text: The 2013 international marine design competition showcased at the METS trade show
  Winners of the 2013 DAME design awards were announced this morning ahead of the opening of the METS exhibition in Amsterdam.
  The DAME jury inspected 115 entries from 12 countries. A total of 52 products were nominated for consideration in the final judging rounds.
  Seven Category Winners were chosen along with nine Special Mentions (non-winning products that deserve merit commendation) and an ultimate DAME Award Winner.
  Sleipner Motor vector fin stabilizers took the overall crown and the Machinery, Propulsion, Mechanical and Electrical Systems and Fittings category title.
  The Jury stated: ‘Sleipner Motor has thought out of the box to produce a fin that better suits many of the modern hull forms to which stabilisers are becoming a standard fit.
  ‘The elegant curved shape of the fin beneficially directs force to improve roll reduction and decrease the side effects of yaw and sway.
  ‘It also increases the leverage arm of the vessel’s rolling point and minimises drag. This is an incredibly simple solution to improving the experience of boatowners and their guests.’
  CLOTHING AND CREW ACCESSORIES: Reading boarding ring provides a virtual horizon in the peripheral field of view of the wearer and is promised to cure motion sickness when symptoms appear. It is offered in several models including child and sunglass versions. All models except the sunglass type can be worn over prescription lenses. The Jury didn’t consider boarding ring glasses to be a fashion statement but noted that when you are seasick that doesn’t matter!
  LIFESAVING AND SAFETY EQUIPMENT: Fraser Optics Monolite removes up to 98% of image motion caused by hand or boat movement. The Fraser Optics Mariner Series 14x40mm Gyro-Stabilized Monolite is said to be buoyant, submersible and shockproof. The Jury appreciated the industrial design effort that had gone into this ‘visually pleasing and easy-to-handle product’.
  DECK EQUIPMENT: The Nomen Clip-cleat is said to be a ‘very clever and elegant alternative’ to usual cleats. It features spring-loaded ends that present a smooth profile to avoid snags and injuries when closed but can be pressed aside as you make a line off or release it. The Jury was very impressed with the Clip-cleat, admiring this ‘quality’ product’s great balance between function and form.
  MARINA EQUIPMENT, BOATYARD EQUIPMENT AND BOAT CONSTRUCTION TOOLS AND MATERIALS: Vanclaes boat trailer won this category and was noted for its ‘bold design, striking use of materials and distinctive branding’. The Jury thought it offered something different in this sector and particularly appreciated the sturdy walkaround access platform to keep feet out of the water when launching or retrieving and the integrated waterproof lights, avoiding the need for a separate trailer board.
  Other winners included the Volva Penta Glass Cockpit System in the ‘Marine Electronics and Marine Related Software’ category and Oceanair Marine’s Skysol Motion blind in the ‘Interior Equipment, Furnishing, Materials and Electrical Fittings used in Cabins’ category.
  Special Mentions went to the Garmin quatix watch, Raymarine Evolution Autopilot, Vavuud wind meter, GISATEX neckroll and pillow, Cooney Marine Simpson Davits Oval 15zero Davit, the KJ Karver Jammer, Trend Marine Products Sargasso opening hull window, Scanstrut’s Lifedge waterproof case for iPhone 5/5S and the PYI Inc./Seaview Progress Max-Prop Whisper.
  METS is the world’s largest trade exhibition of equipment, materials and systems for the international marine leisure industry. It is organised by Amsterdam RAI in association with the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA).
  Pictures: The Overall DAME Award Winner, plus a selection of Category Winners and Special Mentions. Credit: Laura Kitching