Artificial intelligence continues to move from the fringes of marine technology into the everyday tools sailors and professional mariners rely on. This week, Hefring Marine and SEA.AI announced a new partnership aimed at bringing AI enhanced vision and onboard analytics together to elevate safety and situational awareness at sea.

Hefring Marine, an Icelandic marine technology company known for its intelligent maritime analytics, will integrate SEA.AI’s machine vision collision avoidance technology with its IMAS platform. The result is a combined system designed to help operators better understand what is happening both around the boat and within it.

Hefring Marine’s IMAS platform uses AI sensor data and edge computing to provide real time operational intelligence. It is designed to support safer decision making while improving efficiency and sustainability across a wide range of vessels. SEA.AI brings a different but complementary capability to the table, using optical and thermal cameras paired with artificial intelligence to detect and identify floating objects in real time, including hazards that can be difficult to spot by eye or radar alone.

“At Hefring Marine, our mission is to empower vessel operators by enhancing safety, efficiency and sustainability through intelligent technology,” said Karl Birgir Björnsson, CEO of Hefring Marine. “This partnership with SEA.AI allows us to offer our clients an even more comprehensive solution that combines operational intelligence with advanced collision avoidance capabilities. Together, we are setting a new standard for maritime safety and performance.”

By integrating the two systems, operators gain a more complete picture of both external risks and onboard performance. The companies say the combined technology is intended to improve situational awareness, streamline operations and support compliance with increasingly strict environmental regulations by helping crews operate more efficiently.

SEA.AI CEO Marcus Warrelmann sees the partnership as a natural extension of his company’s focus on maritime machine vision. “Partnering with Hefring Marine solidifies SEA.AI’s position as a pioneer in maritime smart vision technology,” Warrelmann said. “By joining forces with such an advanced analytics platform, we are creating an integrated ecosystem that addresses the full spectrum of maritime operational needs.”

SEA.AI has been developing machine vision systems for maritime use since 2018, offering solutions that combine AI with optical and thermal sensors for recreational commercial and government vessels. Hefring Marine’s IMAS platform is already used across multiple workboat sectors to support safety fuel efficiency and data driven fleet management.

For cruising sailors and offshore operators alike, the collaboration signals how quickly AI based tools are becoming more integrated into onboard systems. Rather than standalone gadgets, future safety technology increasingly points toward unified platforms that help crews see more, know more, and respond faster at sea.

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Outbound Yachts has announced a new collaboration with renowned marine author and systems expert Nigel Calder, who has joined the builder with the purchase of an Outbound 44. Known across the cruising world for his technical manuals and hands-on approach to engineering aboard, Calder will work directly with the yard’s design and build teams to refine the yacht’s electrical and mechanical systems.

Calder, author of Boatowner’s Mechanical and Electrical Manual and Marine Diesel Engines, is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in modern cruising systems. His new project with Outbound will integrate advances in energy management, automation, and long-range reliability into a proven bluewater hull.

“Outbound Yachts has earned a reputation for building solid, well-engineered, comfortable and fast offshore cruising sailboats,” Calder said. “Working with the team on my new Outbound 44 has been a rare opportunity to integrate advanced electrical and mechanical concepts into a proven bluewater platform. This boat will serve both as a personal cruiser and a testbed for ongoing systems research.”

Under the partnership, Calder will also act as a brand ambassador, documenting the build and sharing results from his real-world testing once the boat launches. Outbound says his involvement aligns with the company’s mission to continuously improve its yachts for sailors who prize safety, performance and self-sufficiency offshore.

“Having Nigel involved in building an Outbound 44 is both an honor and an exciting opportunity,” said Michael Relyea, managing partner of Outbound Yachts. “His unmatched expertise in marine systems and practical, real-world approach align perfectly with our mission to build yachts that go anywhere, safely and comfortably.”

The collaboration underscores Outbound’s focus on craftsmanship and bluewater capability, longstanding hallmarks of the builder’s reputation among serious passagemakers.

