2019

Several interesting yachting sustainability projects were being showcased at this year’s Palma International Boat Show. A company called La...

Water Without Waste

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 04-06-2019

This year’s Palma International Boat Show, was the 36th edition on the island of Mallorca, and it was the 7th year that the show has run concurr...

From Whale Shark to Waste Shark

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 22-05-2019

Intended to provide an international showcase for innovative start-ups with eco-friendly / green yachting product ideas, Nautical High Tech & Gree...

And the winner is...

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 20-05-2019

This year’s IBI-METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement, held in association with Raymarine, is now open for nominations. Why ent...

The Conero Jacket for sailing and watersports

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 14-05-2019

The Conero Jacket by Montura is a unisex waterproof jacket for sailing and watersports. Montura pitched this product during “Pitch the Press&rdq...

The world’s first hydrogen boat visits Amsterdam

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 29-04-2019

Imagine a 32 metre floating twin hulled smart grid, utilising a combination of solar, hydrogen and fuel cell technology for propulsion, and all of her...

The AntiRoll All-in-One

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 23-04-2019

The AntiRoll All-in-One is a multifunctional electrical stabiliser that stabilises in all circumstances. At anchor, at cruising speed as well as high ...

Sustainability shines at MaterialDistrict Show

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 18-04-2019

MaterialDistrict (formerly Materia) is the world’s leading match-making platform in the field of innovative materials. As part of the Constructi...

PC11 Pro Coated balsa, the latest innovation from CoreLite

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 17-04-2019

One of the “Pitch the Press” participants was Core Lite Composites. They presented their latest innovation, the PC11 Pro Coated balsa. Th...

Cleaner Ocean Campaigns, Boat Shows at the leading edge

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 09-04-2019

As somebody who has enjoyed boating since childhood, I still have happy memories of my father taking me to the London Boat Show. That was several deca...

Dual Drive: for smooth and whisper quiet boating

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 27-03-2019

The METSTRADE Show is the world’s largest trade show of its kind. Some 1600 exhibiting companies together showcase thousands of products. &ldquo...

Five motor yacht design trends making an impact

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 26-03-2019

Here are five motor yacht design trends that I have been watching with interest while visiting boat shows in recent months. Not all of them are partic...

Flying objects

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 19-03-2019

From humble three-metre dinghies to the ‘monsters’ of the America's Cup, the Route du Rhum or the Vendée Globe, hydrofoil applicati...

17 metre long telescopic pole saves lives

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 15-03-2019

The METSTRADE Show is the world’s largest trade show of its kind. Some 1600 exhibiting companies together showcase thousands of products. I...

The future of antifouling the debate continues

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 11-03-2019

Back in 2017, we published a blog entitled: ‘Antifoulings and the environment… a complex future.’ Peter Franklin touched upon the c...

The critical role of lighting design on boats

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 04-03-2019

LED has offered the marine industry brilliant advantages in terms of power consumption, weight and longevity.

End-Of-Use Boats… things are happening!

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 18-02-2019

Millions of boats that were built in the 70’s and 80’s from virtually indestructible GRP (fibreglass) are now referred to as ‘end-...

Sustainable boating awareness campaign launched in UK

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 23-01-2019

British Marine is the membership organisation for the leisure, superyacht and small commercial marine industry in the United Kingdom. A sector that in...

The effect of slamming on composite boats

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 14-01-2019

What’s the definition of ‘slamming’? According to David K Brown’s 2010 book The Grand Fleet, Warship Design and Development 19...

Putting waste plastic back into boating

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 13-01-2019

In previous sustainability blogs we have highlighted positive actions against the proliferation of plastic waste in our oceans such as: The Seabin Pro...

How investing in unemployed youngsters leads to a sustainable ‘Blue Economy’

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 07-01-2019

Against a background of youth unemployment levels in Europe, at around double the overall rate than non-working adults, a new initiative aimed at attr...

How Green is Green in the Leisure Marine World?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 20-12-2018

‘How Green is Green in the Leisure Marine World?’ was the theme of a panel discussion which took place at the I-nnovationLab stage during ...

New dimension in manufacturing reduces cost and increases productivity

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 19-12-2018

A walk around the Material District Expo at METSTRADE is always inspiring, with a whole range of new materials and their applications to explore. This...

