TideLines: Holland giant

British company Vosper Thornycroft (VT) has announced it will build a $90 million sloop designed by New Zealander Ron Holland. The company, best known for building warships, says the big sloop for an unnamed owner is scheduled to be launched in May 2003 and will be handed over three months later. It will carry a fully-battened mainsail of more than 1400 sq m and the carbon mast will be 88m long. The yacht will displace approximately 700 tonnes fully loaded and the retractable steel keel will weigh 150 tonnes.

Foam RIB

The Italian builder of rigid inflatable boats, Novamarine SpA, has developed a new hull material consisting of closed-cell foam covered with fabric. Company president Giuseppe Carlini says the foam boats will be suitable for the most rugged conditions, and won't deflate if punctured. The new boats will be both heavier and more expensive than conventional RIBs.

Quieter cannon

The Royal London Yacht Club has solved the problem caused by its race-starting cannon. A company specialising in reducing engine compartment noise levels devised a system of insulated deflectors to divert the noise of the start gun upwards and out to sea, away from nearby houses and apartments.

Marketing deal

Raymarine, the new Portsmouth, UK-based recreational electronics company spun off from the US high-tech defence firm Raytheon earlier this year, has signed a reciprocal marketing deal with American boat controls and marine electronics company Teleflex Marine. The deal follows the agreement between the two companies to market an onboard personal computer. They will co-operate in the marketing and promotion worldwide of a new range of marine products using technology owned by both companies.

Electric cruiser

A consortium has launched France's first all-electric charter cabin cruiser for that country's extensive inland waterways network. The Rive Electra 34 cabin cruiser is built by Haines in the UK, measures 10.5m and sleeps six. It is designed to cruise for two days before needing a battery recharge. Seven recharging points have been installed in the canal system covering a cruising distance of 110 to 130km.