For updates on the project, the builder encourages sailors to follow along at OutboundYachts.com.

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West Marine has appointed Paulee Day as Chief Executive Officer, marking the first time a woman has led the company since its founding in 1968. Day, who most recently served as West Marine’s Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary, assumes the role effective immediately.

“I have greatly enjoyed my time at West Marine and am delighted the Board of Directors has selected me to be the CEO,” Day said. “Over the past few years, West Marine has significantly transformed its retail and online operations through a heightened focus on core boating, strong vendor relationships, and streamlined operations.”

Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, West Marine operates more than 200 stores across 34 states and Puerto Rico, as well as an expansive e-commerce platform serving both recreational and professional customers.

Day emphasized the company’s mission to enhance convenience and service for boaters: “West Marine is uniquely positioned to offer in-store shopping, e-commerce, and omnichannel fulfillment and delivery across both B2B and B2C customers. Our customer-first focus is reflected in our product assortments, fast delivery and pickup options, and solutions-based selling to help our customers spend more time on the water.”

Under her leadership, West Marine plans to continue strengthening long-term relationships with vendors while expanding same-day and next-day delivery options from its strategically located stores near marinas and boating communities.

A lifelong boater, Day joined West Marine in 2022 as Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer and quickly rose through leadership roles, including Chief Administrative Officer and COO. Before that, she spent 15 years with MarineMax, Inc., as Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer.

Day also serves on the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) Board of Directors and the Florida Chamber of Commerce Board, and has been recognized as a “Woman Making Waves” by Boating Industry magazine.

Founded in 1968, West Marine remains one of the country’s largest marine retailers, offering a broad selection of boating, fishing, and sailing products both in-store and online.

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American Sailing has announced that Nick Harvey, Chief Revenue Officer for Aquila Catamarans, has joined its Board of Directors. A longtime figure in the marine industry, Harvey brings broad experience in brand development, business strategy, and international market growth, along with a lifelong passion for sailing.

In his current role with Aquila Catamarans, Harvey has overseen the company’s global dealer network and expansion into new markets. His connection to American Sailing comes at an opportune moment: Aquila recently introduced a full line of sailing catamarans, a natural extension for a brand known primarily for its powerboat range.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nick to our board,” said Jonathan Payne, CEO of American Sailing. “His proven track record, strategic insight, and deep love for the water align perfectly with our mission to educate, inspire, and empower sailors at every level. With the rapid growth of our new powerboating division, American Boating, Nick’s contributions will help chart an exciting course for both sailors and powerboaters alike.”

As a board member, Harvey will help guide several major initiatives, including the continued expansion of American Sailing’s education standards, enhanced programs for its affiliated schools, and outreach to new boaters entering the sport through both sailing and powerboating.

“I’m honored to join the board of American Sailing,” said Harvey. “This is an organization I’ve admired for years for its leadership in creating confident, capable sailors across the country. I’m excited to work alongside Jonathan, Peter, and the rest of the board to build on this legacy and ensure the sport continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Peter Isler, two-time America’s Cup winner and Chairman of the Board of American Sailing, noted that Harvey’s leadership arrives at a pivotal time. “Nick’s energy, industry knowledge, and vision for the future of boating are exactly what we need at this moment,” Isler said. “American Sailing is not just teaching people how to sail; we’re building a community on the water. Nick’s leadership will help us expand that community in meaningful ways.”

Founded in 1983, American Sailing is recognized as the leading authority on sailing education in the United States. Its network of certified sailing schools and instructors has introduced millions of students to the sport, from beginners learning to handle a keelboat to experienced cruisers preparing for offshore passages. In 2024, the organization broadened its reach with the creation of American Boating, which now offers powerboating instruction at 45 schools nationwide.

With Harvey’s appointment, American Sailing continues to strengthen its leadership team as it aims to make life on the water more accessible to sailors and boaters of every level.

