News & Notes

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HYLAS M58 ANNOUNCED

Renowned sailboat builder Hylas Yachts has launched a new line of power cruising boats. The Hylas M44 debuted at the 2017 Newport International Boat Show, and the company recently announced that a new model—the M58—is set to join the fledgling fleet next year. Designed by Downeast Yachts’ go-to architect, boat sculptor Doug Zurn, the M58 will sport a considerably different aesthetic than the M44, with a classic, sweeping reverse sheer that ends with a tumblehome transom on one end and a flared bow on the other. The model’s distinctive windshield has an ultra-contemporary look, sure, but the design is also highly pragmatic as it lacks the heavy mullions that obscure views to the outside world.

The housetop itself extends its roof aft, protecting the cockpit deck seating area from sun and rain. On top of the extended overhead cover are three large sunroofs that provide the cockpit with an abundance of natural light. The cockpit cover exists in both the sedan and flybridge versions of the M58. The flybridge model, though, adds a single helm, an L-shape settee, and a straight settee to the upper deck. Sedan owners will still be able to make use of the boat’s upper tier as a sun deck/lounge area, and in either arrangement this area is accessed via a cockpit ladder.

Speed performance will more closely resemble a sport boat, but even with top-end speeds of 30 knots (delivered by just one of the many possible engine packages), the expected range is projected to net 750 nautical miles at those speeds. Of the hull design, Zurn says, “With a fine entry forward warping into that medium deadrise aft, we expect [the M58] to be a leader in fuel economy in the class.”

Inside, the M58 will feature three staterooms on the lower level and a large U-shape dinette and aft galley on the main level. Stay tuned for more from Hylas Yachts’ new powerboat line. www.hylasyachts.com

TRAWLER FEST RETURNS TO BALTIMORE

At this year’s TrawlerFest – Baltimore, attendees will be able to earn a certificate by completing one of six seminars. Depending on the type of boat insurance they have, this certificate may earn them a discount on their insurance premium.

One of the most popular seminars, “Everything You Need to Know About Diesel Engines,” is taught by renowned author/researcher Nigel Calder and veteran boatbuilder and yard operator Steve Zimmerman. Calder is PassageMaker’s technical editor and Zimmerman writes the regular column, “Troubleshooter.” Limited to 36 students, this two-day course nearly always sells out.

“Practical Marine Weather” is a new treatment of the subject by weather router and veteran presenter Chris Parker. Parker’s goal in this two-day seminar is for attendees to understand the basics of what drives weather in the marine environment and to learn how to do their own forecasting.

Dr. Jim Chimiak, director of DAN Medical Services, returns to TrawlerFest to offer “Medical Preparedness and First Aid for Boaters.” This seminar is an open discussion on boater safety resources and an approach to basic medical care, including case reviews that detail the initial steps in dealing with medical emergencies in remote locations. Chimiak, a practicing surgeon, is an Annapolis graduate and an avid coastal boater with a great deal of experience in marine medicine.

HOT TIP

Every seminar except three (“Diesel Engines,” “Practical Marine Weather,” and “Boat Handling on the Water”) are included in our VIP packages. The cost is $449 for a four-day VIP pass and $549 for the five-day pass. Both VIP passes give attendees access to their choice of 24 seminars. Visit our ticketing site (www.goo.gl/WVoCZm) to see how being a VIP maximizes your experience. TrawlerFest–Baltimore seminars run Tuesday, Sept. 25 – Saturday, Sept. 29. In-Water Boat Show is open Thursday, Sept. 27 – Saturday, Sept. 29.

Open 10 a.m.–5 p.m. (Seminar participants enter in-water boat show free on day of seminar.)

Questions? Contact Jennifer at jdudas@aimmedia.com or (954) 761-7073.

Interested in being an exhibitor or sponsor? Contact Ryan Davidson at (954) 328-7573 or rdavidson@aimmedia.com.

In “Safety and Navigation With Radar, Chartplotters, and AIS,” marine author/illustrator Bob Sweet and Furuno senior product manager Eric Kunz will discuss the recent rise of solidstate multifrequency radar that is replacing the pulse technology originally developed during the Battle of Britain. This course will explore what this change means for today’s radar consumers and operators. The instructors will discuss the latest uses for AIS technology and share navigation techniques and tips on how to get the most from today’s modern multifunction displays (MFDs), regardless of brand.

“Safety and Survival at Sea” is taught by a team of veterans, Mario Vittone and Michael Carr. The goal of the seminar is for attendees to develop the kind of safety mindset that separates professional mariners, who rarely call for help, from recreational mariners, who often do. A retired U.S. Coast Guard rescue swimmer, Vittone has become a national expert on immersion hypothermia, drowning, sea survival, and safety at sea. Carr is a veteran boat handler and weather expert, who, after graduating from the Coast Guard Academy, served in the U.S. Coast Guard, Merchant Marine, and Army.

“Boat Handling on the Water” will earn you the certificate, but in order to get onto a boat for this limited-registration class, attendees need to take the prerequisite seminar “Boat Handling Illustrated.” Together these courses will develop skills in close-quarters maneuvering and docking and build boat-handling confidence. Bob Sweet is the author of several marine titles including Powerboat Handling Illustrated and The Instant Handbook of Boat Handling, Navigation and Seamanship.

THE STATS TELL THE STORY

A few months back, the U.S. Coast Guard released their annual report on recreational boating accidents, compiled from operators who were involved in these incidents.

2017 showed a year-over-year 3.9% decrease in accidents. Injuries dropped dramatically, as well, down 9.4%. And deaths fell 6.1% to a total of 658. However, the USCG notes that while fatalities were down from 2016, 2016 and 2017 had the highest number of deaths in the past five years. Additional stats include: • The fatality rate was deaths per registered recreational vessels This rate represents a decrease from last year’s fatality rate of 5.9%. •Property damage totaled approximately million • !lcohol continued to be the leading known contributing factor to fatal boating accidents.

• Operator inattention improper lookout operator in experience machinery failure and alcohol use ranked as the top five primary contributing factors in accidents.

• Of the fatalities for which this information was reported the operator of the vessel had no boating safety instruction in 81% of the cases.

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