How 3D printing and rapid prototyping will change the global maritime industry

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 18-12-2018

This year's METSTRADE Show hosted the second edition of a round table dedicated to the use of materials for nautical construction. The Round Table had...

The superyacht new-build market over the next few years

• By SuperYacht Times
• |
• 12-12-2018

What can we expect over the next few years regarding newbuild sales and deliveries? Ralph Dazert from SuperYacht Times takes a closer look at how the ...

Humans of METSTRADE - Warren J. McCrickard

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 07-12-2018

I studied communications, broadcasting, and film at college and then moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in the film industry for seven yea...

Humans of METSTRADE - Michael Körner

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 29-11-2018

I started sailing when I was 18 to earn some money for studying. I hadn't touched a sailboat before. I saw an ad at TU Graz where I was taking electri...

Cleaner Oceans Panel makes waves at METSTRADE 2018

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 28-11-2018

This year at the I-nnovationLab stage an expert panel discussion, moderated by Albert Willemsen, explored how marinas, yacht clubs, sailing organisati...

Human of METSTRADE Kyle Davison

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 23-11-2018

After growing up in country New South Wales, I was looking for change. With some work experience under my belt I packed up and headed for the Gold Coa...

Digital transformation in boating experience

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 15-11-2018

I always look forward to the METSTRADE Breakfast Briefing keynote speaker. Each year, a leading name in the industry provides invaluable insight and m...

An impression of METSTRADE 2018

Nearly 1,600 exhibitors and 16,716 unique visitors participated at the 31st edition of METSTRADE in Amsterdam. Let's recap this year's show in 102 sec...

Delivering the promise of tomorrow today

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 13-11-2018

There’s a very real risk with emerging technologies if they promise much but fail to deliver. The reasons can be many, from under-funding or per...

E-nnovation Lab at METSTRADE, driven by expertise!

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 07-11-2018

Continuing on from its successful launch last year, the E-nnovationLAB at METSTRADE 2018 promises to provide a vibrant technological showcase for the ...

Structural Adhesives

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 01-11-2018

Bonding composite materials is a real challenge. Structural adhesives can be used to bond different materials: they don’t cause problems either ...

REVYTA - New life for boat-industry composites

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 25-10-2018

Gluing composite materials is a real challenge. But structural adhesives can be used to glue different materials: they don’t cause problems eith...

Clearwater environmental rating launched at MYS

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 22-10-2018

Two years ago, at the ‘Sustainability in the Marine Industry Conference’ held during METSTRADE week in 2016, Alasdair Reay of HPi Verifica...

Yard Ownership: Succeeding in succession

• By SuperYacht Times
• |
• 04-10-2018

Although many superyacht builders are owned by big corporations these days, some yards are still family-owned. In the Netherlands, this applies to a f...

$10,000 towards Sailing Sustainability Initiatives…nominations invited!

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 01-10-2018

Back in January this year, we published details about the World Sailing Sustainability 2030 project; a multi-faceted approach towards substantially im...

Update on the ocean plastic revolution

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 12-09-2018

Most of us are now familiar with the staggering headline statistics: 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the oceans, 8 million tons leaked from the land e...

Carbon fibre composite propellers

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 05-09-2018

Composite materials have a higher specific resistance, stiffness and resistance to corrosion than metallic materials. For this reason, they are used i...

Going Green… wasn't meant to be like this

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 30-08-2018

Quite often my choice of subject matter for writing about sustainability, and the health of our oceans and waterways, is triggered by personal experie...

The future of the Global Yacht market according to Silver Arrows Marine

The global yacht market has been changing rapidly in the past few years. Dealing with this, it is vital for businesses to stay ahead of the latest tre...

Superyacht yards and building to order or on spec

• By SuperYacht Times
• |
• 27-08-2018

The superyacht industry may seem small in comparison to other industries, but there are a surprising number of shipyards around the world building the...

End-of-Use Boats - collaborative action at EU level

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 24-08-2018

The challenges presented to our industry by End-of-Use Boats, has been a featured discussion at METSTRADE for the last four years. Conferences and for...

Autonomous boating - dream or reality?

