Recruitment boom sparks move

01 Aug 2008

MOVING UP: Specialist marine recruitment company Marine Resources is moving to a 'prestigious' area in Carlton Crescent, Southampton, and taking on more staff following a boom in business.  

'Multi-million pound' investment for Sail, Power & Watersports Show

04 Aug 2008

BOAT SHOW: Known last year as the Earls Court Boat Show, the Sail, Power and Watersports Show hits Earls Court in November with a 'multi-million pound' investment deal headed up by 2007 backer Robert Court. 

Motor Show Marine Experience 'an outstanding success'

04 Aug 2008

MOTOR SHOW: The Marine Experience at the British International Motor Show (BIMS) 'exceeded all expectations' say organisers National Boat Shows (NBS). NBS says the event generated a number of sales and valuable leads for exhibitors, whilst taking advantage of a potential new audience. 

Crinan Canal sea lock closed again

04 Aug 2008

INLAND WATERWAYS: The Crinan Canal sea lock was forced to close again at the weekend following new concerns about its safety. The closure came just hours after re-opening from two weeks of work to repair a failed bond between the concrete cill and the lock floor.  

The ‘Who Cares Cup’

04 Aug 2008

AMERICA’S CUP: After watching what used to be the greatest sailing event in history for a number of years, Portsmouth Poll says she reckons it’s time to find something else to get involved with. 

Canoe hire company cleared over lake death

11 Aug 2008

COURT ACTION: A canoe hire operator has been cleared of health and safety breaches over the death of a canoeist. David Proctor, who hires out canoes on Lake Vyrnwy from his firm Bethania Adventure, faced three health and safety charges following the death of 68-year-old David Phillips in 2004. 

Soaring fuel prices drive freight onto waterways

11 Aug 2008

INLAND WATERWAYS: Tesco and Eddie Stobart are among firms taking to the water to beat congestion and reduce costs. Tesco, one of several major firms now using the UK's waterways, transports wine on barges from Liverpool to its bottling plant in Irlam, Manchester, taking 50 lorries a week off the region's roads. 

New repair to troubled canal lock

11 Aug 2008

SCOTLAND: The Crinan Canal sea lock is open again six days after safety concerns forced it to close for a second time. The structure was closed for two weeks on 19 July after a bond failed between the concrete cill and the lock floor.  

Ainslie and Ayton lead at the end of day three

11 Aug 2008

OLYMPICS: Ben Ainslie moved into pole position in the Finn class at the 2008 Olympic Regatta in Qingdao yesterday (Monday) while the Yngling blondes headed by Sarah Ayton consolidated their position at the head of their class. 

Boaters protest over red diesel duty

11 Aug 2008

RED DIESEL: In what was optimistically announced as a national protest, press reports suggest a total of 16 boats set out from the Medway and Grimsby so their crews could register anger at the increase in the cost of marine diesel set to hit on 1 November after the UK’s derogation on red diesel came to an end. 

Green Blue teams up with Inwards

01 Sep 2008

ENVIRONMENT: In a move designed to increase awareness of the marine environment, the RYA and BMF’s Green Blue project has teamed up with Inwards, the Hamble-based motor yacht brokerage, to help educate its clients in all things eco-friendly. 

Olympics prove RYA IHC scheme

01 Sep 2008

OLYMPICS: The RYA’s sail certification scheme took another step forward as the first In House Certified (IHC) sails hit the race courses at the Olympic sailing venue of Qingdao.

Ribeye joins as RNLI Ambassador

01 Sep 2008

AMBASSADOR: Ribeye has joined the RNLI’s Ambassador Scheme that promotes its Offshore membership for recreational marine users. As an RNLI Ambassador Ribeye will be offering a year’s complimentary RNLI membership to all current and future Ribeye owners. 

The future of navigation

01 Sep 2008

NAVIGATION: The Royal Institute targets technical advancement and the future of GNSS, including GPS and Galileo, at its 2009 NAV conference which, this year, also includes the International Loran Association’s ILA 37 conference. 

Dawson AV Marine scoops 2nd award

01 Sep 2008

AWARDS: Bournemouth based Dawson AV Marine is celebrating a second accolade for ‘Best Marine Installation’ at the inaugural Crestron Integration Awards.  

