METS: THE BOATING’S WONDERLAND

We fly from a boat show to another. We’ve just left Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show and it’s time to understand the trend of next METS, the most important marine equipment trade show in the world. It will take place next week, from November 15 to 17, in Amsterdam.

There will be no boats, but it’s certainly one among the most prestigious marine shows in the rich international calendar of boat events.

It’s a window on what we’ll see in the future on boats of all sizes, the ideal place where operators (the event is not open to “normal” public) and producers from all around the world can meet, an infallible thermometer to understand the market’s trends.

2015 and 2016 seem to confirm a positive trend in the field. Many Italian brands will join the event and the Italian stand will be, in fact, the biggest of the event (sponsored by UCINA, in addition to 18 brands sponsored by Nautica Italiana).

METS also includes the prestigious DAME Design Award competition. The award is given by an official jury, whose members are: Bill Dixon (Dixon Yacht Design), the president, Torsten Conradi, Judel/Vrolijk & co; Jarno Jakopin; Andrea Frabetti, Diesel Center S.p.A; Jan Dirk Jansen, TU Delft;  Nigel Calder;  Peter Hemp, ICOMIA and Brigit Schnaase (Schnaase Interior).

Every year, the winners are announced the morning of the first day on the basis of the previous nominations. This year, there are 67 nominations from 24 different countries.

Among them, six Italian brands: Antal (with its Dyneema eye-bolt for T-Lock flush decks), Schenker (with watermaker Modular 300), Harken (with racing Air winches), BCM Illuminazione (with Jolly Roger light), Palagi Marine (with its courtesy lights for IP65 stanchions) and GZ Marine Division (with Radial, the gangboard which can covert into a pouf or coffee table).