Boatbuilding News 25.10.24 Feat. Garmin, Lumishore, Ocean Rodeo, Sanlorenzo, Echo Yachts & Bainbridge International

?? This weeks Boatbuilding News ??

?? Garmin acquires UK marine lighting company Lumishore

Garmin has announced the acquisition of Lumishore, a UK-based company specialising in the design and manufacture of LED lighting systems for marine applications, including above-water and underwater systems.

“Lumishore brings an exciting new product category that complements Garmin’s existing marine portfolio and furthers our ability to provide seamless vessel integration. As a technology leader in LED lighting, Lumishore will expand Garmin’s innovative solutions all around the vessel. Together, we look forward to delivering unmatched LED lighting technology to our customers around the world.”

says Jarrod Seymour, Garmin vice president, marine segment leader.

Lumishore is based in Swansea, UK, with a distribution centre in Sarasota, Florida. The company manages its research and development, as well as production, internally. Following the acquisition, Lumishore’s employees will become part of the global Garmin workforce. Financial details of the acquisition have not been disclosed. Lumishore recently expanded its Eclipse Lighting Collection, designed for boats up to 45ft, with onboard RGB options such as strip lights, neon flex, and courtesy lights, alongside a new white and RGB downlight.

Lumishore, which has been established for over 15 years, offers a range of LED lighting systems designed for various vessels, from smaller boats to superyachts. Their products include single, dual and full-colour change systems for both underwater and above-water use.

Earlier this year, Garmin announced the Garmin Spectra LED control module. The compact lighting controller makes it easy to control onboard LED lights from a compatible Garmin chartplotter or the ActiveCaptain app on a compatible smartphone.

“Since our founding, Lumishore has been passionate about creating innovative products that enhance the boating experience. Garmin shares our passion for serving the marine industry, making them an ideal company to carry Lumishore into the future. We look forward to a bright future working together as we continue to elevate the lighting experience for our customers.”

says Eifrion Evans, Lumishore founder and CEO.

Garmin designs products for a range of sectors, including aviation, automotive, fitness, marine and outdoor markets.

??Ocean Rodeo sold to Bainbridge International

Bainbridge International has completed its acquisition of Ocean Rodeo’s operating assets from Aluula Composites Inc.

Ocean Rodeo, known for its innovations in the kite and wing sports market, has introduced several patented products and was the launch brand for Aluula Composites, a high-performance ultra-light fabric used in inflatable wings and kites.

Although the acquisition has been finalised, production of the 2025 Ocean Rodeo product range is already underway, with a projected release date set for March 2025. The firm’s current designs were developed under the direction of Ross Harrington, who served as Ocean Rodeo’s chief designer for over 20 years. Harrington will continue to work with Aluula, supporting design efforts for their windsports clients. During the transition period, he will assist Bainbridge ahead of the planned brand relaunch in 2025.

Bainbridge International, headquartered near Southampton, UK, is a major supplier of marine materials, including sailcloth and technical fabrics. The firm says it will provide commercial and customer support services for Ocean Rodeo in addition to its existing operations.

Ocean Rodeo will be managed by David Mead, whose career spans 30 years in the marine sports industry. Mead has held leadership roles at North Kiteboarding, Neil Pryde Windsurfing, and the Pryde Group Manufacturing facility in China.

??? Sanlorenzo unveils project to build the first green methanol bi-fuel superyacht

Sanlorenzo has unveiled plans to produce the first green methanol bi-fuel superyacht by 2027. The yard unveiled its LIFE MYSTIC (Methanol for Yachting Sustainable energy Transition applied to Internal Combustion engines) project, which is due to begin on 1 June 2025.

Coordinated by Sanlorenzo, the project will last 54 months and involve a total investment of over €4.8 million, 60 per cent of which will be covered by European funds obtained under the ‘Circular Economy and Quality of Life’ funding line of the LIFE programme.

The aim of the LIFE MYSTIC project is to test engines and generators for superyachts powered by a combination of diesel and methanol, and significant results are expected in terms of reduced environmental impact:

– reduction in greenhouse gas emissions: 150 t/y CO2eq

– reduction in fossil primary energy consumption: 700 MWh/y

– reduction in air quality contamination: 630 kg/y

Under the guidance of Sanlorenzo, LIFE MYSTIC plans to house two high speed 4-stroke MAN diesel engines on board a superyacht – in collaboration with Ranieri Tonissi as a development partner – along with two 4-stroke diesel generators – made by Nanni Industries – adapted to operate in bi-fuel green methanol – diesel.

The production of bi-fuel adaptation kits involves a very careful engineering process to ensure efficiency and reliability in the combustion of two different types of fuel in a single engine, having to guarantee a safe switch from diesel-only at any time and making these engines the ideal solution for a transitional market.

The boat’s design will be adapted by Sanlorenzo, which will convert two traditional diesel fuel tanks into additional methanol tanks and will integrate the distribution system with the required lines and equipment, completing the conversion to bi-fuel of the entire boat.

The unveiling of the LIFE MYSTIC project follows Sanlorenzo’s launch of the the 50Steel in May 2024, which was touted as the world’s first superyacht to be delivered with a green methanol reformer fuel cell system, capable of powering the onboard hotel systems with zero emissions.

????? World’s largest sailing catamaran superyacht now in build, says Echo Yachts

Custom superyacht builder Echo Yachts has started building its ASC57 in its Australian Marine Complex, Western Australia for a private client (the project was announced in March this year). This project marks Echo Yachts expanding on its motor yacht construction capabilities, into the large sailing yacht market.

The catamaran is to feature hydrodynamic efficient aluminium hulls, full sail-powered propulsion, and power regeneration which will combine to offer eco-friendly performance advantages and greener modes of operation compared to traditional motor yachts.

There will be a twin-Dynarig sail system by Southern Spars, providing a total sail area of some 1660m2 for eco-efficient long range cruising. As a result of the addition of sail power, a regenerative power system will be installed, utilising twin shaft generators and a battery storage system to allow for silent running under sail. Echo Yachts says weight reduction, simplicity and ease of operation will further characterise this project.

The project is in partnership with Dutch sailing yacht designers Dykstra Naval Architects and Australia’s aluminium multihull experts One2Three Naval Architects and draws inspiration from Echo Yachts’ 2023 newbuild motor yacht M/Y Charley 2. Echo Yachts prides itself on its bespoke superyachts.

Detailed naval architecture and structural design is by One2Three Naval Architects, the same aluminium and multihull design experts responsible for the naval architecture of the international award winning 84m aluminium trimaran superyacht M/Y White Rabbit delivered in 2018, and 56m catamaran superyacht M/Y Charley 2 delivered in 2023.

Echo Yachts says that the ASC57 will feature luxury accommodation, a vast array of water toys, and helicopter landing capabilities.

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