The Council, CMAL and the Northern Lighthouse Board previously had different responsibilities for areas of Oban Bay, with some parts of the Bay not being part of the jurisdiction of any organisation, which had led to confusion for users.

Following a risk review and decision from the Harbour Board, the Council requested formal application of an HRO to expand its Municipal Port Authority limits. This expanded area allows the Council to oversee the entirety of the Bay and its approach, removing ambiguity for the benefit of its harbour users. Scottish Ministers considered the HRO, and after extensive public consultation, issued the Order on 22 October 2026.

In support of the HRO application, marine consultancy and survey company ABPmer worked with the Council to develop a Navigational Risk Assessment (NRA) and associated mapping for the extension of the Statutory Harbour Authority area. This included the Bay’s approaches to the north and part of the Sound of Kerrera, based on mapping information identifying areas of intense vessel traffic use.

In support of the HRO application, ABPmer mapped the proposed extension of the Statutory Harbour Authority area limits for Oban Bay and approaches. Image credit: Argyll and Bute Council. Download full resolution at abpmer.co.uk

Monty Smedley, Maritime Associate at ABPmer, said: “We were very pleased to support the Council over an extended period, gathering vessel traffic data, analysing traffic patterns, working with stakeholders to understand Navigation Risk and supporting the Council with harbour limit mapping and marine safety management enquiries.”

Councillor Ross Moreland, Chair of Argyll and Bute Harbour Board, said: “The HRO process has required a clear focus on marine safety, with the Council working with all stakeholders to build on the current voluntary Code of Conduct for vessel traffic management, and to understand where improvements are needed in the backdrop of growth in ferry services, cruise vessel calls, marine recreational use and local fishing interests. Working with ABPmer, the Council has relied upon vessel traffic information to understand use and underpin marine risk assessments as essential information for the HRO process.”

ABPmer’s support of the successful HRO application reflects the company’s extensive experience providing specialist advice to port, harbour and marina owners and operators on new and change-of-use facilities, consents and licensing requirements, safety of navigation and environmental issues.

The post Argyll and Bute Council receives approval as Oban Bay Municipal Harbour Authority appeared first on All At Sea.

The annual meeting provides an important opportunity for IRC representatives to share experience from their regions, consider developments affecting the sport and agree the future direction of the IRC rating rule.

A series of IRC rule changes for 2027 was approved. These are largely clarifications and will not change existing rating processes. They cover the setting of sails, the use of manual and stored power, the effect of changes to maximum beam on a boat’s age date, a new definition of Tack Point, clarification of the purpose of the maximum tack point for flying headsails, and clearer wording relating to aft rigging on twin-masted boats.

Congress also considered submissions from IRC Rule Authorities. Subjects included the use of local offshore special regulations, the treatment of scow bows and code zero or ‘code boost’ sails, storm jibs and the adjustment of turnbuckles during racing. Several of these matters will be referred to the IRC Technical Committee for further consideration.

A proposed IRC Grand Prix concept was presented at the meeting. Designed as an enhanced certification and technical assurance framework rather than a separate rating rule, it would provide additional verification and event controls for selected high-performance fleets. Development will draw on processes used for the 2027 Admiral’s Cup, Sardinia Cup and International Maxi Association, followed by limited pilot use at suitable events before any wider introduction.

A significant subject of discussion was IRC’s proposed strategic direction for 2027 to 2032. The strategy aims to preserve IRC’s established strengths of simplicity, technical credibility, support for major events, owner focus and international reach, while modernising the organisation and responding to changing technology, expectations and participation levels. Plans include the development of a digital platform to improve certificate administration, data management, measurer support and event integration.

Delegates took the opportunity to discuss ways to increase participation and provide clearer pathways into IRC from local and entry-level rating systems, while recognising that different countries may continue to use entry level rating systems suited to their local fleets and circumstances. National representatives also reported on IRC activity, event participation, technical developments and the challenges facing racing communities in their regions.

Congress also reviewed preparations for the 2027 Admiral’s Cup, future IRC championships, possible closer links between major offshore events, the importance of setting crew limitations, and the benefits of equipment inspection.

