The 55th edition of the Barcolana, which attracts more entries than virtually any other sailing race in the world, has been the latest in a string of major events to sign a sponsorship deal with Highfield Boats. Highfield, in association with Burin Boats, has provided a fleet of inflatable RIBs for on-the-water support at the spectacle whose 2023 edition hosted over 1800 entries last Sunday 8th October on Italy’s Gulf of Trieste. The Barcolana joins an impressive line-up of global events partnered by Highfield RIB fleets. Most recently the company’s Official Supporter status was confirmed between Highfield France and the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games with an unprecedented 90-plus boats to be delivered for a range of roles. Highfield Boats is also proud to…
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New Sport 560 and Sport 800 models enter the Highfield range
Highfield Boats, the leading manufacturer of aluminium RIBs, has just added two stunning models to its advanced Sport range. The new Sport 560 (SP560) and Sport 800 (SP800) are making their autumn 2023 debut, showing off their cutting-edge styling and performance capability. The Sport 560 is based on the proven pedigree of its predecessor’s acclaimed hull form, while boasting a sleek look that will turn heads, including a newly designed A-frame and carbon console, plus a host of onboard features to provide a smooth ride and a comfortable watersports platform for a family day out. The Sport 800, meanwhile, echoes all the superior detailing of Highfield’s flagship Sport 900, but at a size which can easily be towed or launched from a drystack. The Sport…
Highfield Boats steps up sustainability with expanded electric tender range
Highfield Boats steps up sustainability with expanded electric tender range Three new all-electric models, the CL310E, CL360E and CL380E, have been added to the Highfield Boats Classic Tender range this autumn, featuring the Navy Evo electric outboard motor from ePropulsion. The Classic E range which already includes the CL340, launched at the beginning of 2023 in Düsseldorf, has been developed as a result of the continuous path of innovation followed by Highfield Boats as the company explores new opportunities to make boating both enjoyable and sustainable. The CL310E is powered by the 6hp Navy 3.0 Evo, which has a range of up to 49 miles, while the other two models are powered by the 9.9hp Navy 6.0 Evo whose range extends to 72 miles. The…
European dealer meeting sets out the year ahead for Highfield Boats
The network of European dealers representing Highfield Boats, a world leader in RIB tenders and performance RIBs, was finally reunited for the first annual conference in three years after the Covid-era hiatus. Fifty importers from throughout Europe gathered in the waterfront city of Kristiansand in Norway to be welcomed by the Highfield HQ and European teams for the four-day European Dealers Meeting 2023. The meeting opened to the presentation of the company’s 2024 strategy and a look at the long-term vision. The new additions to the range that are planned for the coming year were unveiled to the attending dealers. The Europe representatives took the opportunity to meet new OEM partners, leading brands Mercury, ePropulsion and Navico, while renewing connections with longstanding partner Pennel &…
Highfield Boats USA Opens New 50,000-sq.ft Warehouse and Rigging Facility in Michigan
Cadillac, MI – JUNE 15, 2023 – Highfield Boats, the world’s leading manufacturer of aluminum-hull Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBS), is delighted to announce the opening of its new 50,000-sq.ft. warehouse and rigging facility in Cadillac, Michigan. This state-of-the-art, strategically located facility will enable Highfield Boats USA to efficiently deliver turn-key RIBs to its dealer partners and customers across North America. The facility is already operational, and deliveries are set to commence this month. “We are thrilled to take advantage of this opportunity to open a centrally located U.S. facility,” said Christophe Lavigne, president of Highfield Boats USA. “Our large-boat business in North America has been growing rapidly, and this substantial investment in real estate, personnel, and equipment is a testament to our commitment to supporting that growth….
