Robots on the Atlantic

Innovation is always interesting and when an idea is implemented by bright, young Canadian minds it is even more noteworthy. The Sailbot, designed and built by UBC students, whether or not that is your cup of tea, is a fascinating feat. This year the team plans to tackle the Atlantic Ocean with their transatlantic robotic sailboat. Definitely worth a read and some kudos, as are our other industry topics this week. Enjoy.

Terri Hodgson,
Online Editor
thodgson@kerrwil.com

Innovation

BC STUDENTS DESIGN/BUILD ROBOTIC SAILBOAT

Every year more than 60 students from the University of British Columbia come together to design and build a fully autonomous sailboat, a Sailbot.

Their motivation is neither class credit nor financial gain; they are simply passionate about complex programming, advanced electronics and sailing. ... Read More

Boat Shows

2015 OTTAWA BOAT AND SPORTSMEN'S SHOW RELEASES POST SHOW RESULTS AND EXHIBITOR FEEDBACK

The 2015 Ottawa Boat & Sportsmen's Show celebrated its 40th anniversary this year with over 250 boats on the show floor, a dedicated area to the sports fishing community, and exciting interactive features. This event kicked off the boat buying season for exhibitors and boating enthusiasts, welcoming over 20,000 visitors Exhibitors noted that attendees were engaged buyers which provided strong sales leads over the course of the four day event. ... Read More

People

ABYC NAMES NEW VP, EDUCATIONAL DIRECTOR

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has promoted Ed Sherman to the position of VP and educational director. The announcement was made at the organization's annual meeting in Seattle. In his previous role as director of educational programming, Sherman was responsible for the development and updating of ABYC certification and training programs. As the organization's lead instructor, he regularly presented on educational and technical topics at marine industry events. ... Read More

Customer Service

LIVE CHAT FEATURE NOW OFFERED BY MD MARINE INSURANCE

LIVE CHAT is now one of the quickest ways to get instant communication with a company and as a leading method for online support LIVE CHAT yields high satisfaction rankings among customers. The goal with offering LIVE CHAT to potential and current clients to engage with an MD Marine Insurance live chat representative, is to ensure that the overall experience is helpful, simple, and always with a quick and friendly response. MD Marine website visitors have welcomed the ability to easily ask questions and discuss their insurance needs all while continuing to browse the website. ... Read More

Product Focus

NEW CREWSAVER RECREATIONAL LIFERAFTS FEATURE ADVANCED SPECIFICATIONS

Three models - for coastal, under 24-hour ocean and over 24-hour ocean use - are available in sizes to accommodate 4-12 people. The 24-hour models (such as the model pictured here) are Lloyds Class ISO Approved. A 12-year fabric and seam warranty and an extended service period of three years reduce ongoing maintenance costs. ... Read More

Restructuring

DOMETIC AMERICAS ANNOUNCES ORGANIZATION REALIGNMENT TO PROMOTE GROWTH

"The acquisition of Atwood Mobile Products has given us additional opportunities, which has enabled us to reposition the region and create a much stronger RV division. In addition, we also strengthened other key business units," said Frank Marciano, President Dometic Americas. "The teams at Atwood Mobile Products and Dometic have worked tirelessly since the acquisition in October to create this new structure, which improves Dometic's focus on its core businesses and creates more value for its shareholders. It has been a pleasure working with the team at Atwood Mobile Products." ... Read More