Connecticut

Air Caster Tech in the Shipyard

Like the magic carpet of ancient myth, air caster technology has revolutionized the way in which heavy payloads can be moved in a cost effective and efficient way — floating on air. Developed post-World War II by engineers at General Motors, air casters were later modified and improved for the construction of the iconic Boeing 707 in the early 1960s. Today, used in a host of industries, companies in the maritime industry are employing air casters to handle lifts from mega-yachts to massive hull sections and Z-drives.A PrimerA form of hydraulics that uses air instead of fluid…

Cachet Covers & a Boy's Fascination with Ships

Like many boys, Charles. F. “Bud” Kirby, Jr. loved ships. He had drawings, models, pictures, newspaper clippings, and scrapbooks. And, as his son, Don, recently learned, he had cachet covers of submarines.Bud would send stamped envelopes to the Electric Boat Company that he had addressed to himself in Watertown, Mass. These envelopes would be stamped with a commemorative cachet and then appropriately cancelled at Groton, Connecticut, where the EB shipyard was located, or on the ship if it had been commissioned.Each ship has its own post office, and its own cancellation stamp.

Gulfstream Wins DHS Ferry Contract

Gulfstream Shipbuilding won a contract through the United States Department of Homeland Security for a passenger/vehicle ferry to service the New York and Connecticut waters. This 118 x 27 x 10.75 ft. crew boat-style vessel will be capable of transporting passengers, freight and vehicles in and around the waters of the Eastern Long Island Sound and Gardiner’s Bay. The vessel has an expected delivery date of April 2017. “Gulfstream Shipbuilding is not only familiar with the Eastern Long Island Sound waters…

Sea Tow Presents Franchise Awards

Sea Tow Services International, Inc., a professional on-water assistance provider, honored members of its national network for outstanding customer service and dedication to boating safety at the Sea Tow Awards Luncheon held on November 17. The event was a highlight of the organization’s 2016 Annual Meeting, which brought Sea Tow operators from across the country to the Wyndham Lake Buena Vista Resort in Orlando from November 14-17, 2016. Sea Tow Franchise of the Year, awarded to the franchise that most exemplifies Sea Tow’s high standards of service and operation…

Sparkman & Stephens under New Ownership

Sparkman & Stephens (S&S), the naval architecture and brokerage firm founded by Olin Stephens and Drake Sparkman in 1929, announced that it was acquired by a group of private investors led by Brooke S. Parish and John B. Reuter. The transaction enables S&S to implement expansion strategies in its design and brokerage businesses, for which it sought growth capital. The firm remains privately held and terms of the deal were not disclosed. “We feel a tremendous sense of pride and responsibility to assume stewardship of a brand and a company whose legacy in American yachting cannot be overstated…

ABC Draws 35 Industry Organizations as Co-hosts

The 2016 American Boating Congress (ABC) will be co-hosted by 35 industry organizations, working together to create a dynamic and engaging program that meets the needs of the entire recreational boating industry. Now in its fourth year, the ABC co-host program brings together organizations across all industry segments to strengthen recreational boating’s collective advocacy impact. These organizations have committed their time and resources in order to develop an event that will create a louder voice for recreational boating on Capitol Hill. ABC will be held in Washington, DC on May 9-11, 2016.

Rockport Debuts Custom 26-Foot Powerboat

Immediately upon her debut at the WoodenBoat Show in Mystic, Connecticut, Rockport Marine's 26-foot cold-molded powerboat Rembrandt won her class at the Concours d'Elegance. Rembrandt   is a New England-style center console yacht designed by the Rockport Marine design office. Judges at the annual WoodenBoat Show awarded her "Best Professionally Built Powerboat" for her exceptional craftsmanship in both her hull and interior. Designed and built by Rockport Marine for a customer who will cruise New York-area waters…

'I Built It Myself' Boatbuilding Competition

AkzoNobel’s Interlux is once again the sponsor of the “I Built It Myself” trailerable wooden boat competition at the WoodenBoat Show. This year’s event will be held June 26-28 on the village green at Mystic Seaport in Mystic, Connecticut. “I Built It Myself” annually attracts as many as 50 beautifully crafted boats and proud owners/builders. In previous years, the collection has included kayaks, skiffs, daysailers, canoes and much more by a variety of designers such as Iain Oughtred, Joel White, Chesapeake Light Craft, Arch Davis and William & John Atkin.

Collaboration Yields New Sailboat Design

Front Street Shipyard's in-house design team has collaborated with yacht designer Bill Tripp to develop a new line of modern sloops now available for construction. The composite sailboat line, positioned as a new option for new construction at Front Street Shipyard's Belfast, Maine facility, includes 84-foot, 102-foot and 112-foot yachts that are performance-oriented with a range of interior options. The concepts, interior designs and exterior styling of the new yacht line have…

Ocean Marketing to Represent Bluefin LED

Ocean Marketing, Inc. has been appointed by Bluefin LED, U.K.-based manufacturer of underwater lighting, to represent Bluefin products on the east coast of the U.S. “Bluefin’s advanced LED lights are engineered from the finest sourced components and materials and can be used to provide breathtaking nighttime illumination on all types of boats and yachts,” said John Thommen, President of Ocean Marketing. Bluefin recently announced the launch of a unique range of color-changing underwater lights, which will be featured on the company stand (3.307) at METS 2014 in Amsterdam, November 18-20.

