BMEA

The British Marine Electronic Association (BMEA), one of the largest and most proactive associations within the British Marine Federation (BMF) is to launch a new on-line journal called BMEA Direct which will feature articles about the latest developments in the maritime electronics industry.

Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK’s longest running and most successful sporting events. It now stages up to 40 daily races for around 1,000 boats and is the largest sailing regatta of its kind in the world. Radio communication supplier, Icom UK is proud to be the official radio communication supplier to Cowes Week, continuing its long association with the event. Over a period of eight years, the company has supplied a range of VHF marine radio equipment to the organisers to help ensure that the event is one of the best-managed sailing regattas in the world.

Mastervolt has recently introduced the new SlimLine range of AGM batteries. Taking up to 30% less space and weighing up to 15% less than traditional lead-acid types, the Mastervolt SlimLine batteries deliver a high discharge rate with a low internal resistance, which make them ideal as a multi-purpose battery, especially for service, engine start or hybrid applications.

Following on from their recent successful radar training events, Raymarine is pleased to announce four new dates for the autumn. The first courses will take place on the 30 and 31 October at Mylor Yacht Club in Falmouth, Cornwall. Alan Watson will once again be delivering the course with support from local Raymarine service agent, BT Marine. Further courses are also scheduled at The Royal Norfolk & Suffolk Yacht Club on the 13 and 14 November, and will be delivered by Norfolk Marine.

Icom are proud to be named the”Official Radio Communications Suppliers” to the Royal Temple Yacht Club (RTYC) and their annual regatta; Ramsgate Week 2009. The regatta has been a feature of the town’s calendar for over 110 years and attracts approximately 100 boats from Great Britain and the continent.

The British Marine Electronics Association is pleased to announce that it is now organising 3 industry awards which will be announced at the annual BMEA Conference that will take place on Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 at the Novotel Hotel in Southampton.

The latest VAT newsletter from the BMF VAT consultant has been published on the BMF member part of the website; this gives updates on the Budget, new measures relating to intra-EU transactions, changes to the partial exemption Standard Method and the Tour Operators Margin Scheme (which may be applicable to any business that buys in or sells on accommodation or travel).

Totnes based company Scanstrut Ltd, designer and manufacturer of installation solutions for marine electronics, were recently awarded their 2009 Queen’s Award for Enterprise by Devon’s Lord-Lieutenant Eric Dancer in a mark of honour from the Queen.

International marine electronics manufacturer Raymarine has announced it is supporting the British Services Exercise Transglobe 2009-2010. The tri-services round the World expedition comprises three 20 m (67 feet) yachts, each crewed by members of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force. The expedition has fully equipped its three yachts – Adventure, Discoverer and Challenger – with an integrated suite of Raymarine products including radar, chartplotter and instruments.

The Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA) is receiving support for the next five years from Icom, worldwide manufacturers of high quality radio communications. WPNSA will be supplied with IC-M71 VHF hand portable radios and IC-F110M base stations together with ongoing technical support and additional equipment when required for major events.