Suzuki Germany is on board

Frank (center) at the Suzuki stand at Boot 2024 in Düsseldorf: Here with Stefan Fleschhut (right), Marketing Suzuki Marine Germany, and Nicolaus von Buddenbrock, who is responsible for the northern German region at Suzuki Marine.

Suzuki engine in cross-section.

Anna between 15 HP and 6 HP: both outboard engines are on loan from Suzuki Germany!

Engaged in a discussion about the ten-year collaboration (from left to right): Frank and Morgan from FYD-Adventure with Stefan and Nicolaus from Suzuki Germany.

Anna (editorial manager at FYD-Adventure) shows the dimensions of our dinghy - a loan from Suzuki Germany.

A big THANK YOU to Stefan and Nicolaus from Germany.

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The onboard electrical system for our research yacht is designed and built by philippi elektrische systeme gmbh.

The team led by Dipl.-Ing. and CEO Michael Kögel (4th from left) from philippi - here at the BOOT in Düsseldorf 2024.

Frank asks many technical questions to Michael.

I was so surprised that Michael competently answered all my questions and explained them technically in seconds. I really wanted to get Michael, who sails himself and owns a yacht, on board!

For over four decades, this Swabian family business has been developing, manufacturing, and distributing all components of modern onboard systems for yachts: from lithium batteries and distribution panels to shore connections, charging equipment, connectors, boat lighting, tank sensors, etc...

Many products are manufactured and tested in their own facilities.

Customers benefit from personalized service and receive a complete, coordinated system from design to delivery. This ensures that boat owners, service companies, distributors, and shipyards throughout Europe trust the consistently high quality of the company.

Now, philippi's equipment is also being used on our research catamaran.

For our project, we use various distribution panels, control systems, energy management solutions, and other coordinated electronic components. Here are some examples:

Circuit distributors and distribution panels

Distribution panels and circuit breakers distribute electrical energy and protect against overload and short circuits.

Connectors are used for disconnecting and connecting electrical cables. On our research catamaran, they are used, for example, at the base of the mast.

Shore connection (usually in 230 V) safely transfers energy from the shore installation on board. Suitable circuit breakers are necessary for this purpose.

Battery fuses and switches for safe and reliable electricity distribution on board

Battery management systems monitor and control battery charging on board to ensure optimal performance and longevity while minimizing the risk of overcharging or deep discharge.

Lithium batteries require a BMS (battery management system) - and not every alternator is suitable for Lithium batteries.

Tank measurement on yachts is something very special. Tank sensors and indicators must be tailored to the medium to be measured and the tank materials.

Michael and Frank at the company headquarters - Remseck am Neckar (Germany)

With first-class technical support from philippi elektrische systeme gmbh, we can approach our research missions with confidence.

A big thank you to the team at for their support in our quest for new discoveries!

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State-of-the-Art GARMIN Marine Technology Deployed on Expedition Catamaran

After extensive research, we are certain: Garmin is the ideal partner for our boat electronics.

By integrating the latest marine technology on our boat, the Active Tech Company significantly contributes to the safety of our project.

Their outstanding products and technologies allow our crew to focus entirely on their expeditions and rely 100% on their equipment.

Thanks to fast and uncomplicated installation, a globally unique distribution network, and excellent support, we are quickly and competently assisted - whether in the Pacific, the Mediterranean, or the Indian Ocean.

With over 30 years of industry experience and a wide, differentiated product portfolio in the marine sector, we have full confidence in Garmin.

As Head of Sales & Support Marine D-A-CH, Jan helped us significantly in finding the right products. His expertise and dedication are unmatched.

Simone, in her role as Director Marketing D-A-CH, is personally committed to supporting our project with innovative products, particularly recommending the inReach Mini 2 to us.

Daniel in consultation at BOOT 2024 in Düsseldorf

Daniel, as Team Lead Marketing Marine D-A-CH, is always on hand to advise and support us on all marketing matters.

