Industry news

... where they will present a seminar on British marine excellence at the 10th annual China International Boat Show. Sponsored by the UK's Department of Trade and Investment (DTI), the seminar will allow nine UK specialists active in the sale, purchase, manufacturing, management and charter of yachts to deliver their message to a panel of Chinese and international dignitaries from the marine industry. Apart from the seminar, which takes place on Friday, April 8, the BMF has organised a number of site and yard visits for delegates in Shanghai. 

* The Fédération des Industries Nautiques (FIN) says there will be a significant French presence and a French pavilion at the 10th China International Boat Show (CIBS), which starts on Friday and runs until April 11th. 

The event takes place in Shanghai, and the French presence is the result of an initiative on the part of FIN. The 1,000sq m pavilion showcasing French know-how will include more than 30 French companies, including: Bénéteau, Blue Bay Yachts, Catana, CIM Shipyard, CNB, the Cannes International Boat Show, Dufour yachts, Fountaine Pajot, Grandsoleil, Guy Couach, Lagoon, Nanni Industries, Jeanneau, Nautitech, Sillinger, Rotomod, Wauquiez, Wichard/Profurl, Kolorian, Van Peteghem & Lauriot, and Zodiac International. 

* 1bigthink has announced the hiring of John Winder as Vice President of Product Development. 1bigthink Managing Partner David Ross commented: "John´s extensive experience in regatta management and his active position in national and international yacht racing authorities and organizations makes him an indispensable part of the 1bigthink team as we focus and grow our line of marine products." John´s primary responsibility will be to shape the development and market of Regatta manager, which is due for release in late summer. 

* Lewmar has agreed to sponsor two of the major events in the Junior Offshore Group´s (JOG) 2005 calendar. 

The company will be putting its name to the Lewmar Channel Race, starting off Cowes on Friday 26 August and taking the fleet to St Peter Port in Guernsey. Thereafter the Lewmar JOG Week will be held in St. Peter Port from Monday 29th August to Thursday 1st September. 

The Guernsey Yacht Club will be acting as host for the events in St. Peter Port, with additional promotion being provided by the Guernsey Tourist Office. 

The Channel Race has long been a popular fixture, attracting over 60 boats in 2004, while the four-day race week is the second such event put on by the club, the first being held in 2001 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of JOG. This now returns as the Lewmar JOG Week due to popular demand and is expected to attract a sizeable fleet from both the south coast of England and the Channel Islands.