Boatbuilding New 14.03.25 FLIR, Freedom Boat Club, Inspiration Marine & Ancasta

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?? FLIR has launched the Ocean Scout Pro, a handheld thermal camera designed to enhance situational awareness for mariners and public safety professionals.

Equipped with a 640 x 480 thermal detector, the device offers a detection range of up to 500 metres and a 32-degree field of view.

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The Ocean Scout Pro features an intuitive interface, allowing users to concentrate on their surroundings without navigating complex settings. Its one-touch button controls enable easy access to zoom, mode selection, brightness adjustments, and standby functions. Additionally, a wireless app simplifies image and video management, facilitating effortless file transfers. Built to withstand harsh conditions, the device boasts a two-metre drop resistance, an IP67 rating for water and dust protection, and a battery life of up to six hours. Charging is possible via a USB Type-C connector or a power bank for added convenience.

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To optimise visibility in various conditions, the camera offers four video colour palettes. The white hot mode presents warmer objects in white and cooler ones in black, while black hot reverses these colours for a more natural look. The sepia palette applies a warm, golden hue to reduce eye strain during prolonged use, and the heat palette highlights the warmest 10 per cent of a scene in orange and yellow tones, making it easier to detect people or animals in the water.

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“Our decades of R&D and pioneering innovation in thermal imaging have culminated in the development of the rugged, effective and accessible Ocean Scout Pro. Whether you are a professional or recreational mariner, the ability to see a person in the water, even in no-light situations, can be the difference between life and death. The true innovation is putting this intuitive and feature-rich technology into a product at an attractive price point that every boater and marine law enforcement officer should have on board.”

says Grégoire Outters, general manager of FLIR Maritime.

Designed with portability in mind, the Ocean Scout Pro has a compact, pocket-friendly design. It comes with a carrying case featuring a diagonal zipper and a Molle-compatible attachment system, ensuring secure transport and easy accessibility.

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???? Boat club operator Freedom Boat Club is set to open three new locations in Spain, marking a significant step in its expansion strategy across the Mediterranean.

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Scheduled to launch in April and May 2025, the new Freedom Boat Club locations will be situated at the Port of Masnou in Catalonia, Marina PortBlanc in Calpe on the Costa Blanca, and Port of El Molinar in Mallorca.

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“We are excited to expand Freedom Boat Club’s footprint in Spain with these three exceptional new locations. This expansion underscores our commitment to providing our members with unique, sustainable boating experiences along some of Spain’s most picturesque and renowned coastal regions. Each location has been strategically selected to preserve the integrity of its local environment while offering access to a fleet of premium boats and world-class amenities. These new additions are part of our ongoing mission to expand recreational boating in Spain.”

says Arturo Gutierrez, general manager of Freedom Boat Club for the EMEA region.

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El Molinar, Mallorca

The new Molinar boat club will debut with four boats, including several Sea Ray models, with plans to grow the fleet to 20 boats across Mallorca by the end of 2025. The location will also feature premium services such as an event room, a luxury restaurant, and stunning panoramic views of the city, set against the backdrop of Playa de San Antoni and Playa de Palma.

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Masnou, Barcelona

?Located just 10 minutes north of Barcelona, the Port of Masnou is the latest addition to Freedom Boat Club’s expanding network in Catalonia.

?The Masnou fleet will include modern and versatile boats, complemented by nearby restaurants, shops, and leisure areas.

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Marina PortBlanc, Calpe?

Set to open by early May 2025, the new Marina PortBlanc location in Calpe follows recent Freedom Boat Club expansions along the Costa Blanca in 2024.

The fleet will include premium models such as the Quicksilver 605 Open and the Sea Ray SPX 230 Outboard. By the end of 2025, Freedom Boat Club aims to establish a robust fleet and a growing presence along the Levante Coast, including Valencia, Denia, Alicante, Altea, and Calpe.

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Sustainability and Economic Growth

“We are proud to not only expand our club but also to contribute to the local economy, fostering tourism and supporting businesses along the coast. Our sustainable approach to boating creates long-term value for both our members and the communities we serve.”

?added Gutierrez.

With these latest additions, Freedom Boat Club, a part of the Brunswick brand, now operates 25 locations in Spain and 37 across Europe.