IRC Congress 2025 Minutes and papers: 

https://ircrating.org/about/irc-congress/ 

The post IRC Congress 2026 Sets Direction for the Years Ahead appeared first on All At Sea.

Available initially through the Apple App Store, the Rightboat App makes it easier for buyers to explore the market wherever they are, whether researching from home, comparing boats at a show or continuing their search from the marina.

Users can browse boats from professional brokers, dealers and private sellers*, refine searches around the criteria that matter to them and review listings with detailed specifications, photography and seller information.

Buyers can also receive alerts when relevant inventory becomes available, helping them stay ahead of new opportunities without repeatedly running the same search. That added immediacy can matter in a market where the right boat may attract interest quickly.

“Mobile is an important way for Rightboat to connect with the boating community,” said Josie Tucci, Vice President of Marketing at Rightboat. “For buyers, it places a global choice of boats within easy reach, throughout the day. For brokers and dealers, it creates more opportunities for their inventory to stay visible and be discovered by people actively considering their next boat.”

The App is designed around the way people actually shop for boats. A search is rarely completed in one sitting, so buyers can continue exploring whenever inspiration strikes, revisit boats they are considering and contact sellers directly from their mobile device.

“Our product focus was simple: make the essential parts of a boat search work naturally on mobile.” said Joe Lingerfelt, Product Director at Rightboat. “Buyers can browse detailed listings, contact sellers and receive alerts when relevant boats appear. Each feature is designed to reduce effort and help people move more easily from browsing to a direct conversation with a seller.”

For brokers and dealers, the App creates another route for listings to reach active buyers and helps keep inventory visible throughout the purchase journey.

You can download the App here.

The post Rightboat Launches New Mobile App appeared first on All At Sea.

The finalists feature an exceptional selection of world champions, round-the-world record holders, rising stars, pioneers and organisations committed to making a difference to the global sailing community. Each finalist impressed the judging panel with their achievements over the past year.

This year’s awards will be announced at a live ceremony on Wednesday 18 November 2026 in Qingdao, China, where the President’s Development Award and Beppe Croce Trophy will also be presented.

Voting opens today and everyone who loves sailing is invited to help decide the winners. The public vote will make up 50% of the final decisions with 50% contributed by World Sailing’s expert panel of judges.

Sign up or login with your email here to vote.

Voting closes at 12:00 UTC on Monday 2 November.

Award Shortlists

Rolex World Sailor of the Year finalists – Female

• Paula Barcelo and Maria Cantero (ESP)

• Maria Giubilei (ITA)

• Lauriane Nolot (FRA)

• Charlotte Rose (USA)

Rolex World Sailor of the Year finalists – Male

• Thomas Coville (FRA)

• Max Maeder (SGP)

• Luuc van Opzeeland (NED)

• Matt Wearn (AUS)

Young World Sailor of the Year – Female

• Medea Falcioni (ITA)

• Vaina Picot (FRA)

• Catalina Turienzo (ARG)

• Tamar Steinberg (ISR)

Young World Sailor of the Year – Male

• Manuel Bragança (BRA)

• Paul Loiseau (FRA)

• Gian Andrea Stragiotti (SUI)

• Federico Pilloni (ITA)

World Sailing 11th Hour Racing Impact Award

• The Little Optimist Trust (RSA)

• Shake-A-Leg Miami (USA)

• Turning Point Foundation (GER)

• The Yacht Club of Hyderabad (IND)

Team of the Year

• Diego Botin and Florian Trittel (ESP)

• Luna Rossa Team (ITA)

• Martin Wrigley and Bettine Harris (GBR)

• Seb Menzies and George Lee Rush (NZL)

• The Famous Project CIC (FRA)

The post 2026 World Sailing Awards finalists revealed appeared first on All At Sea.

Since opening in July 2015, the Welsh National Sailing Academy and Events Centre has welcomed more than 47 UK, European and World Championship events.

Plas Heli is also a much-valued training base, with sailors from across the country attending regularly for RYA, British Sailing Pathway, Welsh and class squads.

