A company called Omega Sails has come up with a new idea for harnessing the wind to haul powerboats and yachts up to 65 ft in length.  The inflatable Omega Sail kite uses a surface of up to 200 sq meters to power a boat up to 5 knots per hour with no motor support.  The kite is a great way to save fuel, increase your cruising range, protect the environment and provide a quiet, peaceful ride just for the fun of it.  It’s also a good safety backup device in case of engine failure.  

A 12 V air pump is provided that will inflate the Omega Sail kite in about 3 minutes.  When you’re done with it, the kite is electrically pulled back to the deck where it can be deflated, folded and stored for later use.

The Omega Sail kite, which sold in France and through online orders, is available in six different sizes ranging from 20 to 200 square meters.  Find out more about this ingenious invention on the Omega Sail website.

For nearly 40 years, MarineMax Vacations has been one of the premier charter yacht providers for British Virgin Island vacations.  At the recent 2012 Miami International Boat Show, MarineMax announced the commission of an innovative 46-ft power catamaran that will soon join its BVI charter fleet.  The new powercat will be called the MarineMax 464 for charter fleet and Aquila 46 for private sale.  It will be designed by Seaway and built by Sino Eagle Yachts, both leaders in the design, engineering and construction of advanced power catamarans.

According to Raul Bermudez, VP of Sales and Marketing at MarineMax Vacations, “The MarineMax 464 will change the charter industry”.

Read more about MarineMax Vacations and the Aquila 46 on the MarineMax website.

Carolina Cat Boats, a member of the PowerCat Group, has just announced a new 23-ft center console power catamaran. The 23CC cruises at 27 mph, has a top speed of 46 mph and a range of more than 250 miles. Its catamaran hull draws only 9 inches of water and is designed for smooth rides in rough seas.  This power catamaran is ideal for long offsore runs as well as hugging the shore to access the best fishing areas.  With seating for as many as 10 and twin four-stroke 115 Yamaha engines, this is a perfect cruising cat.

If you’re interested in a slightly smaller powercat, read this earlier post about the Carolina Cat 18CC powercat.  You can also see the 23CC in action in this YouTube video.

The Miami International Boat Show proclaims itself as the world’s greatest boat show and we’re not about to dispute their claim.  The event spans three locations and features more than 3,000 boats and 2,000 exhibitors.  In addition to showcasing boats, boating supplies and marine electronics, the 5-day event offers attractions, activities and entertainment that will appeal to all types of boating enthusiasts. Novice boaters can improve their boating skills at the Discover Boating Resource Center, fishing fans can visit the Big Game Room Sport Fishing Expo and adventurers can check out Dive & Travel Harbor.

The boat show will take place February 16 – 20.  Find out more on the official Miami International Boat Show website.

Statement Marine is a performance boat maker based in St. Petersburg, Florida.  Their 50-ft. powercat was designed to “Make a STATEMENT” when it made its debut at the 2009 Miami International Boat Show.  This powercat incorporates hydrodynamics, aerodynamics and ergonomics and is capable of sustaining high speeds without compromising comfort and safety while remaining easy to handle at lower speeds. According to Todd Werner, a World Champion APBA Super Cat racer who was part of the design team, the Statement powercat is the perfect combination of physics, philosophy and life style.

Find out more on the Statement Marine website and see the Statement powercat in action in this YouTube video.

The Summerland 40 powercat was designed with long family cruises in mind. This unique trawler yacht features infusion-composite construction that ensures strength and longevity.  The sheltered cockpit provides direct access to the large flybridge.  The practical layout includes a saloon located on the same level as the cockpit and easy access to the large chef’s galley.  The dining table easily seats 6-8 people and the owner’s master suite features an en-suite bathroom, a large bed, desk/dressing table and plenty of storage.

Find out more about the Summerland 40 trawler catamaran on the Caribbean Multihulls website.

January, February and March are the most popular months for boat shows.  Whether you’re interested in buying a boat this year or just like to see what’s new and exciting, a boat show is the perfect venue.  In addition to learning about dealers and manufacturers and maybe taking some test rides, most boat shows provide the opportunity to take classes and seminars on a variety of boating topics.   

Here’s a listing of some of the top 2012 boat shows in the U.S. with links for more information.

As you may have noticed from the list above, Progressive Insurance has assumed title sponsorship of boat shows that are produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).

The MC29 by Motorcat is a 30-ft powercat that’s the perfect combination of style, function and performance.  Two narrow but deep hulls deliver a smooth ride free from pounding and slamming.  Twin outboard motors or a single Volvo D3 outdrive support cruising speeds of 15-17 knots.  Reduced vertical acceleration makes it possible to maintain a constant speed in all types of weather conditions.

The MC29′s interior includes a fully galley, 4-person dinette and accommodations for four persons.  Generous storage areas are provided throughout. 

The MC29 is built in Poland by Bond Yachts.  For more information about the MC29 visit the Motorcat website.

SafeHaven Marine of County Cork, Ireland, specializes in pilot boats, work boats, survey boats and passenger vessels, including both monohulls and powercats (we’ve featured their Interceptor pilot boat in a previous post). 

SafeHaven boats are designed to withstand the most demanding weather and sea conditions.  Their Wildcat powercat series features symmetrical planing hulls and full-length keels for greater stability.  A large flush aft cockpit, central helm console and comfortable seating make the Wildcat as accommodating as it is powerful.

Read more about the Wildcat on the SafeHaven website and see amazing footage of the Wildcat 36 undergoing sea trials in gale force winds and 15 ft seas off Cork Harbour in this YouTube video.

With about 80 million U.S. Baby Boomers retired or entering retirement in the next decade, the recreational boating industry is expecting an increase in boat ownership.  Boating offers a variety of benefits for retirees, including spending time with family, enjoying time in the great outdoors and experiencing a feeling of freedom that comes from being on the water. 

According to AARP, more than 70 percent of Baby Boomers expect to dedicate a major portion of their time to a hobby or special interest after retirement.  For many, boat ownership will become an important part of their lives.

Read more about Baby Boomer boating in the Discover Boating article.