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Cure Marine and McConaghy Yachts have announced a strategic joint venture aimed at advancing the performance cruising multihull market. The partnership will see all Cure Marine catamarans produced at a dedicated facility within McConaghy Yachts’ factory in Zhuhai, China, leveraging McConaghy’s experience in high-performance composite yacht construction.

Carl Bird, CEO of Cure Marine, said, “McConaghy Yachts’ unparalleled reputation for innovation and precision in composite construction is the perfect complement to our brand. This joint venture will allow us to push the boundaries of performance and design, delivering the next generation of multihulls where you can go further, faster, and stay longer.”

The collaboration also introduces two new models, the Cure 48 and Cure 68, joining the existing Cure 55. These multihulls aim to blend performance and comfort for modern cruising sailors.

“Cure Marine has established a reputation for building exceptional performance catamarans, and we are proud to combine our strengths,” said Mark Evans, Managing Director of McConaghy. “Our teams share a passion for innovation and excellence. By working together, we are confident that we can set a new global standard for performance cruising multihulls and deliver extraordinary value to clients worldwide.”

The joint venture brings together Cure Marine’s design philosophy and focus on lightweight carbon-fiber construction with McConaghy’s history of building some of the world’s most notable racing and cruising yachts, including America’s Cup AC40s and ocean racers like Wild Oats XI and Alfa Romeo.

Cure Marine will showcase the new models and reveal additional details at the 2025 Annapolis Boat Show in early October.

For more information, visit Cure Marine and McConaghy Yachts.

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Current Yachts, a new entrant in the yacht brokerage world, has officially launched a platform aimed at transforming how yachts are bought and sold. The Annapolis-based firm introduces a patent-pending service model that replaces traditional 8-10% commissions with transparent flat-rate pricing, while maintaining professional brokerage standards.

Co-founded by marine industry veterans Amanda Haley of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Maryline Bossar of Annapolis, MD, alongside technical co-founders Jeff Dorso and Sean Walsh, Current Yachts seeks to address long-standing frustrations among yacht sellers and buyers.

“The yacht industry has operated under the same outdated commission model for decades. It was about time we challenged it with a fresh take,” said Haley. “Not only are we offering professional brokerage services at a fraction of the cost, we’re elevating the standard of our profession by giving our clients the most clarity, itemizing our services and explaining the co-brokerage dynamic.”

A distinguishing feature of the Current Yachts approach is the dual-role team supporting each transaction. Every deal pairs a licensed yacht broker with a transaction manager to expedite sales, coordinate showings and surveys, and guide clients through settlement. “With our team approach, we expedite every step of the sale or purchase,” said Bossar. “The seamless communication tools we have built into our process vastly improve accountability to yacht sellers and streamline the entire transaction from listing to closing.”

The platform also includes online tools for listing intake, vessel valuation, payment processing, and soon, real-time analytics and feedback. Sellers retain control over co-brokerage commissions, creating a more efficient marketplace while potentially improving retained equity.

Current Yachts will make its public debut at the 2025 Annapolis Sailboat Show from October 9-12 at booth AB-22. The company will host a press conference Friday, October 10, from 10:30-11:00 AM. Visitors can explore the new brokerage model firsthand and participate in a daily treasure hunt supporting charitable initiatives.

Current Yachts represents a tech-driven alternative to traditional yacht brokerage, combining cost transparency, professional service, and modern platform tools designed for today’s buyers and sellers.

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Addressing growing American demand for more environmentally friendly performance multihulls, Windelo Catamaran—a French shipyard specializing in eco-advanced performance catamarans—and US-based dealer Just Catamarans, have announced a new partnership to better serve the United States. Just Catamarans, who specialize in the performance cruising segment, will take a strategic role in the growth of Windelo Catamaran within the US market. 

The new partnership will be in place as the Miami International Boat Show kicks off in February 2024, where the Windelo 50 Yachting is set to make its US premiere, after its successful launch in Europe in 2023. 