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 23-08-2018

Foiling – the logical next step for sailing?

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 21-08-2018

With such a focus on trying to make sailing and watersports accessible and easier for newer generations, the topic of this blog seems a bit counter-in...

Humans of METSTRADE - Rudy Jurg

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 20-08-2018

Rudy Jurg: Boating has always been a passion. I was six months old when my parents, not knowing much about the sea, sailed a boat from Ireland ba...

Ocean Cleanup moves towards implementation

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 09-08-2018

This year’s METSTRADE show will feature a Sustainability panel discussion entitled, ‘towards cleaner, healthier oceans and waterways.&rsqu...

Drones: out to capture the seas

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 09-08-2018

Drones were first developed in a military context but are now playing an increasingly important role in civil contexts too. And recently their use in ...

A look into the current state of the global superyacht market

• By SuperYacht Times
• |
• 19-07-2018

2017 was a good year for the superyacht industry, with both sales and deliveries on the rise.After a rather slow year in 2016, new superyacht sales su...

A robot that cleans marinas…why not?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 19-07-2018

Walk around any marina or enclosed harbour area these days, and it’s very likely that you’ll see a lot of floating debris which has blown ...

The flying Dutchman

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 19-07-2018

“I started sailing when I was very young. My grandparents lived near a lake, where I had a small sailing boat. Even when I was just 15 I knew th...

Development and future of carbon fibre in the boating industry

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 03-07-2018

Composite fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) materials have been used in boat building for over 50 years. The first boats produced in fibreglass and polye...

Here come the Sea Cleaners

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 26-06-2018

As we have mentioned in previous articles, there is an ever-growing amount of creative activity being undertaken by sea loving individuals, many of th...

Local heroes, working for a cleaner Mediterranean

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 19-06-2018

Asociación Ondine based in the Balearic Islands is a voluntary organisation of passionately committed individuals, who together are making huge...

Humans of METSTRADE

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 12-06-2018

Gail Rice

I wanted to study international business at college but they didn't have that kind of degree back then. I had to graduate with something, so...

A showcase for the boating sector

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 07-06-2018

Two nautical events in just two weeks are clear evidence of the importance and renewed growth of Italy’s boating sector. The long years of ...

GDPR is here – what next?

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 07-06-2018

I write this blog feeling just a touch tired. In common with many of you, I’ve been caught in the escalating whirlwind of preparing the business...

Ocean sustainability heroes...

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 07-06-2018

Perfectly timed with our recent focus on ecologically sustainable oceans and waterways, BLUE Marine Foundation in partnership with Boat International,...

Make the most of your METSTRADE participation

Exhibiting at METSTRADE 2018? Ensure return on your investment!

Are you looking to create brand awareness? Do you want direct access to your target mar...

The uprise of Rafale II

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 15-05-2018

The C-Class was born in 1961, when the British catamaran designer Rod McAlpine-Dowey became aware of a challenge that came from America and claimed to...

Stemming the ‘plastic tide’…with bubbles!

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 15-05-2018

‘Turning the tide on plastic’ is an expression that has captured imaginations and evoked emotions across the world, we have been following...

Meet up with the team for personal advice

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 07-05-2018

Are you exhibiting at METSTRADE 2018? We will organise a number of meetings throughout the year to personally help you with your preparation for the s...

Safety first ... powerboat racing

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 26-04-2018

Seafarers are known to be notorious traditionalists and especially powerboat racing has been lacking behind in terms of innovation. The field of ...

Turning the tide on plastic…on superyachts

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 26-04-2018

Back in February we published an article about Marja Kok, a yacht captain who has dedicated her time and energy to convincing her fellow professional ...

HISWA Symposium Golden Jubilee year

The International HISWA Symposium on Yacht Design and Yacht Construction has reached its Golden Jubilee year, a unique milestone for an event of this ...

Non-toxic antifouling, the future is here!

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 12-04-2018

It’s that time of year again, or at least in the Northern Hemisphere it is. 

Walk around any marina, and you’ll be vividly reminded by...

Humans of METSTRADE

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 05-04-2018

Karen Dudden-Blake 

I grew up spending my summers on the water. When I met my husband, he told me he was designing a sailboat and was planning on ...