Equipping our FYD-Adventure research catamaran with GARMIN boat electronics not only aims at the safety of crew, guests, and researchers at sea but also allows us to use state-of-the-art technology for scientific explorations.

GPSMAP 8416xsv and GPSMAP 1223xsv: 16-inch and 12-inch premium-class chartplotters

The Garmin GPSMAP 8416xsv and GPSMAP 1223xsv are state-of-the-art 16-inch and 12-inch premium-class chartplotter devices for marine applications. They offer detailed display of nautical charts, support for sonar and radar, and comprehensive connectivity options for reliable navigation and monitoring at sea.
On our research catamaran, the 16-inch chartplotter will be used at the chart table, while the 12-inch device will be installed in the cockpit.

GMI™/GNX™ Wired Sail Pack 52 consisting of GNX Wind and GMI 20 instruments with monochrome LCD, gWind™ Wired, and Airmar® DST810 transducer

GMI™/GNX™ Wired Sail Pack 52: Includes marine instruments GMI™ 20 and GNX™ 20 as well as gWind™ and Airmar® DST810 transducers. The gWind transducer is a three-bladed propeller with twin-fin design. The DST810 Smart transducer for through-hull mounting provides data on water depth, speed, and water temperature and offers attitude sensing for heel/trim and pitch/roll data.

The Garmin GMS10 Ethernet Switch is a device designed to seamlessly connect and network various Garmin marine devices on board. It enables integration of multiple devices such as GPS systems, fishfinders, radar, and other marine electronics to ensure efficient data communication and exchange. By using the GMS10, all connected devices can communicate and exchange data, leading to improved functionality and performance of overall systems on board.

Cortex V1: VHF radio with SOTDMA SmartAIS, collision avoidance - plus remote monitoring and control of onboard systems from shore.

On our research catamaran, four products are of crucial importance. They not only ensure the safety of the crew by providing precise information about the aquatic environment but also enhance the efficiency of research activities - by providing detailed data on underwater structures and marine life.

The Garmin GT56UHD-TM sonar transducer not only provides clear views under and around the boat but also offers high resolution for precise representations of underwater structures and marine life. Additionally, it offers enhanced range and accuracy for reliable navigation and fish detection, benefiting our research.

The Garmin GT51M-TH provides crisp sonar images of objects, structures, and fish beneath the boat. It offers depth capability of up to approximately 250 meters for exploring even deeper waters and wide coverage for comprehensive underwater area scanning. This is used, for example, before dives or when locating schools of fish in depth.

The Panoptix PS51-TH Forward, Thru-Hull, is a state-of-the-art forward-looking sonar device specifically designed for underwater use. Mounted through the hull (Thru-Hull) of the boat, it provides real-time visualization of underwater structures and fish movements directly in front of the boat - up to approximately 90 meters and a viewing angle of 20 degrees. This advanced technology allows us to detect obstacles early and navigate our route safely.

Anna is excited about the GMR Fantom™ 18x Radom: the high-performance radar with advanced Fantom technology accurately detects targets from 6 meters to 48 nautical miles – even in fog or rain. This radar is an important safety element for our research yacht.

A big thank you to the team at for their generous support!

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Resoltech, top choice partner!

Luc Loriot (l.), founder of Resoltech in discussion with Frank and Anna

Discover Resoltech!

Resoltech is deeply committed to developing environmentally friendly products used in a variety of fields, for all types of applications, and worldwide.

On the Sunreef 80 ECO, a pleasure boat with a solar panel system cast into the hull lamination

Especially for infusion for boat hulls, kayaks, ...

... for repair kits...

... up to high-sea trimarans

But also in space applications such as satellites

In the artistic domain as well, with their casting resin for creating, among other things, river tables

Resoltech also produces resins for transportation, whether in the automotive field for competition vehicles or for general use...

... through the railway sector...

to aerospace! For instance, here, for the interior reinforcements of aircraft wings

But areas like electronics (for PCBs or component insulation), construction, and nuclear (floor coatings, cement additives...) or, more simply, for wood-composite construction like on our catamaran!

