36th METSTRADE opens with nods to a tech future
This morning, METSTRADE director Niels Klarenbeek warmly welcomed delegates to a packed theatre at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre, setting an uplifting tone with an energetic dance performance ahead of the prestigious DAME Awards ceremony, where TeamO claimed the top honour.
Klarenbeek also officially opened the 36th edition of the METSTRADE trade show, which is taking place amid global geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties. Despite these challenges, this year’s event boasts a record-breaking 1,600 exhibitors, with Klarenbeek highlighting the industry’s resilience and enthusiasm.
In a brief but impactful speech, Darren Vaux, president of the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA), the international trade association representing the global marine industry, discussed the three core strategies for the organisation: sustainability, technology and innovation, emphasising the need to focus on what can be controlled.
“What happened in the past is the past. We have to look to the future,” Vaux said. He noted that he believes there is now normalisation in the global market but highlighted that technology is pervasive. He predicted dramatic changes in the industry as technology continues to evolve.
“But we are in the real world, with people who live in the real world,” he cautioned, explaining that those who enjoy sailing and being on the water value actual – rather than virtual – experiences.
While the experience may take part in the real world, the training can happen virtually, Terry Hutchinson, the skipper and president of operations for New York Yacht Club American Magic, told attendees in his Breakfast Briefing keynote speech.
“The America’s Cup is a cruel game. It’s not a game you want to play if you don’t have every resource available to you,” Hutchinson said.
Talking of the technology which his elite sport develops, Hutchinson says that the “America’s Cup boats defy physics, but we are only scratching the surface”, with simulation becoming incredibly relevant. “Twice now, we’ve fallen short, and twice we’ve led. It tells me we need to find a different way to learn.”
Part of that is data streaming, which allows live analysis of the performance of boats and also means fewer chase boats on the water. Hutchinson’s team has now adopted this approach, which is similar to INEOS Britannia before it.
American Magic has transferred time on the water to time in a simulator for what Hutchinson describes as “accurate and cost-effective training”. While he notes that he has been cautious about the opportunities which AI and technology initially presented, he says: “It’s exciting to be part of emerging technology. We truly are inventing the future.”
According to Hutchinson, American Magic is committed to further opening up sailing as a sport in America, bringing the sport to a younger generation and building a legacy. The team has a 20-year plan which includes a new base at Pensacola in Florida, which he says will provide a high-performance base to manufacture, design, engineer and build sailing talent.
“The US has fallen short significantly on the Olympics front,” he said. “It will be exciting to see how the cultivation of talent goes for the team, and how it builds a legacy of athletes, engineers, designers and manufacturers.”
That said, Hutchinson believes: “The America’s Cup under its current model is not very sustainable. But the opportunities are very real, with the defender helping to change the rules of engagement with the AC38 to help both the commercial and sailing sides thrive.
The Marine Industry News team is attending METSTRADE throughout the show. Get in touch or come and find us at stand 01.582 in hall 1.