Carbon fibre: unmissable in boat building

• By Simonetta Pegorari
• |
• 04-04-2018

The composite materials created by the defense industry developed in the yacht building sector (the radar being one of the first applications) are now...

Legends reborn, a contributor to the Circular Economy

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 21-03-2018

Keeping raw materials and products in productive loops for as long as possible is one very effective way of enhancing what has become known as the Cir...

Project management for complex superyachts

Building complex superyachts requires the right set of project management tools

The ongoing trend of superyachts gaining in length and complexity leads...

Fully recyclable sail racing boats…a reality!

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 13-03-2018

Some visitors to METSTRADE will be familiar with the name of Enrico Benco who started his company along with his partner Cristiana Talon, and the nice...

5 Important Characteristics to Consider in TPU Coated Fabrics for the Marine Safety Industry

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 02-03-2018

Featured text by Shmulik Kryzer, Erez Thermoplastic Products

When sourcing fabrics for marine safety end products, many manufacturers look to tex...

Plastic in the oceans, a revolution is underway!

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 26-02-2018

The potentially devastating level of plastic pollution in our oceans and waterways has become one of the most talked about and high-profile subjects i...

Humans of METSTRADE

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 18-02-2018

David Lewin

I was a production engineer in the fashion business before I entered the marine industry. I didn’t like working with people in that t...

In the spotlight: Marja Kok

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 18-02-2018

Marja Kok was born in Den Helder, Netherlands, a town surrounded by water on 3 sides. Being out on the water and sailing was a way of life for her fro...

Electric & hybrid technology in yachting

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 14-02-2018

2017 was the year that METSTRADE introduced its E-nnovationLAB. An area on the exhibition floor specifically designed to showcase technologies and man...

New Members METSTRADE Exhibition Committee

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 01-02-2018

METSTRADE2017 Recap Video

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Antifoulings and the environment… a complex future!

• By Metstrade
• |
• 26-01-2018

Since then, having owned several boats myself, I have watched our industry go through the contortions of a love / hate affair with the dreaded smelly,...

Humans of Metstrade - Laura Martin

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 18-01-2018

Laura Martin

I discovered the world when I was 19 – I came from a tiny town in the US and travelled around the globe on a Semester at Sea program...

World Sailing invites your input on sustainability

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 11-01-2018

Here is a chance to have your say on a major international sustainability initiative that will impact our leisure boating community!   

Last ...

One more Sustainability post for 2017…

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 21-12-2017

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has read and reacted to my articles this year, plus all the participants in the Sustaina...

ICOMIA's latest Recreational Boating Industry Statistics

• By ICOMIA
• |
• 21-12-2017

"Boating’s traditional markets in America and Europe solidified their role as the industry’s best-selling regions in 2016"
As usual the Bo...

Future customers – and why they will completely reshape our market

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 21-12-2017

There’s much focus right now on the very different expectations of the Millennial generation. They want to experience things, not own them. They...

In the spotlight with Andrea Frabetti – Diesel Center

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 21-12-2017

Andrea Frabetti is a man who is most definitely in that category. He also happens to have a strong historical connection with METSTRADE, having been a...

Will Brexit be a Force 2 or Storm Force 12?

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 23-11-2017

Princess Yachts’ co-founder, David King, has seen good times and bad in his 50 years of boatbuilding. The standing ovation he received last nigh...

30th edition of METSTRADE Show attracts record-breaking international audience

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 21-11-2017

Nine outstanding products pitched to the press at METSTRADE 2017

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 17-11-2017

Boat Builder Awards 2017

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Boat Builder Awards announced eight winners and two honourable mentions

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 16-11-2017

SYT Vlog: The latest superyacht inventions at METSTRADE 2017

Drawing to a close today at the RAI convention centre in Amsterdam is the annual METSTRADE show, attracting over 15,000 international visitors who are...

End-of-Life Boats panel points to solutions...

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 15-11-2017

A good number of visitors came to the I-nnovation Lab stage on the opening day of METSTRADE to hear a lively debate around the subject of End-of-Life ...

Lack of fear and modern technology make powerful allies

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 15-11-2017

Just occasionally, you sit listening to someone speaking while in post lunchtime autopilot mode and then suddenly think…’did he just say ...