A Welsh Sailing | Hwylio Cymru Impact Award has now been presented to the Plas Heli team in recognition of their contribution to the sport, while the RYA has reaffirmed its commitment to the venue as a leading UK sailing centre.

Nick Scott, RYA Director of Sport, said: “Plas Heli is an important asset for sailing in Wales and across the UK. Through our youth and pathway programmes, we’ve seen first-hand the value it provides as a venue for training and developing the next generation of sailors. It is also one of only a handful of locations with the facilities, expertise and infrastructure required to host major sailing events successfully. Places like Plas Heli are vital to the long-term health of our sport, and we look forward to seeing it continue to develop and thrive in the years ahead.”

World class

Located between Hafan Pwllheli Marina and a sweeping sandy beach, Plas Heli provides direct access to Cardigan Bay and some of the world’s finest sailing waters, with a stunning backdrop towards Eryri | Snowdonia. Sheltered from the prevailing south westerly winds, the beach enables even the biggest fleets to launch and recover efficiently, with a short sail to the racing areas, minimal tidal influences and no big commercial traffic.

Major events in 2026 have included more than 225 junior sailors competing at the RS Feva and RS Tera Nationals. As RS Feva class secretary Chrissie Le Petit summed up: “Plas Heli is an outstanding location for hosting events, featuring a sailing area filled with delightful Welsh waves, along with excellent camping facilities. The team is top-notch: always welcoming, professional, and dedicated to helping you achieve your vision for the event. The RS Feva Class consistently leaves with smiles, and we eagerly anticipate our next visit.”

Award winning

Presenting the Impact Award, Sarah McGovern, Chief Operating Officer for RYA Cymru Wales | Welsh Sailing, said: “From weekends to week-long national and international championships, running events and preparing the venue takes planning and an enormous amount of time and commitment.

“Without Plas Heli and its volunteers, these events would not run in Wales. The team showcases our sport brilliantly, and always with a smile and a ‘where there is a will, there is a way’ attitude.”

Welcoming the award and RYA recognition, Stephen Tudor, Chair of Plas Heli, said: “Our knowledgeable and dedicated volunteer team makes a real difference for competitors and all those who visit us. Everyone has a sailing, boating and events background and brings valuable skills – whether that’s race management and mark laying, engine maintenance or marshalling – and the team understands the needs of event organisers from setting up the venue through to prize giving.”

Reflecting on the venue’s development, Stephen added: “It’s about giving back. I’ve been sailing since I was six years old with my father and brother, offshore and in the bay, and I want to see the sport continue to thrive in Pwllheli and in Wales. Having a centre of excellence was always an aspiration and we’re continuing to invest to ensure Plas Heli remains a first class venue for the future.”

Event village

Plas Heli is a proven championship and training venue for class associations and governing bodies, with purpose-built infrastructure designed to create a seamless experience for sailors, coaches and families, from free parking and secure compounds for boats and trailers to affordable on-site camping.

A spacious main hall is ideal for registration, boat measurement and rigging, as well as large gatherings and dinners. There are also a variety of other meeting rooms along with a café bar and restaurant. Outdoor balconies meanwhile provide spectacular views for watching the racing or socialising.

There is CCTV and fast wi-fi across the site and along with 60+ camping pitches with electric hook-ups for tents, caravans, campervans and motorhomes, Plas Heli is committed to making events safe and family friendly.

Race management is supported by an elevated control bridge with views across the pontoons, launching and race areas. Equipment includes an impressive fleet of 11 RIBs and two committee boats, VHF radios and multiple sets of racing marks, enabling more than one course at a time to run simultaneously.

Investment is ongoing and includes refurbished meeting rooms and lounge, new grassed areas for tents, resurfaced wash-down areas and landscaping.

Plas Heli Director Mark Thompson said: “I am proud to see the advancements made with our race management equipment, our fleet of safety RIBs, our new Committee Boat, and the ground and site works at Plas Heli, all of which have contributed to the brilliant feedback we have received from competitors, event organisers, pontoon customers, and from our campers. We have also invested in improvements to our meeting rooms and building facilities, making for a better experience for our community users.” 

