Marine experts gathered at the METS show in Amsterdam to announce the year’s best equipment design
HIGHPOWER SERVOPROP 25
New large electric saildrive. Reliable and extremely quiet 48V electric solution from Finland, designed for yachts from 45ft-70ft. The pitch of the propeller can be adjusted and the pod rotated 360° to maximise efficiency for both propulsion and electricity generation, with the system able to return up to 5kW of power when the yacht is sailing at 10 knots. The DAME jury noted how the designers have clearly put a lot of thought into reducing installation and maintenance times.
£61,000
ZHIK SEABOOT 700
Extremely comfortable, flexible and lightweight new boots from Australian company, Zhik, who collaborated closely with tyre specialist Michelin on the design of the sole and formulation of the rubber materials used. The DAME jury considered the result to be a clear step forward for waterproof and breathable footwear that sailors may need to wear for many hours, even many days, at a time.
£349
ATLAS 190 PRO SENSOR
New range of 150N lifejackets from Canada incorporating ADAPT technology (Advanced Airway Protection and Turning), with specially designed bladder lobes shaped for effective turning in the water, baffle barriers for efficient wave dispersion, and a 3D-integrated pillow for optimal head support. The vest sits off the neck to reduce pressure on the neck and shoulders. The DAME jury were impressed by how comfortable the lifejackets felt to wear, being both flexible and lightweight.
£210
TEMO 1000
Sleek, portable and quiet electric outboard from France, designed to fit and propel large dinghies and small sailing boats up to 8m (26ft), providing the equivalent of 3hp. The DAME jury were particularly impressed with the interchangeable battery system that fits inside the leg of the outboard. Weighs just 15kg (33 lb), including the 5kg (11 lb) battery. Also features a retractable twist-grip control handle and 360º rotating transom bracket.
£2,500
SMRT ALERT
Distress device combining AIS and VHF DSC technology to enhance speedy MOB recovery. Features automatic activation, after total water immersion for more than two seconds, to ensure that even the most incapacitated or inexperienced sailors who fall overboard are still able to have a DSC distress signal broadcast, with their exact location tracked in real-time using highly accurate dual GPS and Galileo receivers through AIS. Includes a powerful strobe light to improve detection in low light conditions.
£270
ORBIT WINCH
Features QuickTrim facility to help sailors ease their lines without removin
