Attention budding designers

Concept Boat deadline approaching

As the 30 June deadline for entries into the British Marine Federation's (BMF) Concept Boat fast approaches, budding boat designers are reminded to get their entries in soon. The standard of entries so far has been high with an interesting array of innovative designs from around the world, including Russia and the US.

This year the judges are looking for designs that either encourage new waterborne activities, like kite surfing, or that satisfy a previously unfulfilled need. This could be a boat design that encourages team activity, or a new design that represents a significant advance on an existing craft designed for a similar use.

The Concept Boat competition is an annual challenge run by the BMF in conjunction with the Royal Institution of Naval Architects. Designed to boost the global small boating craft industry, the competition aims to encourage enthusiasts, professional or amateur, to inject innovation and originality into boat design.

From professional designers, boat owners and yacht club members to keen landlubbers, anyone from anywhere in the world can enter Concept Boat 2003.

Shortlisted entries will be exhibited at this year's Southampton Boat Show in September. The first prize of £5000 will be awarded at the Schroders London International Boat Show in January 2004 where the second and third prizes of £3000 and £2000 will be respectively awarded.

For more information on Concept Boat please visit www.conceptboat.com or call +44 (0) 1784 223613.