As well as hosting major sailing championships, the multi-functional centre has become an important part of the community and economy in Pwllheli. Alongside hosting Pwllheli Sailing Club and its youth sailing section, Sea Cadets and Bangor University, the venue is regularly used by local groups and other events/sports such as the SHEULTRA marathon team.

Plan your event

Other events in 2026 have included the UK Cadet Nationals in August, the Welsh Youth and Junior Championships in September and a 29er Grand Prix event in October. In 2027, Plas Heli is looking forward to welcoming both the Topper Nationals and Topper Worlds. For organisers, booking is easy. The Plas Heli website includes online booking for all of its facilities, with a live calendar making it simple to choose and book dates.

As Stephen sums up: “We can’t change the distance to Pwllheli from the South Coast but what we can offer is exceptional sailing waters, breathtaking scenery and facilities that match the quality of the racing.”

Interested in holding your training or event at Plas Heli? Visit www.plasheli.org or get in touch by email: ops@plasheli.org

The post Recognition for Welsh National Sailing Academy & Events Centre appeared first on All At Sea.

Serious breakdowns remain relatively few, with radio failures more common and barnacles not yet a major fleet-wide concern. Fatigue, isolation and unpredictable weather are testing the sailors as much as their boats.

Severe South Atlantic storm approaching from Sunday

A severe South Atlantic storm system is developing in the path of the Golden Globe Race fleet, with the first major impacts expected from Sunday, 25 October.

By Thursday, 22 October, forecasts showed a powerful frontal system stretching nearly 2,300 nautical miles across the South Atlantic from northwest to southeast. The most severe sector was then forecast to bring sustained winds of 50–60 knots, with gusts potentially reaching 90 knots.

Today, Friday, 23 October, the outlook has moderated slightly, but the system remains a major threat, with forecast winds around 50 knots, gusting to 70 knots, and a rapid shift from northwest through to southwest as the front passes. The fleet is being kept updated as the situation develops. Entrants in the middle and northern sections have been advised to remain north of 28°S by 24 October to reduce their exposure.

Race leader Damien Guillou, currently leading the fleet by around 450 nautical miles, had been tracking towards the storm’s most extreme sector and has been advised to work northeast and climb north of 38°S, where the impact should be significantly reduced. Even so, Damien may still experience winds around 50 knots with stronger gusts, although the sea state could be less severe than farther south.

The fleet is only now beginning to enter the Southern Ocean, with Damien just reaching the Roaring Forties and the other skippers still farther north. Race management continues to monitor every forecast closely and hopes the system will weaken further. Whatever its final intensity, the storm and associated front are expected to have a significant impact on the fleet over the coming days.

From 40-knot gusts to almost no wind

Damien’s advantage over the main chasing fleet had fallen from approximately 750 nautical miles and is now around 450 nautical miles. The South Atlantic High forced him and Pat farther south into easterly headwinds, while their pursuers turned the corner around Trindade sooner than expected.

Earlier, winds of 30 knots, gusting to 40 knots, and 4–5 metre seas left Damien fatigued and frustrated. Then came near-calms, with SOLAREM rolling in confused seas. Two weeks ago, a main-halyard failure cost him approximately five hours at Trindade. He replaced it and added an external halyard, giving him three options. The chafe point cannot be fully repaired at sea, making that backup important before the Southern Ocean. While near Trindade, he also removed some barnacles.

Pat Lawless: a cruel end to a strong challenge

Pat’s Solent stay failure at deck level left his main rig secure, but presented a serious challenge to recover and lash down the damaged gear. Rudder-head trouble compounded the problem: two riveted fastenings failed in the fitting connecting the tiller to the rudder head, and he lacked suitable replacement bolts for a secure repair.

He considered repairing and continuing, but judged another four months of Southern Ocean sailing unrealistic. Now heading north, he may make for the Cape Verde Islands or the Canary Islands. It is another painful retirement after an Aries windvane self-steering failure ended his 2022 GGR non-stop challenge and forced him into Cape Town.

