GARY REICH PHOTO

The 38th edition of Metstrade opened this morning at RAI Amsterdam. Show director Niels Klarenbeek gave a breakfast briefing, International Council of Marine Industry Associations president Darren Vaux provided an update, America’s Cup Sailor Terry Hutchinson spoke about the American Magic program, and the DAME Design Awards were presented.

“We know that there are geopolitical tensions and economic factors affecting the industry this year,” Klarenbeek said, opening the show. “We’re happy to announce that we have a record 1,600 exhibitors on-site.”

Vaux updated attendees on ICOMIA’s recently released Recreational Boating Industry Statistics report, and also announced an update to last year’s Pathways to Propulsion Decarbonisation for the Recreational Marine Industry study. The study this year provided steps to begin reducing the boating industry’s carbon footprint.

GARY REICH PHOTO

“I encourage you all to find the [statistics] report and look it over,” Vaux said. “There is a lot of incredibly useful information in there. Additionally, please join us later for an update on our efforts to decarbonize our industry by implementing the use of sustainable fuels.”

Terry Hutchinson, president of sailing operations and skipper for the American Magic America’s Cup campaign, spoke about the latest Cup regatta and its new headquarters in Pensacola, Fla. The headquarters is where the team will build new Cup yachts, encourage and develop sailing talent, and push the boundaries of boatbuilding technology.

GARY REICH PHOTO

“It may not look like much now, but the white patch of sand in that photo will be a basin where we launch boats and develop sailing talent for our program,” Hutchinson said. “We’ll also be building our next-generation America’s Cup boats on-site.”

The briefing concluded with the presentation of this year’s DAME Design Awards, which recognize exceptional design in marine industry products. This year’s contest comprised 114 entrants that were narrowed to 58 nominees.

GARY REICH PHOTO

This year’s winners are:

• Overall Winner: TeamO Marine Safety Products, Offshore Hi-Lift 150N life jacket and harness.

• Personal Equipment: TeamO Marine Safety Products, Hi-Lift 150N life jacket and harness.

• Comfort and Entertainment Afloat: Indel Webasto Marine, Slim-Fit cooling unit.

• Navigation and Communication: Raymarine, RSW Wired, Smart Wind transducer.

• Electronic and Electrical Systems: Egis Mobile, XD Series NMEA 2000 controllable remote battery switching and charge management.

• Propulsion and Dynamics: Yanmar Marine International, E-Saildrive.

• Deck Equipment: Karver Systems, KJS 12 rope clutch.

• Security and Safety Aboard: AirMarker R.Four SOS systems.

• Shoreside Equipment and Materials: North Sails, NPL Renew

• Environmental Design: CMP Group, SMartyr SCP anode; Yanmar Marine International, E-Saildrive.

Metstrade is open today and Wednesday from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.