For many yacht clubs and summer camps, this week marks the start of their junior sailing programs. With that comes hundreds of excited children making their way down to the docks for the first time of the season. For some that excitement is trepidation for the dreaded swim test, while for others it’s an eagerness to dust off the cobwebs and get back on the water.

For instructors their excitement is much the same. Yes, they dread the swim test too (but for different reasons I’m sure), but for some their excitement is one couched in anxiety at seeing the caliber of sailors they’ll have this summer, and for many the excitement is a concern based on the question that’s always in the back of their mind of whether or not the coach boat will start when they need it, what’s broken now, and will it be functional. For the lucky coaches (and clubs) that have purchased the new US SAILING RIBCRAFT 15 this summer, I’m happy to say that that’s one thing they won’t have to worry about.

Built off of the existing RIBCRAFT 4.8 that has served sailing programs and yacht clubs gallantly for years, the US SAILING 15 is the culmination of valuable feedback from sailors. Intended for US SAILING members, ranging from individual sailors looking for a great runabout to yacht clubs needing a reliable support boat, the US SAILING 15 with its simple clutter free layout is the ultimate coach boat for junior sailing programs.

Less is always more when it comes to sailing programs. If you have any experience with junior sailing programs you know that if it can break – it WILL. With that in mind, the US SAILING 15 features a center console, stainless steel lifting points, lots of open deck space, and a 40HP four stroke Mercury outboard. This simplicity combined with the durability and performance of the boat, makes the US SAILING 15 a worry free safety boat for coaches.

Give us a ring or drop an email if you or your club is interested in trying out the new US SAILING RIBCRAFT 15! info@ribcraftusa.com or 781.639.9065

Posted by ribcraftusa at 04:16 PM | Permalink | Comments (59)

Here’s the ultimate option on a RIB for someone who has it all! These thru-hull underwater lights not only make your boat stand-out in the crowd, I hear they attract marine life to the surface. Some search and rescue groups have even used these underwater lights (clear instead of blue) for searching in clear waters.

(Psychedelic look not included with lights.)

Posted by ribcraftusa at 02:35 PM | Permalink | Comments (11)

We’ve long said, that the United State’s RIB market is about 10 years behind the European boating market and though I still believe that to be the case, I saw a beautiful site this weekend. While out on a RIBCRAFT 5.85 Sunday morning, within a few short moments I crossed paths with four other RIBs enjoying one of the first real days of summer in the North East. For a RIB enthusiast such as me, it was truly invigorating.

Still excited, I decided to count the number of RIBs I saw on my way back in. In our harbor alone, I counted over 25! (I defined a RIB as any rigid inflatable over 13’ with a center console). Though there is still a long way for RIBs to go in the US until we catch up with the UK, it’s nice to see that more and more boaters and safety professionals are seeing the light!

Posted by ribcraftusa at 11:39 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

As we head into the summer months, the busy season for marine patrols, sailing programs and recreational boaters, it’s important to remember when operating your RIB (or any boat for that matter) that you wear the kill switch lanyard. For those who think it’s too constricting to wear one, here are a few pictures that show someone sitting and standing – all while having the lanyard attached.

Posted by ribcraftusa at 03:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)