Forum discussion: Millennials – should we fear them or embrace them?

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 15-11-2017

So, it seems we are all a little bit undecided about Millennials (those aged around 18-35). Research suggests that this generation will finish o...

Key future themes emerge from DAME 2017 Awards

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 15-11-2017

Now that the results are out it’s interesting to reflect just how many of the Winners, Special Mentions and Nominated products of this year&rsqu...

Don’t fear Millennials but do get with the technology revolution

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 15-11-2017

It was great to hear the informed views of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Brunswick Corporation, Mark D Schwabero, at this morning’...

Keynote speech Mark D Schwabero 2017

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Winner DAME Award 2017

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Breakfast Briefing 2017 - DAME Awards winners

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METSTRADE 30th anniversary video

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Great diversity of products highlighted at the DAME Awards 2017

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 14-11-2017

Boating in a shared economy

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 08-11-2017

The boating market is facing several challenges, aging being one of them. Furthermore the millennial generation is shifting towards sharing with acces...

Read the METSTRADE catalogue 2017 here

• By Metstrade
• |
• 06-11-2017

Dangerous ideas at TSF

• By The Superyacht Group
• |
• 03-11-2017

Creativity and strategic advisor Alf Rehn speaks to Rachel Rowney from SuperyachtNews ahead of his presentation at The Superyacht Forum.

Alf Rehn has n...

Innovate your marina!

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 31-10-2017

Have you noticed how seamlessly smartphones have changed our lives? Or take a step back – do you remember your first mobile phone? Now, can you ...

METSTRADE 2017 on course for memorable 30th anniversary show

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 27-10-2017

Win 2 flight tickets to METSTRADE 2017

• By Metstrade
• |
• 26-10-2017

Join the must-attend event for all sectors of the superyacht market

• By The Superyacht Group
• |
• 25-10-2017

The Circular Economy, what is it all about

The opening Breakfast Briefing at last year’s METSTRADE show addressed the topic of the ‘Circular Economy’, and how it could make a ...

E-nnovationLAB makes debut at METSTRADE Show

• By Metstrade
• |
• 24-10-2017

Shortlist announced for IBI-METSTRADE Boat Builder Awards 2017 in association with Raymarine

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 23-10-2017

Tech Talks at The Superyacht Forum

• By The Superyacht Group
• |
• 20-10-2017

This year’s programme for The Superyacht Forum will look to involve some of the most influential and currently leading figures in the technology...

Excellent quality and diversity at this year’s DAME Awards

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 18-10-2017

Antifouling…will alternatives take hold?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 18-10-2017

This is a follow up to our recent article about antifoulings, in which we highlighted doubts about their future quality and availability due to the Bi...

New round table event added to Construction in Process Stage at METSTRADE 2017

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 17-10-2017

GMI partners with METSTRADE to run marina valuation and investment seminar

• By Metstrade
• |
• 09-10-2017

Material Xperience On Tour showcases a Floating Future at METSTRADE Show

• By Metstrade
• |
• 05-10-2017

Sustainability sessions announced for METSTRADE Innovation Stage

• By Metstrade
• |
• 05-10-2017

End-of-Life boats, reuse of GRP... latest news!

• By Metstrade
• |
• 03-10-2017

A few months ago we looked into several ways in which glassfibre (GRP) sections from dismantled recreational boats can recycled into new products.

One...

End-of-Life boats, reuse of GRP... latest news!

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 29-09-2017

It has been described as a ‘challenge that won’t go away’ for the leisure marine industry, and it has been the subject of several co...

The Superyacht Forum announces its theme: The 10-year blueprint

• By Metstrade
• |
• 26-09-2017

The Superyacht Forum, held in association with METSTRADE, will take place from 13 - 16 November. The programme’s discussions will have a clear a...

International character

• By Metstrade
• |
• 25-09-2017

Why an online community and social media is important

• By Metstrade
• |
• 19-09-2017

Melissa Yeomans joined the METSTRADE Young Professionals club and have been a fan ever since. In this article she explains why having a community is s...