Designed in collaboration with the architects Christophe Barreau and Frédéric Neuman, and designer Charlotte Schiffer, the Windelo 50 is a fast, bluewater cruising catamaran that features an electric propulsion system, which includes two electric engines and an inventive hull construction technique that utilizes volcanic basalt laminates, presenting a more sustainable alternative to traditional fiberglass matting.   

“Our entire team looks forward to working with Windelo,” said Thomas Chambers, president of Just Catamarans sales. “Representing a bespoke brand of performance multihulls that focuses more on sustainability and introducing electric-hybrid propulsion in this market is exciting for us and our clients.”   

Founded in 2004 and based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Just Catamarans is a recognized catamaran service specialist that also offers sales for brokerage and new boats for clients across the full spectrum of catamaran ownership.

“We are absolutely delighted to welcome Just Catamarans aboard the Windelo family,” said Gautier Kauffmann, founder of Windelo. “The reputation of Just Cats in the US, and their expertise in developing and supporting high-end performance cruising multihulls, will be an undeniable strength for the development of Windelo in the US market. Just Catamarans will be a key partner to the service footprint for all of our clients visiting the US and the Bahamas aboard a Windelo. While Just Catamarans will boost the visibility and service of our brand in the territory, we understand how important it is for our customers to maintain direct contact with the shipyard throughout the lifecycle of their boat. This is why, together with Thomas’ team, we set up a partnership that [creates] a joint approach to sales and service of our owners’ catamarans.”

Windelo Catamaran is a French boatyard based in Canet-en-Roussillon. It builds innovative, eco-advanced performance catamarans. After three years of research on eco-friendly materials and guided by strong family values, Olivier and his son Gautier Kauffmann, both passionate about sailing, founded Windelo in 2018 to build comfortable, environmentally friendly recreational craft.

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In 1986, David Robertson embarked on a journey to meet the demand for a practical, lightweight, hard-shell rowing dinghy that promised ease in launch and retrieval. Little did he know that the inaugural “Ultralite,” crafted for his family, would trigger a wave of interest leading to the establishment of Gig Harbor Boat Works. Over thirty-five years since the launch of the pioneering 8-foot Ultralite, Gig Harbor Boat Works has evolved, diversifying its offerings and necessitating a move to larger, modern facilities.  

The original Ultralite sparked such enthusiasm that, after showcasing it at the Seattle Boat Show, Robertson received over two dozen orders, officially marking the inception of Gig Harbor Boat Works. Today, the company boasts a diverse lineup of ten distinct boats, ranging from lightweight tenders to standalone rowing and sailing vessels, including the versatile 17-foot Salish Voyager designed for multi-purpose adventures.

To accommodate the growing popularity and diversity of their boats, Gig Harbor Boat Works is set to unveil a new 12,500 square-foot, state-of-the-art factory in Gig Harbor. This centralized production facility will bring together the entire production process, from lamination and assembly to administrative offices, ensuring seamless operations and enhanced efficiency.  

Falk Bock, production manager at Gig Harbor Boat Works, is optimistic about the move, stating, “With our production team working together in one location, we can build boats more efficiently without compromising the quality and attention to detail we are known for.”  

Gig Harbor Boat Works seamlessly melds traditional design with modern construction techniques, offering ten small craft models ranging from 8 to 17 feet in length. The boats, based on traditional working designs, can be customized to meet specific requirements, including gelcoat colors, keel strips, wood trim, sliding rowing seats, and more.

Upon the new factory’s operational launch, the original facility will transform into a customer-friendly showroom and delivery center. Katie Malik, general manager of Gig Harbor Boat Works and daughter of founder David Robertson, expresses excitement about the expansion, noting, “We are excited about the capabilities our new facility provides. Not only can we build more boats to keep up with growing demand, but by expanding our marketing efforts we can reach out to new folks that may not have known all that our boats have to offer.”