10 applications for every apprenticeship

01 Sep 2008

APPRENTICESHIPS: There has been a surge in the number of people wanting to embark on a career in the marine industry with 10 applications made for every available place on its marine apprenticeship courses, says Paragon Skills for Industry, a provider of apprenticeship training. 

Sail, Power and Watersports Show successes

18 Aug 2008

BOAT SHOW: Peta Stuart-Hunt has been appointed director of media & communications at the Sail, Power and Watersports Show. A long-time industry PR specialist with her own company, PR Works, Ms Stuart-Hunt played a major role in Skandia’s long and successful association with Cowes Week. 

Coastguards face reprimand for rescue in banned boat

18 Aug 2008

COASTGUARD: A volunteer coastguard crew faces disciplinary action after going to the rescue of a teenage swimmer in a boat that had recently been repaired and was awaiting a seaworthiness inspection.  

DAME Awards add eco-friendly category

18 Aug 2008

METS: In addition to awarding the eight established equipment categories, the 2008 DAME (Design Award MEts) jury will be highlighting the product it reckons to be the most eco friendly. All category nominations are eligible for consideration but the certificate will be awarded at the jury’s discretion. 

Land Rover continues as SBS Official Car Partner

18 Aug 2008

BOAT SHOW: Land Rover is extending its relationship as Official Car Partner for both the PSP Southampton Boat Show 2008 and the London International Boat Show 2009. 

Tall Ships race boat in Mayday rescue

18 Aug 2008

MAYDAY: A Tall Ships crew was saved on Saturday night when the skipper put out a Mayday call after failing to plug a leak that had started to flood the ex-Clipper Race boat's main saloon. It's thought the flooding was caused by a broken fitting in the engine exhaust system. 

Crunch creates short break hire bookings

18 Aug 2008

INLAND WATERWAYS: According to the national media, the 'Credit Crunch' affecting many British consumers has brought about a boom in UK holidays, writes Harry Arnold. 

VT development plans approved

18 Aug 2008

DEVELOPMENT: Revised plans for the £500m redevelopment of the Vosper Thorneycroft site at Woolston in Southampton were approved yesterday, Monday, in spite of a record 1,640 objections lodged against them. 

Strong first half from Raymarine

18 Aug 2008

FINANCIALS: In spite of weak trading conditions, Raymarine announced strong interim results for the first six months of 2008. 

Southern Motorboats in administration

18 Aug 2008

ADMINISTRATION: The 2007 Jeanneau Worldwide Powerboat Dealer of the Year went into administration on 13 August. Southern Motorboats, which had outlets on the Hamble, Poole and Weymouth & Portland, is now in the hands of Portland Business and Financial solutions. 

CORRECTION - Lifeboat controversy at Hope Cove is not an RNLI vessel

19 Aug 2008

The RNLI has asked that we make a point clear on the story we ran in our Monday night NewsUpdate.  

Wilkie steps down from BMF Scotland

01 Sep 2008

SCOTLAND: David Wilkie has retired from the British Marine Federation Scotland Presidency after 14 years, and also stepped down as Scottish Vice-President of the BMF.  

Henderson takes on new SBA role

01 Sep 2008

SCOTLAND: Hugh Henderson, who until recently has been chairman of RYA Scotland, is the new and first chairman of Scottish Boating Alliance, a pressure and lobbying group which represents many strands of recreational boating to government and local authorities in Scotland, writes Mike Balmforth. 

'Green' pub sustained by water

01 Sep 2008

SCOTLAND: An unlikely joint venture between a pub-running company and British Waterways has sprouted the country's first sustainable bar, writes Mike Balmforth. 

Tobermory gets new yachting facilities

01 Sep 2008

SCOTLAND: On July 3rd, Taigh Solais (lighthouse), the new harbour building at Ledaig, Tobermory, was opened by HRH The Princess Royal, writes Mike Balmforth.  

Scottish Boat Jumble

01 Sep 2008

Scottish skipper wins Clipper race

01 Sep 2008

SCOTLAND: At the Liverpool finale of the Clipper Round the World Race, first to finish was New York, making their sixth race win in the ten month Round the World series to become the overall Clipper 07/08 title winner, writes Mike Balmforth. 