A new contest for 2nd place

Ertan Beskardes aboard MISS BEAGLE moves into 2nd, with Andrea Lodolo aboard BIBI pressing from 3rd.

Ertan’s 2–3-hour GGR Window LIVE broadcasts have made him a star, sharing sun sights, navigation and everyday life afloat. His approach is measured: keep skipper and boat comfortable rather than chase every fraction of a knot.

Andrea recently climbed the mast after losing a main halyard but otherwise reports all well. Approximately 300 nautical miles behind him, Daniel Pinsky aboard EXODUS reports no significant boat problems, although persistent fatigue remains a challenge. The boat is doing fine.

The mind game — and a 10-day penalty

Etienne Messikommer aboard BERNARD nearly quit in the doldrums. Refocusing on rounding the three great capes and returning to his fiancée, Eloise, restored his enthusiasm — and soon his racing instincts reappeared with sights set on passing boats. He passed Mara Løvenskiold Kveseth aboard SHOWGIRL, but over the past three days he was becalmed again while boats around him kept sailing.

Mara continues with a 10-day penalty — reduced from 16 — for six unauthorised satellite telephone calls, to be served in the North Atlantic on her final passage north to Les Sables-d’Olonne.

Close encounters, difficult weather and running repairs

Guido Cantini aboard HANNAH OF COWES remains without HF radio. After spotting Trindade’s lights at sunset from too far east, he established his bearings and turned sharply west to round the mark, nearly missing the island. A separate close encounter with a ship gave him a fright. At the latest briefing, he was making 1.4 knots in light winds between two high-pressure systems.

Henry Wootton aboard PRIVATEER, a Cape George 36, has struggled to find a rhythm amid calms, strong winds and unfavourable directions. He reported minor rig damage. Isa Rosli aboard OLLEANNA also went too far east and has been working too far west in light winds, uncertain of his position as he negotiates Trindade. Worse, he has a barnacle infestation that could develop further!

Matt Woodside aboard TIPI HAERE, another Cape George 36, is managing a painful back but remains positive, enjoying life aboard the boat he calls home without undue racing pressure.

Pär Nyman aboard LAZY OTTER reports two broken ribs, six or seven mast climbs and a failed radio. He has taken a break from GGR WINDOW LIVE over the past few days, reclaiming some solo sailing solitude.

Gunnar Christensen aboard POMPOEN is dealing with a deck leak and sailing with a small, apparently undersized spinnaker. His entertaining Window LIVE broadcasts and morning coffee rituals show a relaxed attitude, which will surely change in the south.

Recife: a pause, not necessarily the end

Louis Kerdelhué aboard IE CHARGE, youngest in the fleet, covered only a few hundred nautical miles during more than 10 days in the doldrums, a huge mental challenge. Now his main water tank is reportedly contaminated and acidic, though nearly 300 litres remain in separate containers. A faulty genoa furler requires him to go forward whenever he reefs.

He is heading to Recife for rest and repairs, with an estimated arrival around 09:00 on 24 October. Organisers have agreed he may take a refuge mooring and remain in the GGR provided he stays isolated, avoids the marina, allows nobody else aboard and accepts no outside assistance. Entering the marina or accepting assistance would move him into Chichester Class. Whether he continues in either class or retires remains undecided.

The man who missed the doldrums

Guy deBoer aboard SPIRIT crossed the doldrums in only a few days, rarely dropping below 3.5 knots. Now making 4–6 knots in the southeast trades, he remains approximately 1,000 nautical miles behind the main fleet. He continued in Chichester Class after stopping in the Canary Islands for structural repairs.

Don McIntyre, founder and chairman of the McIntyre Golden Globe Race, said: “GGR WINDOW LIVE has had a few hiccups, but overall it has been a huge success. Followers are sharing the navigation, repairs, highs and lows of real solo sailing. The LIVE storms are going to be interesting. It’s bringing fans closer to the sailors and the experience of racing solo around the world.”