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???? Inspiration Marine’s Hanse 360 sailing yacht is set to make its show debut at the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show 2025 this May.

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Recently named European Yacht of the Year 2025 in the family cruiser category, the Hanse 360 is designed by Berret-Racoupeau and is available in both two- and three-cabin configurations.

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Following in the footsteps of the Hanse 460 and Hanse 410, the Hanse 360 features a contemporary GRP hull with soft chines, a spacious and light-filled interior, and advanced sailing technology.

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“The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show is a prime platform to highlight the most innovative and exciting yachts on the market. The Hanse 360, with its impressive blend of performance, comfort and sustainability, is a fantastic addition to this year’s lineup. We’re proud to host Inspiration Marine as they debut this award-winning yacht to audiences at the show.”

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says Tim Mayer, sales and marketing director at MDL Marinas.

Designed for a new level of comfort and capability on the water, the Hanse 360 features a hydrodynamic hull with chines, a tall and sporty performance rig, and optional cockpit BBQ and fridge. An eco-conscious sail option is also available with Elvstr?m’s SPS Sustainable Performance Sails, made from recycled materials.

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“The Hanse 360 is an extraordinary yacht that represents the very best in modern yacht design. Its award-winning features, spacious interior and superior handling make it a standout family cruiser. We’re excited to present it alongside our other award-winning models at the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show, where visitors can experience firsthand what makes these boats so special.”

?says Phil Dollin, director at Inspiration Marine.

The South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show runs from 9 – 11 May, with free tickets available for booking online.

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Alongside the Hanse 360, Inspiration Marine will also be showcasing the Hanse 410 and 460, as well as the FJORD 39 XL and 41 XL motor yachts.

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For powerboat enthusiasts, the FJORD 39 XL will make its debut. This inboard version of the FJORD 39 features a well-thought-out combination of sunpad and seating space, multiple fridges, and a wet-bar galley. A full-width T-top, electric bimini, and cockpit canopy enclosure provide additional versatility and comfort.

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Other prestigious brands exhibiting at the South Coast & Green Tech Boat Show include Beneteau, Jeanneau, Axopar, Protector, Sunseeker, Hardy, and Windy.

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?? Ancasta Strengthens Sales Team Amid Continued Growth

Ancasta International Boat Sales, part of the UK-based Ancasta Group, has restructured its sales team with a series of strategic promotions and new appointments aimed at improving operational efficiency and expanding market presence.

“The growing demand for our diverse selection of world-class power and sail brands has presented a valuable opportunity to refine and enhance our sales operations, ensuring they are as agile and effective as possible”

says Nick Griffith, managing director of Ancasta Group.

Key Appointments:

• Stuart Brotherton?has been promoted to?sales network director, overseeing the management and development of Ancasta’s 22 brokerage offices across the UK and Europe. Brotherton, who joined Ancasta in 2015 as brand manager for Beneteau Sail, later expanded his role in 2020 to include Beneteau Power. In his new position, he will also focus on developing Ancasta’s franchise network to strengthen its European presence.
• James Douch?takes over as?Beneteau Sail brand manager, succeeding Brotherton. Having joined Ancasta in 2015 as a broker at the Lymington office, Douch later became brokerage office manager. In his new role, he will concentrate on new boat sales for Beneteau’s cruising and performance sailing yachts while leading a team of brand specialists across the sales network.
• Sam Room?will now oversee?Beneteau Power brand management, in addition to his current role as?Prestige Motor Yachts brand manager. Room, who joined Ancasta as a broker at the Port Solent office in 2016, quickly advanced through the company, becoming brokerage office manager in 2017 and Prestige brand manager in 2020.
• Oliver Windsor?has been appointed?Lymington brokerage office manager. Since joining Ancasta in 2021 as a broker at the Port Hamble office, Windsor has demonstrated expertise in client relations, sales, and business management. Holding a master’s degree in international management and extensive experience from high-level internships in the UK and abroad, he is well-positioned to lead the Lymington brokerage team.

“Ancasta is privileged to have some of the most experienced yacht brokers and industry specialists in the sector, and we are delighted to support their career progression as our business continues to evolve and expand”

adds Griffith.

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