So here we are at the end of another year (not quite sure where it went but then we all ways say that, I wonder if we will ever stop being so surprised about how fast the years fly by).

But hey it's a New Year tomorrow which means that most high street retailers are desperately trying to get rid of the stuff that no one wanted in the summer, not so in the marine industry, the new year means lots of new and exciting products. The London boat show starts on Friday the 8Th of January and most of the big hitters in the industry have lots of exciting new products on offer. Clothing for instance sees the launch of an innovative new product from Henri Lloyd in the form of their Dame award winning Blue Eco suit which is the first technical sailing clothing to be made from recycled fabrics which at the end of it's life can then be returned to be recycled and made into a new jacket.

Other developments in clothing come from Gill who launch their new Race Range which is designed for those of us fortunate enough to do our sailing and racing some where sunny and warm. Designed from hi-tec lite weight materials these products are sure to prove very popular. Musto have also been back to the drawing board with the launch of several new products but probably the most note worthy is the re-design of the ever popular MPX range which sees improvements in the fabric technology and a more comfortable fit.

As ever the electronics industry has lept forwards again in the last 12 months with the new buzz words in the industry being wide screen and HD. 2010 sees new radar products from all of the major players including Raymarine and Garmin. Advances in vhf technology have led to the first Handheld VHF equipped with blutooth technology in the form of the Cobra MRHH475 (catchy) which enables you to make and receive calls from your mobile while it is tucked away somewhere safe and dry.

Other note worthy launches appear in the ever increasing lifejacket range, Crewsaver launch their new Crewfit 190N lifejackets (the first of their range to include integrated hoods) aimed at the area of the market currently ruled by the spinlock deckvest which has now got a big brother 275n version available at the show.

As you can see there are plenty of developments out there which suggests the marine industry is as alive and well as ever and willing to invest in it's future.

Happy New Year everybody!

Win a Boat at London International boat show

Win a Hunter 19 at the Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show

A group of boating enthusiasts from Burnham-on-Crouch, including team leader David Lewin – former chairman of the Marine Trades Association – have renovated a Hunter 19 for a raffle prize to raise funds for Burnham RNLI.

As well as raising funds for the RNLI’s floating boathouse appeal for the town’s new Atlantic 85 lifeboat, the team has used the project – known as Boating on a Budget – to demonstrate that you don’t have be wealthy to go boating.

The project was a culmination of ideas put together by Lewin and Roger Noble, Chairman of Burnham-on-Crouch Lifeboat Station. Because Noble was involved in the ongoing ‘Burnham Floating Boathouse Appeal’ to raise £130,000 towards a new floating boathouse, and Lewin was keen to fulfill his passion to encourage more people, of all ages, to take up sailing on a budget, this was the perfect scheme. “There are so many ‘wrecks’ out there lying at the back of boatyards just longing to be restored – it just needs average DIY skills and some elbow grease!”
On a mission, the pair managed to locate a Hunter 19 cruiser/racing keelboat ‘Barangoola’ that was in need of total renovation. She was in a sad state of repair having been left to rot in a back garden for four years so therefore was the perfect platform for the Boating on a Budget project team to demonstrate how they could bring her back to life for under £5,000.
Because of its charitable connection, nearly all the major equipment was donated by members of the Marine Industry including a new outboard engine from Yamaha, deck gear from Barton Marine and Allen Fittings, general equipment from Plastimo, paint from International Paints, and FLAG Paints, rigging from Proboat, and general chandlery from Mailspeed Marine.

Dick Rycroft, from the RNLI said: “It was a real team effort with various members of the Burnham RNLI also donating their spare time to work on the boat. We were also very fortunate in being able to have a boat shed to use, generously lent us by Nick Oliver of Rice & Cole.”

To help with the project’s marketing, Tullett Prebon London International Boat Show organisers have donated a stand at the 2010 Show in January where ‘Barangoola’ will be on display to demonstrate what can be achieved with a limited budget.
For a chance of winning the sparkling ‘new’ Hunter 19, head to the main stage in the North Hall where £5 tickets can be purchased. The draw will take place on Sunday 17th January, and all proceeds will be donated to the Burnham-on-Crouch RNLI Floating Boathouse Appeal. Rycroft, concluded by saying: “The plan is to promote safe, enjoyable boating on a budget primarily to the starter market and by selling £5 raffle tickets to 5% of the number of people who visited last year’s show we could raise up to £30k for the boathouse appeal.”

See us at London Boatshow from the 8th-17th of January on stands 46A, 52J & 64J where we will have great daily offers and new and exclusive products.

Buy tickets for the Tullet Prebon London International Boat show

Beat the VAT increase

Don't forget the rate of VAT goes back up to 17.5% on the 1st of January 2010, so now is an ideal time to buy yourself all those things you really wanted for Christmas and didn't get. From offshore sailing kit to GPS units and loads more for the boating enthusiast.

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