Of 16 starters, 13 remain in the main GGR classification. Pat and Selim Yalcin aboard HELP DISABLED CHILDREN have retired; Guy sails separately in Chichester Class. Louis’s decision could reduce the main fleet to 12.

The Cape of Good Hope and approximately four months of Southern Ocean challenges lie ahead. A substantial fleet could continue towards Australia, but nothing is guaranteed. The leader has now reached the Roaring Forties — and things are about to hot up considerably.

The post McIntyre GGR Fleet Braces for Severe South Atlantic Storm appeared first on All At Sea.

It is the result of a partnership between two British performance brands – one forged in Olympic and around the world sailing, the other in Special Forces operations – brought together by a shared standard for technical, uncompromising design.

Musto has spent six decades developing technical sailing apparel for the world’s best sailors, racing in the Olympics, SailGP, and the toughest offshore races including the Route du Rhum and Vendée Globe. ThruDark, founded by former Royal Marines Commandos and Special Boat Service operators, brings a design ethos shaped by extreme environments on land, at altitude and in combat. For Nautikos, that expertise has been applied to the sea for the first time.

At the core of the range is Musto’s established use of GORE-TEX^® PRO, now reinforced with Dyneema^® – 15 times stronger than steel at equivalent weight, and the strongest fibre in the world. It is the first time Dyneema^® has featured on a Musto product, overlaid at the seat, elbows, knees, and hem of the Nautikos GORE-TEX^® Jacket and Trousers to protect the highest-wear zones of a foul-weather kit.

A modular, removable pocket system allows storage to move seamlessly between jacket and trousers, while D3O® knee impact protection delivers class-leading impact protection on deck. Photoluminescent reflectors and tonal reflective print detailing are built in throughout the range for visibility in low light and heavy weather.

Professional offshore sailor, Will Harris, was part of the test team for the new ThruDark kit. “For me, the Dyneema reinforcement is the standout. When you’re offshore, you’re constantly on your hands and knees, bashing into things – as soon as you damage the kit it becomes a lot less effective, so having that next level of protection at the elbows, shoulders, and seat is exactly what we need. The modular pocket system is going to make a real difference too. It’s a classic sailor’s problem: you head to the bow, get out there and realise you’ve left something behind because there was nowhere to put it. With this system you can clip everything on and know it’s with you before you leave the cockpit. And it just looks incredible – I’d wear the midlayer on shore as easily as on the water. It’s Musto in stealth mode.”

The complete Nautikos range

• Nautikos GORE-TEX^® Jacket & Trousers: the hard-weather shell, built for sustained offshore use. Jacket: RRP £1,500 and Trousers: RRP £1,200
• Nautikos Trident GORE-TEX^® Midlayer Jacket & Trousers: a waterproof, breathable layering system with body-mapped thermal fleece. Jacket: RRP £450 and Trousers: RRP £450
• Nautikos Styk Stormfleece: a wind- and rain-resistant fleece midlayer with Dyneema® overlays at the shoulders and elbows. RRP £225
• Nautikos Styk Trousers: a fully loaded cargo trouser with Dyneema^® reinforcement at the knees and hem. RRP £225
• Nautikos Styk Tee: an S.Café^® base layer offering UPF 50+ protection without chemical treatment. RRP £70
• Nautikos Cap: a waterproof MPX-construction cap with fleece-lined collar and reflective camo detailing. RRP £70

Nick Houchin, Musto Marketing Director said, “This collaboration made complete sense from the moment we started talking. Musto has nearly six decades of heritage in performance sailing, and ThruDark brings a Special Forces background that demands exactly the same things we do – kit that works without compromise in the most extreme conditions. What they’ve contributed to Nautikos is a level of utility and technical detail that pushes our outerwear further than it’s ever gone. Dyneema^® reinforcement, modular storage, D3O^® protection – this is clothing genuinely built for purpose. And the fact that it looks this good while doing all of that is exactly the point. Function and style shouldn’t be a trade-off, and with Nautikos they’re not.“

ThruDark Co-Founder Louis Tinsley commented, “We are meticulous in our choice of partners and Musto has long stood out to us for its proud British heritage and leading technical performance. This collaboration is about what each of our two brands can bring to create the best offshore clothing available. For Musto that means decades of experience on the water, for us that means decades of experience in and under it. We’ve taken the best of what Musto does and made it as durable as possible using stronger-than-steel Dyneema® reinforcements and design techniques honed by our diverse, real-world experiences.“

Nautikos is available from Musto.com and Thrudark.com

The post Musto and ThruDark unite to launch Nautikos appeared first on All At Sea.

