The British Marine Industries Federation has launched a new competition aimed at naval architects, other designers, manufacturers and even amateur boat users to prompt the creation of concept boats in similar fashion to the concept cars that steal motor show headlines.

Run in association with the London-based Royal Institution of Naval Architects, Concept Boat 2002 is encouraging entrants to design a ‘transportable boat’ that can be used for recreational and/or commercial purposes with a length of up to 24m, capable of being used on or in the water and moved behind another vehicle, vessel or aircraft.

For future years other types of craft will be targeted but the organisers initially wanted to place the focus on a sector of the marine industry that arguably needs to be developed, given increasing pressure on conventional mooring facilities. As such the competition is treading the fine line between the practical approach that will appeal to many users and industry members and the completely outrageous that will more certainly appeal to newspaper editors.

Three cash prizes of ‘5000, ‘3000 and ‘2000 are waiting for the top winners and judges may also award commendations for other entries. The judging panel will be drawn from the BMIF and from the Small Craft Committee of RINA; it will also include appropriate user representatives.

Entries have to be submitted by June 2002. A selection of entries will be displayed at the 2002 Southampton Boat Show and October’s UK Marine Trade Show prior to the winners being revealed at the London Boat Show in January 2003. Entry is free and the terms are straightforward and proven, having been based on successful events of a similar kind. For more details, click here or e-mail enquiries@conceptb oat.com.

To hear a Quicktime interview with Concept Boat 2002 Project Manager Tom Nighy, click here