He will work alongside Sobstad's technical director Jeremy Robinson, taking what they learn from the race course to develop new moulds and sail shapes for One Design keelboats and big boats to ensure the brand continues to be one of the most successful in terms of regatta successes, and most importantly customer satisfaction.

Scott's first project will be to update and refine Sobstad's J80 and 1720 sails, drawing on his extensive experience and successes and bringing these to the market to allow customers in these classes to benefit.

Mark Horner has been appointed technical manager at Waeco UK. He joins with 16 years experience as assistant and ultimately technical manager of Aqua-Marine, where he was heavily involved in distributing Waeco and Engel DC refrigeration.

Horner has a wealth of experience in all aspects of battery management, chargers and inverters. He is married with a young daughter and confesses to being an Arsenal supporter.

Mark Dowland Marine has made two major appointments.

Bob Churchill (top right) joined on December 1 as technical sales manager and has been specifically appointed to drive new business for MDM through its increasing stable of technical brands. He joins with over 20 years experience of the UK marine industry working with a variety of companies.

Charlie Williams (right) has joined the team to cover the South West and South Wales area. He joins MDM from a marine national representative group.

Williams has worked in the marine industry for the past 12 years and has wide experience gained from working in marine trade and distribution. He has built up six years experience of technical product at hands-on level and has worked since with a number of well-known chandlery and technical brands.