The boating community is being urged to take part in the survey, which will take around 15 minutes to complete. Whether you occasionally hire a day boat, use your own craft at weekends or live permanently aboard, sharing what lithium-ion powered devices you use and how you use them will provide vital support to a project that will protect property and lives.

Lithium-ion batteries can be found everywhere: in smartphones, tablets, laptops, toothbrushes, shavers, rechargeable DIY tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, and boat-installed batteries for whenever there is a need for electrical power independent of the mains supply. When managed correctly, LiBs can be operated safely on boats and the likelihood of problems is low. However, the fire risk, and the associated potential for harm to boaters, increases if the batteries are damaged and then fail.

The BSS is a public safety initiative helping to protect people, property and environments across the UK’s inland waterways. The Scheme will use the research to help improve advice about lithium-ion battery safety on boats, to enhance safety on the water.

The BSS has already produced a series of information booklets on lithium-ion battery safety on boats based on current knowledge. The booklets can be read or downloaded from the following web links:

– Lithium-ion Battery Safety on Boats: Installed Lithium-ion Batteries

– Large Portable Lithium-ion Battery Safety

– Small Lithium-ion Powered Device Safety

Kevin Tyson, BSS General Manager, said: ““The use of lithium-ion technology is growing rapidly through the expanding number of rechargeable small devices, the convenience that e-bike and e-scooters offer boaters and growing benefits of battery-powered propulsion. “Through the survey, we’’re aiming to gather as much data as possible on the current and future use of lithium-ion battery powered devices on boats. “If we can understand the current level of knowledge of and attitude to the risks associated with this power source, we can use that to expand and improve BSS advice for boat users of all types.”” 

The BSS is aiming for a thousand responses, representing every type of boat user from all over the UK. The Scheme is encouraging people to share the survey on their social media platforms, with friends and family, local boating groups and marina community pages.

The survey is fully anonymous and no personal information will be given to the BSS. It will remain open until 31 December. Survey respondents have the opportunity to be entered into a free prize draw for the chance to win one of 10 £50 shopping vouchers.

The survey is available on this website:https://survey.alchemer.eu/s3/91115539/BSS-Lithium-ion or via this QR code:

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Receiving the award in front of invited guests, founding members and employees, Managing Director James Hewitt paid tribute to the vision and commitment of the entire Ocean Signal team, whilst looking forward to a new chapter of success and continued product development.

Ocean Signal earned the 2026 King’s Award in the Innovation category for the industry-first rescueME PLB3 AIS Personal Locator Beacon, a single unit combining the global search and rescue alerting power of a PLB, with the local tracking precision of an AIS Man Overboard (MOB) device.

In his speech, James Hewitt said: “Today is a day of enormous pride for all of us at Ocean Signal. Receiving a King’s Award for Innovation is one of the highest recognitions a UK business can achieve, and it is a tremendous honour for our company. While the award bears the name of Ocean Signal, it truly belongs to every person in this room and to every member of our team who has contributed their talent, dedication, and passion to our success.

“It is your vision, commitment, and belief in what we do that has enabled us to develop products that save lives and make a genuine difference to people around the world. Every success we have achieved has been built on the strength of our people.

“To our engineering team, thank you for your innovation, creativity, and technical excellence. You continuously push boundaries, solve complex challenges, and turn ambitious ideas into world-class products.

“This award is not simply recognition of what we have achieved so far. It is a reminder of what we are capable of achieving together in the future. It celebrates our culture of innovation, our commitment to excellence, and our determination to continue developing products that make a real difference.”