Stranraer pontoons in place

01 Sep 2008

SCOTLAND: The regeneration of Stranraer harbour as a marina and port of call for cruising yachts is nearing completion with the installation of 50 fully serviced pontoon berths, writes Mike Balmforth. 

Scottish Marine Bill

01 Sep 2008

SCOTLAND: The Scottish Government has launched a public consultation on proposals for Scotland's first Marine Bill, writes Mike Balmforth. 

Buyout for Brixham rigging company

01 Sep 2008

SOUTH WEST: Atlantic Spars and Rigging has undergone a management buyout, writes Katina Read. 

Military move for Powercat

01 Sep 2008

SOUTH WEST: Cornish boat builder Powercat has teamed up with Tactronics Group Europe to create and launch a completely new military boat, writes Katina Read.  

Natural synergy prompts Orca move

01 Sep 2008

SOUTH WEST: Plymouth based Western Marine Power has bought Orca Boat Services as part of a wider strategic expansion plan, writes Katina Read.  

Build-a-boat school project

01 Sep 2008

SOUTH COAST: Cowes High School has started a boatbuilding course and have produced their first vessel, a 2.4m pram dinghy, writes Iain Sutherland. 

Race goes ahead - without organisers

01 Sep 2008

SOUTH COAST: The Cowes-Torquay-Cowes powerboat race will go ahead despite the organisers, Powerboat P1 pulling out because of a lack of entries, writes Iain Sutherland. 

Overnight waterways works

01 Sep 2008

INLAND WATERWAYS: In a bid to get ahead with the planned winter work programme on the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal, British Waterways West Midlands is to fit new lock gates during overnight stoppages of the waterway, writes Harry Arnold.  

Flood defence will hit business

01 Sep 2008

EAST COAST: The Norfolk and Suffolk Boating Association has warned that flood defence proposals for the right bank of the River Bure between Upton and Acle would take away important moorings and hit local businesses, writes Debbie Cowan. 

Simpson sinks

01 Sep 2008

INLAND WATERWAYS: Simpson Boats - based at Brimscombe Port on the Cotswold Canals - went into liquidation during the second week in August, writes Harry Arnold.  

Liverpool Link gets closer to tourists

01 Sep 2008

INLAND WATERWAYS: The first new lock gates in the Liverpool Canal Link project have been installed, writes Harry Arnold. 

A Central BMF networking opportunity, my Liege...

26 Aug 2008

BANQUET: The Central BMF Region says it's going 'back to the future' with a Mediaeval Banquet event on 30 October at Coombe Abbey near Coventry. 

Hamble company goes upstream

01 Sep 2008

MOVE: Hamble Marine has moved from one end of the River Hamble in Warsash, to larger, more central premises at Deacons Boatyard in Bursledon, at the other end of the river. 

Penton Hook gets greener

01 Sep 2008

INVESTMENT: A new crane that will provide not only increased capacity, but a cleaner, quieter and more efficient operation has been installed in Britain's largest inland marina at Penton Hook on the Thames. 

Reeds sails through online target

01 Sep 2008

SUCCESS: Reeds Nautical Online Almanac has bucked the 'credit crunch' trend and sailed through a target of 5,000 subscribers, adding another 1,764 from Skandia Cowes Week alone.  

Tell-tale dye shows up a dump

01 Sep 2008

POLLUTION: A tell-tale dye system that shows if a boat discharges it's toilet or holding tank in the wrong place could well catch on in Europe. Gary Sutcliffe, operations director of LeeSan (the marine sanitation and pump-out equipment specialists), reports on a new trend in the USA. 

Used boats will float on Southampton's tide

01 Sep 2008

BOAT SHOW: The 29th Premier Used Boat Show at the Swanwick Marina on the River Hamble will probably catch a few dreams inspired by its bigger, glossier sister in Southampton. 

VOR wants 'sofa experts'

01 Sep 2008

VOR/WYRF: Knut Frostad, CEO of the Volvo Ocean Race will be flying in from the second stopover of the event to share his insights on the new format of the race and his perspective on the opportunities in sailing at the World Yacht Racing Forum. 