Cleanliness is a must to ensure constant quality and purity and to respect the health of employees

After 30 years of collaboration, Luc and Frank are still deeply engaged in discussing specific applications of the innovative products Resoltech develops

Resoltech was the first company to commit to supporting the FYD-Adventure project and the construction of our catamaran, and we are very grateful to Luc for this trust and the close relationship we maintain with them.

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Ponttor Water Sports supports our project again!

Ye JIANG (director of Ponttor Water Sports) comfortably seated in the boat seat even on the high seas (photo montage).

Ponttor Water Sports now offers boat seats covered with a waterproof fabric that looks like vinyl leather. The cover feels like fabric and prevents bare legs from sticking to the seat.

In 10 seconds, Ye sets up the table!

Two height-adjustable legs for our large cockpit table.

Thanks to Ye and his team at PONTTOR Water Sports

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Kadematic stands by with safety on our side

Silke Breig, CEO of Kadematic GmbH, near Hamburg (Germany), supports the FYD project with life jackets.

Silke explains to Anna how the automatic life jacket works and prepares her to trigger the life jacket.

Here's how to trigger a life jacket:

Silke and Frank are aware of their responsibility: Silke for the life jackets, Frank for the implementation of the Follow Your Dreams project!

Lifejackets for all ages and sizes.

A big THANK YOU to Silke and her team at Kadematic!

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Cassens & Plath supports FYD-Adventure

Christoph Gütersloh, sales manager at Cassens & Plath, hands us the sextant for our research catamaran.

Cassens & Plath has been manufacturing sextants and compasses for over 120 years in Bremerhaven, Germany. In the photo, we see the steps by which a piece of bronze is milled to form the main branch of a sextant.

No sextant gets past this: this device is used to calibrate sextants.

Fred checks if the sextant is properly aligned and adjusts it with precision.

Each sextant receives a certificate after passing the examination successfully.

Compass construction is precision work: on the right, our compass is currently being assembled by hand.

Each compass has an identity - here, we see the IOTA compass from the Cassens & Plath series.

Here's a compass for professional navigation.

Cross-section of a compass rose with a sapphire needle and weights.

Compasses are calibrated in this non-magnetic box.

World maps with magnetic fields.

A big thank you to Christoph and his team for their decisive support!

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A partner from northern Germany: Robert Lindemann KG

Franz Lindemann (right), CEO of the fourth generation, hands over the backstay adjuster to Anna and Frank from FYD-Adventure.

Wichard's backstay adjuster will be used on the FYD-Adventure research catamaran for storm sailing.

At BOOT Düsseldorf: Franz presents Anna with the highlights of the Lindemann 2024 catalog.

New releases from Robert Lindemann KG

Handshake! Franz and Frank seal their collaboration with a mandatory handshake.

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Now it’s comfortable for the helmsman

Ye JIANG, CEO of PONTTOR WATER SPORTS and a sailor himself, knows what matters. His company supports our catamaran project with a boat seat including an adjustable seat foot and two extendable V4a bathing ladders.

It’s not that easy to decide with such a large selection. The designer boat chairs and armchairs from Ponttor Water Sports are swivel and height-adjustable. And above all: comfortable!

Ye at BOOT in Düsseldorf in consultation with Frank and Morgan, discussing which type of chair is best suited for our research catamaran.

An all-rounder: We have opted for a swivel and height-adjustable boat seat that can be moved forward and backward.

The various adjustment options allow every helmsman to find the position in which he has a complete overview of our boat.

The two V4a bathing ladders, here a model, allow divers and bathers safe access to the water.

A brief overview of the various seat models at Ponttor water sports.

We would like to thank Ye JIANG and his team for their generous support. Merci!

https://www.ponttor.com/

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Happy to be supported: Morgan, Cindy, Frank and Anna (from left to right) from the FYD Adventure team

The hydraulic steering system has arrived!