Defender Brings MagicEzy Products to N. America

MagicEzy, Australian manufacturer of new MagicEzy9-Second Chip Fix, MagicEzyHairline Fix and MagicEzyMega Fusionboat surface repair products, has announced that American marine outfitter Defender Industries is now offering its products nationwide through its website, mail order catalog and 110,000-square-foot warehouse outlet store in Waterford, Connecticut. A marine outfitter since 1938, Defender offers an array of products covering every aspect of boating equipment, gear and supplies. With roots in the U.S.

There’s Still Time for SHIPPINGInsight Award Entries

Entry submissions for the first SHIPPINGInsight Award are due Friday, Aug. 1, but organizers said they will continue to accept nominations through following week to provide some extra time. SHIPPINGInsight Award offers an opportunity to be recognized as a leading innovator in ship and fleet optimization achievements. Entry forms can be downloaded at shippinginsight.com/awards. SHIPPINGInsight 2014 will be held September 30 through October 2 in Stamford, Connecticut. shippinginsight.com

Bavaria Yachts USA Open Atlanta HQ

The new Atlanta office is located in Atlanta's Midtown district, front and centers on Peachtree Street, the city's busiest thoroughfare. This location will serve as the company's national corporate headquarters, and a satellite sales location, as well as a "Port of Call" for Bavaria owners residing in, or visiting Atlanta, says Bavaria. "We are excited to continue our expansion across the U.S.," explains Kenny Feld, Managing Director of Bavaria Yachts USA, "we have been energized and humbled by the eager reception of U.S. boat buyers for Bavaria Yachts' premium quality and performance cruising sailboats…

Kennedy Named Director of Marketing

Fleet Miami has announced it has appointed Kathy Kennedy as Director of Marketing. Kennedy joins the Miami-based yachting club from her most recent position as Executive Vice President of Moore Stephens Isle of Man. Prior to that she worked with the Ferretti Group on North American market development and served as Derecktor Shipyards’ Director of Marketing during the build of the 85.6m motor yacht Cakewalk. In her new role, Kennedy will oversee Fleet Miami’s brand identity with an emphasis on outreach and business development.

Obituary: Wesley Wheeler, 1933-2014

Wesley D. Wheeler passed away on April 18 in Stamford, Connecticut. He was 80 years old. He was laid to rest in Cyprus Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn, N.Y. Wheeler was an active member of the marine community for 60 years. He lived and worked in many countries and for some of the largest naval architects, consultants and shipbuilding companies in the world including JJ. Henry & Co., J. J. McMullen Associates, H.M. Tiedemann & Co, American Bulk Carriers, Sparkman & Stephens Inc., Astilleros Espanoles and M. Rosenblatt & Son. He founded his own firm, Wheeler Associates Ltd.

American Boating Congress Draws 36 Co-hosts

Partnerships showcase growing industry-wide commitment advocacy, unity on Capitol Hill. In 2013, the American Boating Congress (ABC) was co-hosted by 31 industry organizations who worked together to create a dynamic and engaging program, that met the needs of the entire recreational boating industry. This year, driven by 2013’s success, 36 industry partners have agreed to co-host ABC, answering the call to strengthen the industry’s collective advocacy impact. ABC will be held in Washington, DC on May 5-7, 2014.

Hunton XRS37 To Fly The British Flag in Fort Lauderdale

Hunton, the British manufacturer of high-performance, luxury powerboats and tenders, will bring the XRS37 to the waters of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Following a reception at a VIP and press event in Greenwich, Connecticut, the XRS37 has headed south to the warmer climes of Florida and is set to star along the coast with a series of customer and press sea trials throughout the early weeks of November. Customers in Greenwich were all stunned by the looks and craftsmanship of the Hunton XRS37…

Raymarine Hurricane Sandy Refit Program

In October 2012 boaters all along the eastern seaboard and particularly in the Mid-Atlantic States sustained extensive damage to boats, homes and property due to Hurricane Sandy. Raymarine is offering relief to boaters affected by the hurricane to help get them back out on the water. Through June 30, 2013, Raymarine is offering boaters in the federally designated Hurricane Sandy disaster and emergency areas an extra incentive when replacing their storm damaged systems with brand-new Raymarine electronics.

West Marine to Sell Harvey Westbury's Products

Harvey Westbury Corp. (OTC:HVYW), a provider of marine aftermarket accessories, has announced that the Company's "Garry's Royal Satin" flagship product line of marine waxes and cleansers is now being sold by West Marine through its retail website and national catalog. Additionally, the products are available for order at any of West Marine's national retail stores upon request. Previously, Harvey Westbury's products were carried at West Marine retail stores solely in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.