Premier Marinas forces MFA retraction

26 Aug 2008

DREDGING: A press release sent out to UK leisure marine publications on 19 August by the Marine Fisheries Association (MFA) has been withdrawn with the promise that an amendment will be issued this week. 

Tony Le Saffre passes away

26 Aug 2008

OBITUARY: Tony Le Saffre, former president of the Navimo Group, has passed away aged 60 after fighting bravely against a vicious illness for just a year. 

BW to monitor Devils Den use

26 Aug 2008

INLAND WATERWAYS: British Waterways (BW) has issued a statement on the installation of the door on the Devil's Den cave and the associated work completed for the Grantscape project. 

Olympic flame passes to Britain

26 Aug 2008

OLYMPICS: And so the UK ended up 4th in the medal tables, but – more importantly - our sailors once again showed the world how it was done. And for Ben Ainslie to win yet another Finn gold medal puts him ahead of Rodney Pattisson to become our best Olympic sailor by far. 

PSP SBS exhibitor events almost full…

26 Aug 2008

PSP SBS: Last year saw the first evening events put on for exhibitors and very successful most were too.  

Oceanair’s third Queen's Award

01 Sep 2008

QUEEN'S AWARDS: Oceanair has been honoured for the third time with a Queen's Award for Enterprise for ‘Outstanding performance in International Trade’. The award recognises Oceanair’s continual increase of over 65% in export sales over the past three years. 

Recession? What recession?

01 Sep 2008

CHARTER: In a direct response to reports of the industry sinking into recession, Steve Tyas of the Haslar-based Solent Yacht Charter, says he's got loads of business. 

Earthrace calls in at Lowestoft

01 Sep 2008

EARTHRACE: After completing her record circumnavigation, the bio-diesel fuelled Earthrace left Norway and, instead of appearing at ExCeL for the British International Motor Show (BIMS) and the NBS-organised Marine Experience, she headed for Lowestoft. 

ASAP supplies a restructure

01 Sep 2008

RESTRUCTURE: There's a new management structure at the top of ASAP Supplies following an in-depth review of business and operations at the Beccles, Suffolk, based equipment supply company. 

Earthrace stopped by red tape

01 Sep 2008

RED TAPE: Earthrace, the holder of the fastest circumnavigation by a powerboat – fuelled by biodiesel – has been shot at by Columbian bandits, had encounters with strange fishing boats and ridden through huge storms. But she’s been stopped in her tracks by the UK’s Health & Safety laws. 

NBS supports first Ocean BMW Torbay Week

01 Sep 2008

REGATTA: National Boat Shows (NBS) supported the first Ocean BMW Torbay Week, which came to a close on Wednesday 27 August, with a display from the Red Arrows bringing down the curtain on what NBS calls a fantastic sailing event. 

PSP SBS exhibitor events filling up

01 Sep 2008

PSP SBS: The evening events for PSP SBS exhibitors are filling up nicely, so you’d better be quick to ensure getting in to those that still have spaces. The North and South Wales Boat Show-sponsored Honda Ride Out on the Tuesday – which has a charity component for Riders for Health - is now full, as is the boatshed.com Kart Racing on the Wednesday. 

Palmer Johnson starts recruitment drive

01 Sep 2008

SUPERYACHTS: Palmer Johnson, the US-based superyacht builder which had its plans for a manufacturing plant at Woolston approved last week, has begun a recruitment drive to fill the promised 800 jobs. 

New Princess owner buys Feadship yard

02 Sep 2008

ACQUISITION: The France-based luxury goods group LVMH Moët Hennessy-Louis Vuitton SA has added to its recent acquisition of Princess Yachts International Plc by buying the top Dutch Feadship yard. 

Three boats stolen

01 Sep 2008

THEFT: Cambrian Boats tells us it had a visit from some likely lads who made off with three boats. Two were black Rinker 192s, one is Hull No: US-RNK91564E809 and the other is Hull No: US-RNK90552J708. Both boats were on SBS Trailers. 

Quayside on its uppers

01 Sep 2008

ADMINISTRATION: The parent company of shoe and clothing company Quayside went into administration on 4 August. Deck (Leisure) Ltd is in the hands of Grant Thornton LLP in Bristol.