The French company Lecomble & Schmitt kept its word and supported us by supplying the entire hydraulic steering system: wheel steering, steering pump, hydraulic cylinders, wick arms, all bypass and isolation valves and RV2 hydraulic power pack for autopilot navigation were all delivered!

Cindy and Anna: already at the helm of this adventure!

The RV2 (Power Pack) reversible hydraulic unit for autopilot control

Hydraulic cylinder with anodized aluminum body and chrome-plated stainless steel piston rod

Stainless steel by-pass valves with fittings

Hydraulic hoses with stainless steel fittings

Rudder arm connects rudder shaft to hydraulic cylinder

The hydraulic pump transmits pressure to both cylinders and steers the boat via the rudder arm

We would like to thank the entire Lecomble & Schmitt team for their invaluable support!

https://www.ls-france.com/en/

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Anna Charlotte (FYD-Adventure press officer) meets Frank (CEO, left) and Jean-Michel at the ANCORA yachting festival in Hamburg

We have received the green light from Bootsbedarf Nord

After a brief telephone conversation and a visit to the Rostock Boat Show, Frank Leuth and Jean-Michel Bauer from Bootsbedarf Nord in Stockelsdorf are on board. They provided all the navigation's lights for our research catamaran

All navigation's lights for our research catamaran

• Red: port
• Green: starboard
• White: aft
• White : Engine light
• Headlight 360°

Visibly convinced by the catamaran project: Jean-Michel

The FYD-Adventure team thanks Bootsbedarf Nord for its support!

https://www.bootsbedarf-nord.de/

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The symbolic handshake between Frank Heise, CEO of Solara and Frank Ladewig, CEO of FYD-Adventure with Morgan Briand

The sun is shining, bringing energy for FYD-Adventure

Solara makes it possible: 25 years of expertise in many areas of application

Frank Heise explains how robust his solar modules are and walking on them is not a problem
Frank can now look back on 25 years of professional experience and we have therefore asked him to become our solar power officer

The solar modules are used all over the world in a wide variety of applications

news.50.text-line4

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Visiting our partner Nautic Service Sauvetage (NSS) in Le Havre, France

No one wants to end a journey there: the life raft.
But it saves thousands of lives every year

Marc Connen, President of Nautic Rescue Service, and Frank (FYD-Adventure)

A life raft consists of several components:

• 1: two flotation elements with multiple chambers, valves and an insulated, non-slip bottom
• 2: an orange waterproof roof tarp made of tear-proof fabric
• 3: light reflectors
• 4: a flashing emergency light
• 5: rainwater collectors with plastic bag inside
• 6: inflatable roll bars. These rubber tubes, inflated at the same time as the life raft, erect the raft
• 7: rainwater collection bags
• 8: a yellow boarding ramp
• 9: of a sea anchor
• 10: valves of the two floating elements

To inflate a life raft, you need a gas cylinder with a mixture of CO₂ and N₂.
The gas cylinder is always weighed during an inspection. If it weighs less than it says on the bottle, you know it's leaking and needs to be replaced.

The launch cord is connected to this metal strip. When you pull it, a metal pin pierces a hole in a metal membrane and the gas escapes: the liferaft is inflated.

Marc is holding the launch rope of a life raft in his hand. A launch rope is 10 meters long and is attached to the boat. You need to tug on the leash until a red marker appears. The life raft is then released with a jerk.

This is how a life raft is deployed

Christophe holds an identity card of the liferaft: owner, name of the vessel, date of the last inspection...

Selon la taille et la zone de navigation du yacht (ou du navire), l'eau et la nourriture sont fournis...

...but also different survival equipment. Here is an example for a 4-person raft for pleasure boats operating in coastal areas:

Repair kit, medicines, parachute rockets, flares, flashlight with batteries, scoop, signaling mirror...

The symbolic Handshake between Marc (NSS) and Frank (FYD)

The whole NSS team is safe!

We would like to thank the Nautic Service Sauvetage team for their welcome, the very complete explanations and their great support.

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