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Dream Yacht Charters is rolling out an internship training program in Florida that can lead to employment opportunities at bases worldwide.

Are you looking for a post-pandemic career change, or maybe a foot in the marine industry door? Dream Yacht Charters has launched a new program called Dream Yacht Academy in Key West, Florida, with classes beginning this winter and spring.

The academy is an internship program for marine mechanics, dock workers, skippers and hostesses. Successful graduates will be offered a job at one of the company’s worldwide charter bases, including four in the US.

Internships last four weeks and take place at Stock Island Yacht Club & Marina. There is no cost for the training, and interns will be provided free accommodations and have an expense allowance while learning.

Mechanics will learn how to service the company’s diverse fleet of monohull and catamaran sailboats and related craft. Dock teams learn about the charter check-in process, chart training and other aspects of customer service. These two programs begin in February and March, respectively. Hostess and skipper training sessions will follow.

For information and to apply for an internship, visit dreamyachtcharter.com/dream-yacht-academy-2/.

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In the wake of 2017’s incredibly destructive hurricane season, the charter companies located in the BVI and USVI definitely had their work cut out for them. The good news is that many are well on their way to reopening and getting sailors back out on the water. Most affected companies plan to re open in December 2017 or January 2018. Here’s a glance at the chartering season for winter 2018, from Florida south, based on interviews with companies at the show:

Charter Company Updates

The Moorings

A new restart date of December 9, 2017, for the flagship base in the BVI and the base in Puerto Rico, have been set. The base in St. Martin will open Feb. 1, 2018.

The proceeds of a fundraising drive and 60 generators have been directed to Moorings employees in the BVI and elsewhere. And, a total of $66.5 million in 130 new boats will be delivered to Tortola in the next six months. “That’s the investment we’re going to do,” says Josie Tucci, vice president sales/marketing for The Moorings. “We fully intend to come back stronger than ever.”

Moorings bases in the Bahamas, St. Lucia, Grenada and Belize were unaffected and are operational. Other announcements the company made at the show include the addition of the Exumas, Bahamas, base in 2018 and the launch of the new Moorings 5000 sailing catamaran in summer 2018.

Steve and Doris Colgate’s Offshore Sailing School

“We’re busy!” said Offshore president and CEO Doris Colgate on a break from booth duty at the show. “And we’re seeing a lot of new sailors!” Offshore, which has taught more than 140,000 people how to sail over 50 years in business, escaped hurricane damage at its Florida locations. The company expects to reopen its BVI sailing school, the official instructional arm of The Moorings, in spring 2018, according to Colgate. The Marriott Autograph Collection Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina on exclusive Scrub Island is currently closed.

Dream Yacht Charter

The company plans to be fully operational in St. Martin, the BVI and Puerto Rico by mid November and to restore its Caribbean fleet capacity to pre-2017 hurricane numbers by the end of the year.

While the company estimates that 60 percent of its 70 boats in St. Martin and the BVI will be declared a total loss, it draws from a global fleet of more than 900 boats in more than 47 bases. “We’re having a very fast recovery,” said manager Dan Lockyer. “It’s the nature of this business.”

The loss is a small percentage of Dream’s overall Caribbean fleet, Lockyer pointed out. Bases in Antigua, Martinique, St Vincent, Grenada and Guadeloupe are operational. The company is also purchasing 20 new boats for the St. Martin and BVI fleets for delivery by the end of 2017. Models include Lagoon 52s, Bali 4.5 catamarans, Dufour 520 and Sun Odyssey 519 monohulls. Dream is also purchasing the Regis Guillemot fleet in Martinique, adding 30 catamarans to its fleet there.

Horizon Yacht Charters

The numbers that Sylvia Driver, Horizon Yacht Charters director, was beaming the most about at the show were these: 15 generators ordered and $1,000 checks written to each BVI staff person out of their staff relief fund consisting of generous donations from yacht owners and charter clients alike. “I want our staff to keep their occupations,” she said. “The BVI is home to them and they’re not going anywhere. Their survival is of utmost importance..”

