SEA ANCHORS FROM DOWNUNDER WORLD’S BEST

A New Zealand sea anchor manufacturer has again scooped international awards, this time at the largest specialty fabrics tradeshow in the Americas.

Coppins Sea Anchors of Motueka has been judged ‘Top Winner’ at the Industrial Fabrics Association International (IFAI) Expo in New Orleans, with two International Achievement Awards. Its winning entry was for a line of sea anchors for superyachts.

This is the sixth time in 16 years the company has been recognised in this award scheme.

The product incorporates several features never seen before, including an integrated rescue towline and an innovative method of retrieving and repacking it, which can be achieved by just one person. The superyacht sea anchor is also far smaller, lighter and stronger than any comparable product, according to Managing Director Bill Coppins.

The IFAI awards have recognised innovation, technical skill and design for over 70 years. Entries are judged by industry experts, editors, architects, educators and design professionals. Some 235 entries were received from 11 countries this year.

Coppins products are used on some very large vessels and by major international customers, including the US Navy.

Coppins Sea Anchors set out some years ago to make the best sea anchors in the world. The recent awards and some groundbreaking contracts are signs the company is heading in the right direction. “But we’ll never be satisfied, we still want to find ways to make our products even better,” says Coppins.