Caribbean Compass Yachting Magazine April 2016

BUSINESS BRIEFS
‘Eco-Responsibility’ with Proven Performance from Seajet 038 Taisho
Adam Fiander reports: Up until now most boat owners have relied upon mainly copper-based
antifoul formulations to keep the infestation of shell and plant growth at bay.
Despite the success of copper as a consistent and reliable barrier against fouling,
APRIL 2016 CARIBBEAN COMPASS PAGE 8
we know that it doesn’t have an entirely clean sheet when it comes to the safety of
our underwater environment.
Now there’s a new and fully “eco-responsible” alternative from Seajet called 038
Taisho, containing ECONEA® as the active biocide of choice. Taisho is biodegradable
and has a significantly smaller environmental footprint than other formulations.
Compatible with all hull substrates, including aluminium, and available in five
strong, bright colours, 038 Taisho has low water solubility and a correspondingly low
leaching (eroding) rate. In fact tests have shown that antifoul made with just five
percent ECONEA® has the same performance effect as antifouling made with 50
percent copper!
With lower VOC emissions than other products, Taisho is not only more user-friendly
to apply, but is not excessively expensive either and is priced at 290 Euros for five
litres — roughly about the same price, or even cheaper than other quality copperbased
alternatives.
Applied in the same way, either by brush, roller or spray-gun (professionals only) as
other more traditional formulations, Taisho’s ability at repelling fouling has staggered
even highly experienced professionals who thought they’d seen it all before now!
Available from W.I.N.D. distribution in Martinique and Guadeloupe, look out for
new Seajet 038 TAISHO now.
For more information on W.I.N.D. see ads on pages 28 and 29, and in the Market
Place section, pages 49 through 51.
Island Water World Sponsors Bus’s New Boat
Island Water World-sponsored racing sailor Frits Bus launched a “new” secondhand
Melges 24 at the beginning of February; he will be sponsored for another three
years by the well-known Caribbean ship chandlery.
The first Melges raced by the St. Maarten-based skipper and his crew needed to
be replaced. It had been sailed in the rough Caribbean waters since 1998 and the
hull was getting “soft” — a big challenge for this highly competitive team.
Frits will sail the new boat together with his permanent crewmembers Olivier
Bernaz, Benoit Meesemaker, Joep Groenendijk and Bernard Fourier in most
Caribbean regattas. He also co-organizes the St. Martin Laser Championship and
races various other regattas with different boats.
During the Heineken Regatta 2016 the old Melges will be sailed by a team from
Tortola, so two almost identically painted Melges will be seen in the waters around
St. Maarten.
For more information on Island Water World see ad on page 56.
IGY Marinas’ Community Service Project
On February 20th, IGY Marinas successfully implemented its first annual “Inspire Giving
through You” initiative. The worldwide community service project occurred simultaneously
in six countries with over 300 volunteers from eight participating IGY marina locations.
The IGY team, captains, crew, owners and local volunteers came together on
behalf of local communities that surround their marinas. Volunteers provided handson
restorations including cleaning, painting, construction, installations, and basic
repairs for seven different non-profits. In appreciation to all participating volunteers,
Tom Mukamal, CEO of IGY Marinas, stated, “The success of this outreach was derived
from the collaborated efforts of our volunteers and the dedication of our staff members.
Their perseverance and enthusiasm resulted in making a tangible impact in
each of the communities. Their generosity has hopefully inspired others in the yachting
community and beyond to spend time with friends and colleagues to give back.
We look forward to significantly expanding these efforts in seasons to come.”
In addition, volunteers, including IGY Marinas’ staff and executives, at each location
provided additional efforts personalized to the needs of each facility.
• St. Thomas USVI: St. Thomas Swimming Association Community Pool and The Boys
& Girls Club of St. Thomas – 48 volunteers assisted with contributing time and efforts
to cleaning and painting the pool deck, showers, and restrooms of the Aquatic
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