Activity at Horizon’s other Caribbean bases, which are undamaged, is brisk. These locations include Antigua, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada.

The company’s BVI base will resume operations January 6, 2018. For complete details about the new boats and other status updates click here

TMM Yacht Charters

While all of the TMM fleet sustained damaged, some catastrophic, the company hopes to see the season’s first charterers shove off the dock by mid-December 2017. Six new Lagoon catamarans are entering the fleet in the coming months. By mid October, the company had nine cats operational. “We’ll just start from where we started when we had nine boats in 1979!” said director Lin Crook, whose husband, Barney, founded the company that year. “You can only go up!”

Crook proudly added that Nalu, the Lagoon 450F, that was tied off behind her, would deliver 12 generators to the BVI base for TMM employees.

The Catamaran Company

Besides acquiring generators for its employees, the Catamaran Company, whose base and fleet fared decently in the hurricanes, is eager to help the islands get back on track by getting back to business. The logic behind its “Operation Sail It Forward BVI 2017” is straightforward: Go on a bareboat charter. Volunteer while there. Spread the tale through photos, videos, and words, and pump money back into the economy.

The first charter group heads out from the Catamaran Company’s undamaged base on Tortola’s east end on November 25, 2017, led by John and Autumn Vernon aboard Rum Away, a Lagoon 450. They encourage followers to sign up, donate funds, and follow their BVI charter. Even better: They hope their adventure will inspire other charterers to book. Their efforts have already paid off: A second “Sail It Forward” charter group will set out in early December.

Damage to the company’s fleet isn’t significant enough to keep the boats from going out, and 10 new catamarans are due in soon, including a 2018 Lagoon 450, according to director Kimberly Lee.

Voyage Charters

According to staff from Voyage Charters at the show, four to five of the fleet of 28 catamarans at the base in Soper’s Hole, on Tortola’s west end, are salvageable. The company is still doing damage assessment and owners have put deposits on new boats, which are expected to arrive starting in December 2017.

CYOA Yacht Charters

The first booking of the season for John Jacob’s CYOA Yacht Charters, based in Frenchtown, St. Thomas, in the United States Virgin Islands, is October 23, 2017. “Obviously, it’s a slow start,” he said at the show.

Nonetheless, Jacob added, with the downtown being prepared for the resumption of the cruise ship season, “it’s getting put back together. We are open for business.”

“The chartering experience will be much like that in the Virgins 25 years ago,” he added. “West Indians are resilient and your money is crucial to their recovery. If you want to go sailing and snorkeling, it’s going to be great. CYOA has come through Hugo and Marilyn, and each time we’ve come back better. That’s our intention this time, and that’s how we expect it to go down.”

Waypoints by Atlantic Cruising Yachts

From the independently owned companies who are members of a new charter network called Waypoints, the news at the show was all good: We’re open, undamaged, and eager for your charter business.

These companies include Cruise Annapolis, Cruise Abaco, Virgin Islands Yacht Charters, BVI Yacht Charters, Harmony Yacht Vacations, and Sailing Florida Charters.

“We’re working with boutique companies to leverage decades of experience with new destinations,” said Susan Restauri, charter reservations manager. Destinations offered by these companies include: Chesapeake Bay; the Sea of Abaco, Bahamas; the Florida Keys and Dry Tortugas; Cuba; Great Exuma, Bahamas; west coast of Florida; US and British Virgin Islands.

American Sailing Association

According to Lenny Shabes, founder of the ASA, the organization is still trying to make contact with 15-20 of a total 350 instructional centers located in global sailing destinations. One thing is certain: Among many others, ASA-certified Key West Sailing Academy & Yacht Charter, situated in the Florida Keys, is unharmed and open for business.

More updates available here.

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