Highfield Boats unveils first electric jet propulsion tender at Boot Düsseldorf
Following the addition of a new outboard powered electric tender to the Highfield Boats range, announced just this week, the world’s largest aluminium RIB and tender manufacturer has followed up by revealing a second and quite different electric model. Making its debut at boot Düsseldorf is the very first prototype of the brand new Highfield EJET330 tender. The model is powered by an electric jet propulsion system, developed by ZeroJet, the New Zealand-based electric jet systems specialist. By joining forces, the two companies are combining Highfield’s performance and strength with ZeroJet’s efficient and powerful electric system. With no propeller to worry about, the EJET330 is safe for the water’s environment. It can be used in very shallow depths and is easily beached. Its low profile also makes it the perfect…
Highfield Boats unveils new electric tender, the Classic 340E, powered by ePropulsion
The Classic 340 E, which was unveiled at boot Düsseldorf on Saturday, is the result of continuous innovation by Highfield Boats, as the company explores new opportunities to make boating easy and enjoyable. The addition of the ePropulsion Navy 6.0 Evo Electric Outboard Motor provides clean, efficient and reliable power at 9.9HP, in both salt and fresh water. There’s no messy fuel or oil leaks and being electric, it’s exhaust-free, so every trip is pleasant and, of course, eco-friendly. Lightweight and compact, the outboard is easy to carry around, whether stored ashore or onboard. Like the rest of Highfield’s RIB and tender range the CL340 E features a recyclable and durable aluminium hull and is built to an exceptional quality finish. Designed to work hard…
Highfield Boats announces partnership with Pip Hare Ocean Racing
Highfield Boats is pleased to announce a partnership with Pip Hare Ocean Racing, supplying the team with a bespoke Patrol 760 RIB, a boat specially designed for demanding offshore conditions, in support of Pip’s global sailing campaign. The RIB will support the programme which includes preparation for Pip’s next great challenge, the 2024 Vendée Globe single handed non-stop round the world race, on her new foiling IMOCA, Medallia. Pip is one of only eight women who have already completed a gruelling Vendee Globe, the 2020 edition. In preparation for the Vendée, Pip will be competing in the forthcoming Route du Rhum which starts this November, 2022. “A support RIB with good power and manoeuvrability is essential for us,” says Pip. “We’re pleased to have this…
Highfield Boats reaffirms its partnership with Suzuki for the 2022 Route du Rhum
Highfield Boats, one of the world’s leading aluminium RIB suppliers, has announced that it will be partnering Suzuki Marine for the second time, to provide a fleet of 51 Highfield RIBs to support the start line spectacle of the 2022 edition of the Route du Rhum. The legendary single-handed race is set to get under way on 6th November this year when an expected fleet of more than 100 yachts will depart from St Malo, destination Guadeloupe. Highfield Boats are immensely proud to be an Official Partner to the event, providing this impressive fleet to support the start line spectacle. The company’s partnership with Suzuki Marine will see the RIB fleet, which includes models from Highfield’s 6m to 7.60m range, powered by Suzuki 140-300 hp outboards. Also…
New Highfield Showroom opened in Albania
The Adriatic region is going from strength to strength, heading into the new year with a brand new Highfield showroom by dealer Sea & Lake Boats in Tirana, Albania. Ben Carkaxhia of Sea & Lake Boats said “A very special thanks goes to everyone who attended our Showroom Grand Opening in December. The main focus of this event, that we are very proud of, was the presentation of our new Highfield Boats and Honda Marine engines. With us, your adventures will not be the same and your experience will be unforgettable. Get out of your comfort zone, dare to explore!” Visit Sea & Lake’s website here. Watch the video of the grand opening:
Highfield Boats debuts largest RIB to date – the all new Sport 900
Highfield Boats, the world’s leading aluminium RIB supplier, has just pushed the technology and luxury of its RIB range to its furthest limits yet, with the launch of the all-new Sport 900. The Sport 900 is a true offshore mile-crunching cruiser, capable of 60 knot performances, amazing sea-keeping abilities and all the luxuries demanded from a high end product. The all-weather hull design and long-range capability is ideal for spending the maximum time on the water. At 9.12 metres (29ft 11in) in length, Highfield’s Sport 900 now tops the company’s Sport range of leisure boats, ahead of the Sport 800, launched last year, and just pipping the Patrol 860 to the post in Highfield’s rugged commercial range. Steve Harrison of Highfield Europe explains the ethos…
Update Regarding World Shipping Issues
From: Paul Gustine <[email protected]> Date: Tuesday, September 28, 2021 at 6:01 AM To: Paul Gustine <[email protected]> Subject: Industry Update Week 39 Ocean booking volume dropped slightly out Asia last week, surprising many in the industry. This caused the spot rate markets to finally take a breath and level off at the $20,000 level while the ocean carriers try to understand facts behind the booking slowdown. One factor being looked at is the Chinese government imposing unforeseen Power Rationing policy last week, forcing many smaller low-end and labor-intensive operations to shut down production because of the newly imposed outages. Little information is being made available on the plan, and the after-effect of these power cuts, long term plans, or impact is still unknown. (Headline from…