In developing the PLB3, Ocean Signal’s engineers pushed the boundaries of miniaturised components, adopting even smaller technologies typically reserved for advanced mobile devices. At the same time, they rigorously tested battery capacity to ensure the unit could meet – and exceed – operational requirements without increasing bulk.

With the integration of Near Field Communication (NFC) to allow smartphone interaction, the result is a user-friendly device that goes beyond compliance, delivering multiple life-saving technologies in a remarkably compact form.

The Lady Colgrain, who was joined by Deputy Lieutenant Mr Clive Stevens, Deputy Clerk Ms Jo Holmes and Ms Nichola Bruno, from The King’s Awards Office, spoke directly about the impressive technology and her pride in Ocean Signal as a Kent-based company.

In addressing the assembled guests, she said: “As His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Kent, I am particularly proud that our county is home to a company which has established such an impressive international reputation from its base here in Margate. Bringing together different rescue technologies within one compact device, and becoming the first in the world to do so, is a quite remarkable achievement.

“More importantly, behind all the technology is a very simple purpose. When somebody finds themselves in genuine difficulty, whether at sea or in a remote location, being found quickly can make all the difference.

“Knowing that something conceived, developed and produced by the team here in Margate can help rescuers locate somebody in distress – and potentially help save their life – must bring an enormous sense of pride.

“Achievements such as this do not happen by chance. They require imagination and technical expertise, certainly, but also persistence, teamwork and a willingness continually to ask whether something can be done better.

“Today gives us the opportunity to bring that recognition home to Margate and, importantly, to celebrate it with the wider Ocean Signal team.”

Also in attendance on the day were special guests Alan Wrigley and James Flynn, who along with Chief Technical Officer Simon Nolan, Stefan Kennedy, Wayne Card, Nick Gadd and Adrian Mason, founded Ocean Signal in 2008.

Visit www.oceansignal.com for more information.

The post Ocean Signal Targets Next Chapter of Success at King’s Award Celebration appeared first on All At Sea.

RB4 is the same AC75 that raced for the British team in Barcelona at the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup, where the team made history by winning the Challenger Selection Series, becoming the first British challenger in 60 years to qualify for the America’s Cup Match and the first in 90 years to score race wins in the Match. 

Now in Naples, the 75-foot foiling race boat has undergone a major programme of work to reconfigure it for the new AC75 Class Rules that govern the 38th America’s Cup in Naples in 2027.

Under the rules, existing teams are required to reuse their AC75 hull from the previous edition, rather than design and build an entirely new race boat. The change is part of a wider drive to contain costs while focusing design and development on areas that can deliver the greatest performance gains. 

The AC75s racing in Naples will be significantly different machines. One of the biggest changes is the removal of the four cyclors used in Barcelona to generate hydraulic power. For AC38, the race boat’s systems will instead be powered by stored electrical energy through a specified battery system, requiring significant changes to the internal configuration, hydraulics, electronics and control systems. 

The race crew will consist of five sailors, with at least one female sailor mandated to be onboard, while a new Guest Racer position will allow an additional non-team member to experience racing onboard an AC75. 

Following its arrival in Naples, RB4 will now enter its final fit-out and commissioning phase at GB1’s Bagnoli base, with the team planning to begin sailing the AC75 on the Bay of Naples before the end of 2026. 

GB1 CEO Ian Walker said: “It’s a significant moment for the team to have the AC75 arrive here in Naples. This is a boat that means a huge amount to us. It helped us make history in Barcelona by winning the Challenger Selection Series and taking a British team back into the America’s Cup Match after 60 years. 

“But what arrives in Naples is also the starting point for the next chapter. The rules for this Cup mean we are reusing the same hull, but there is a huge amount of development taking place across the boat, particularly around the foils, systems and electronics. 

“The team with the support of Persico Marine has put, a tremendous amount of work into the refit, and we now move into the final fit-out and commissioning phase here in Naples. Getting the boat back on the water before the end of the year will be another important milestone and the start of an incredibly important period of testing and development for us.” 

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