Last few days to get nominations in for Boat Builder Awards 2017

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 08-09-2017

Brunswick Corporation CEO Mark D. Schwabero to open 30th edition of METSTRADE

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 05-09-2017

In the spotlight with: Liz Baugh - Red Square Medical

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 30-08-2017

Our leisure marine industry is all about the ‘feel good’ factor. It’s how we relax, switch off from the pressures of daily life, enj...

What have they done to our diesel?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 23-08-2017

A tank of worms!

Last winter I did the same thing that I (and many others) have always done, and filled my boat’s fuel tanks to the top with 400 ...

How can shared ownership help sustainability in boating?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 01-08-2017

The world is changing when it comes to the concept of ownership and what has become known as the ‘sharing economy’ is opening up new oppor...

How is the regatta world promoting sustainability?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 25-07-2017

It is almost unnecessary to say that the majority of us would like to see our seas and waterways free of contamination and plastic pollution. Most of ...

DAME 2017 proceeds for sailing trips for seriously ill children

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 18-07-2017

Joint initiative between Sailing Kids Foundation and Dutch Childhood Cancer Parent Organisation

Each year the registration fees for the DAME Design Awa...

The ‘New’ Superyacht Forum

• By The Superyacht Group
• |
• 06-07-2017

Now entering their 25^th year in the superyacht industry, The Superyacht Group returns with the new and enhanced event – The Superyacht Forum, no...

DAME recognition for electric boating

• By Kim
• |
• 04-07-2017

With excitement building for the 2017 edition of the DAME Awards, we thought it the perfect time to post this reminder of last year’s overall winner, ...

What help is there towards cleaner marinas?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 28-06-2017

This is a follow-up to the recent article about clean marina schemes, but this time we will look at some ideas and products that are available to help...

Can plastic boats be recycled?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 15-06-2017

Following-up on our recent article about ‘End-of-Life Boats’ (ELB’s), here we will go over some details about processes, which will actually take comp...

Countdown begins for Boat Builder Awards 2017

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 15-06-2017

The countdown has begun for the Boat Builder Awards for Business Achievement 2017. For the third year in a row IBI and the RAI, organisers of METSTRAD...

Female perspective is critical

• By Kim
• |
• 06-06-2017

We’ve just made a very significant announcement today regarding changes to the team that judges the DAME Awards – including the addition of three grea...

World Oceans Day - Our oceans, our future!

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 01-06-2017

World Oceans Day is a global day of ocean celebration and collaboration for a better future. The theme for this year is: Our oceans, our future! The m...

Are clean marinas, the gateway to ocean sustainability?

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 30-05-2017

It’s an unfortunate fact, that the very places we choose to park our boats, are also the perfect entrapment environment for stuff that gets swept in b...

Registration now open for IBEX’s Education Program

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 29-05-2017

Sessions, Seminars and Tech Talk Workshops

Boatbuilding, design, and repair industry professionals who attend this year's International BoatBuilders'...

METSTRADE expands its outreach on marine sustainability

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 19-04-2017

As the leading platform for product and concept innovation in the Leisure Marine Industry, METSTRADE is actively continuing with its proactive involve...

Superyacht annual report: how do you expect the market to perform?

• By The Superyacht Group
• |
• 04-04-2017

The following report is a succinct summary of the superyacht new build market’s activity in 2016. How do you expect the market to perform betwee...

ICOMIA World Marinas Conference 2016 - Oscar Siches

As speaker at the ICOMIA World Marina Conference 2016, Oscar Siches was contributing to the session ‘A comprehensive approach on environmental p...

Creating the future together

• By Irene Dros
• |
• 19-01-2017

It’s always a slightly strange feeling to return to work after the Christmas break. The adrenaline builds up among the METSTRADE team in the weeks lea...

Andrea Cavalleroni of Boero YachtCoatings About METSTRADE 2016

• By SuperYacht Times
• |
• 28-11-2016

We met up with Andrea Cavalleroni of Boero YachtCoatings to find out how these superyacht paint specialists are finding the METSTRADE, and what makes ...

Breaking Boundaries

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 18-11-2016

Well, by any measure it’s been a great METSTRADE 2016. There isn’t a company I have spoken with this year that will not be travelling back...