Official Supplier Highfield Boats is front & center at the start of the Vendee Globe
The eighth edition of the Vendee Globe sailboat race got underway on 8th November with 33 racing yachts and a fleet of Highfield RIBs orchestrating the security and organisation of the start. As they were in 2016, Highfield Boats was again an Official Supplier of support boats to the organisers of the round-the-world race, providing 46 aluminium hull inflatables ranging from 6.6m to 8.6m and powered by Honda outboards ranging from 150hp to their new 250hp V6. Held every four years, the Vendee Globe is considered the Mount Everest of the Seas, with sailors tackling a solo, 24,000 mile journey through some of the world’s harshest weather and seas without assistance. The 46 boats were delivered to Les Sables d’Olonne France in mid-October, and docked…
Highfield Boats appoints South Africa distributor for RIB and Tender ranges
Leading aluminium RIB and tender manufacturer Highfield Boats has further expanded its global territory by appointing a distributor for South Africa. Knysna Yamaha, based in Knysna, Western Cape, will become the country’s representative for Highfield’s range of boats, from quality tenders of less than 3m to 8m ocean-going professional support RIBs. Knysa Yahama, led by Gary MacKenzie, has enjoyed a successful track record spanning more than 30 years as a leading engine and boat maintenance specialist. At the same time the company is a sales and service agent for a number of leading boat brands and the Highfield Boats range is to join this portfolio. “Knysna Yamaha is excited and proud to become the newest distributor for the range of Highfield Inflatables,” comments MacKenzie. “We…
Highfield Boats Hits the Road with ‘Tula’s Endless Summer’
Popular Video Bloggers Take a Highfield Patrol 540 RIB Along on U.S. “Dare to Explore Tour” Highfield Boats, the world’s leading manufacturer of aluminum RIBS and tenders, is hitting the road with “Tula’s Endless Summer”. Sailing couple Billy Swezey and Sierra Growth, creators of the popular video blog, recently embarked on a U.S. road trip they call the “Dare to Explore Tour” while they are between boats. The couple is driving a newly self-renovated truck camper with a custom-built Highfield Patrol 540 in tow along the East Coast from Florida to Maine, videotaping their adventures and posting them on the “Tula’s Endless Summer” YouTubechannel and on other social media outlets en route. “After getting to know Sierra and Billy and their dog, Jetty, for more…
Highfield Boats Reveals First Images Of the All New 2021 Sport Range
Leading aluminium RIB manufacturer Highfield Boats has revealed the first images of the company’s much anticipated 2021 Sport range. This latest collection of high performance aluminium RIBs has been ten years in development, during which time Highfield Boats has sought to create a strong brand providing the ultimate in strength, reliability and performance for every new model. Advanced hull design provides superb handling, while an all new Italian-influenced interior design is visible across the range. The Sport range will start at 3 metres through to the new Flagship 800 whose stepped hull is designed by race hull designer Petter Martens. The size breaks of the range’s twelve models allow each buyer to match their needs from the choice of a 300, 330, 360, 390,…
Highfield Boats USA Names Four New Dealers & Reports Record Sales for First Half of 2020
CANTON, GA – June 23, 2020 – Highfield Boats, the world’s leading manufacturer of aluminum RIBS and tenders, is pleased to announce the appointment of four new dealer representatives serving boaters in South Carolina, Georgia,Kentucky, and Alaska. This major expansion of the Highfield USA dealer network has been prompted by growingdemand for Highfield’s high-quality RIBs ranging from 6 ½ to 28 feet, resulting in record U.S. sales for the first half of 2020. “Highfield USA’s sales for the first and second quarter of 2020 saw a 9 percent increase over the same period in 2019,” said Tom Watson, general manager. “Last year, Highfield made a significant investment in developing and expanding our line of aluminum RIB models, including introducing the popular new Deluxe RIB series….
Burin Boats open a new Highfield-Honda showroom in Slovenia…
28.5.2020 was an important day for the company Burin Boats – the official Slovenia & Crotia distributor for Highfield Boats. In the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana they opened their first showroom at 280 m2. The showroom is divided into two floors. On the ground floor, visitors will be able to check out the different Highfield models according to their size & intended usage. The entire offer is also complemented by Honda outboard engines. With the support of installation and delivery, buyers will now have a full solution in one place. Highfield & Honda have the highest focus in the room. They are also complemented by models of Epropulsion electric motors and Beneteau vessels for all enthusiastic sailors. You can also upgrade your vessel with navigation…