Improving the ecological footprint of boating

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 17-11-2016

On Tuesday morning a highly experienced panel of experts gathered at the InnovationLAB to discuss the challenges posed by trying to move towards a cir...

Polar Code for Superyachts in 2017

A new IMO code will affect ships and any commercially coded superyachts over 500 GT wishing to enter the Polar regions from next year onwards.

By Kim H...

Tactile inspiration at the Materia XPerience

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 17-11-2016

Anyone looking to de-stress and also find inspiration at METSTRADE 2016 could do nothing better than visit the Material XPerience within the Elicium. ...

A night to remember

Inspired by the Young

I was privileged today to take a group of young watersports students and some international visitors from the Young Professionals Club on a presentati...

Lightweight Sailing - Cooperation is needed

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 16-11-2016

Ed van Hinte is an industrial designer who specialises in lightweight structures. Around 20 years ago he wrote a book on the subject, Light-ness, and ...

Technical partnerships key for the Volvo Race

Volvo Ocean Race Director Nick Bice commenced the InnovationLAB activities on Wednesday with an update on the event, which has progressed substantiall...

DAME Design Award winner 2016: New age for sail drives

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 15-11-2016

“We think the Cruise FP range represents the coming of age for electric propulsion on sailing boats.” This is a bold claim from Torqeedo G...

Talking points at METSTRADE 2016

• By Kim Hollamby
• |
• 15-11-2016

When you bring 1470 companies together from more than 50 key boating markets around the world it is no surprise that there should be themes that emerg...

The virtuous circle

“We need to move our thinking from a linear economy where we focus on cradle-to-grave, to a circular economy where we create products that are d...

Mayor Seiler of Fort Lauderdale receives first American copy of The Superyacht Book

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 09-11-2016

SYBAss’ Secretary General, Theo J. Hooning, had the honour of presenting the very first copy of The Superyacht Book in the United States to Mayo...

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada has been leading the charge for the Canadian Pavilion at METSTRADE 2016

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 07-11-2016

For many years, the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Canada has been leading the charge for the Canadian Pavilion at METSTRADE, connec...

The quest for better boats in less time continues at Vripack

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 19-10-2016

In their third year of a six-year-mission to reduce the construction time of any new yacht by at least 25%, the Vripack Studio recently made another l...

Skippers Working Without Borders

• By Peter Franklin
• |
• 12-10-2016

Project final conference takes place in Brussels, pointing the way towards improved EU job mobility for charter captains operating Small Commercial Ve...

Yacht design seeking for limits

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 12-10-2016

Newest scientific developments highlighted in HISWA Symposium on Yacht Design and Yacht Construction

The 24th International HISWA Symposium on Yacht De...

METSTRADE & IBEX join forces!

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 05-10-2016

Dear All, Dear Friends, Dear METSTRADE relation, 

With much proud and pleasure, I herewith send you the attached press release regarding a very ex...

Online Exhibitor Kick-Off

A must attend webinar for all exhibitors!

The online exhibitor webinar it the place to help you to prepare yourself for METSTRADE, to inspire you on al...

Leading the charge for the USA Pavilion

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 27-09-2016

Since METSTRADE's inception, The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has been leading the charge for the USA Pavilion. We are proud to an...

Out of this world keynotes at GSF

This year’s Global Superyacht Forum is focusing on smart solutions, therefore for the keynote presentation on day one, we’ll not only be l...

Sustainability in the Leisure Marine Industry… Ringing the changes, and learning from the past

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 27-09-2016

Following on from industry debates about the recycling of ‘dead boats,’ now comes the time to look forward and consider the concept of Lif...

Think Yachts, Think Holland

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 27-09-2016

The Dutch don’t like to blow their own trumpets, which is why one of our most famous sayings, roughly translated, is ‘keep it normal&rsquo...

SYBAss announces two new board members

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 26-09-2016

The annual general assembly of the Superyacht Builders Association (SYBAss) took place on 26 September 2016, traditionally prior to the Monaco Yacht S...

Full line up for The Future of Yacht Recycling Conference.

• By METSTRADE
• |
• 02-11-2015

The organisers of the first international Yacht Recycling Conference to take place in conjunction with METSTRADE in Amsterdam on 16^th November, have a...