The company has had its fair share of challenges, yet as they move into a new decade, they are continuing to look for new opportunities in the RIB market.

Founded in 1985, Rayglass has created a reputation for quality, performance and safety within the marine industry, following shrewd investment in design and tooling, and a discerning and loyal customer base.

Rayglass's crowning achievement was the introduction of the Protector series of high-speed patrol boats.

"The Protector range was conceived when the New Zealand Coastguard was commercialised, and there was a need for a fast and reliable rescue vessel," chief executive officer Dave Larsen says.

The Protector range has an advantage over similar vessels on the market thanks to its performance and seakeeping capabilities in almost any conditions.

"Rayglass prides itself on being first to market and never being an imitator," Larsen says.

"We made the first 60-foot centre-cabin, which was the largest in the world at the time, for Prada Team NZ in 2000, and it has since been used for the coastguard."

Rayglass has had a long association with the America's Cup in New Zealand. In 2021, Emirates Team New Zealand have again chosen a fleet of Protector boats for on-water patrol and umpiring vessels.

The agreement is worth tens of millions of dollars to the New Zealand economy and will help keep the Kiwi boat brand in front of some of the largest audiences ever to watch yacht racing.

"It will not only benefit us but will also have a huge impact on our many Kiwi suppliers, large and small," Larsen says.

Twenty-four Rayglass Protector RIBs, ranging from 30-41 feet, will be used as patrol and support boats for the Prada Cup (the challenger series for the America's Cup) and then for the America's Cup match.

At the end of the regatta, thanks to funding by Lotto, the Protector RIBs will be given to the Royal New Zealand Coastguard for search and rescue work on the country's waterways.

"Our Protectors will be providing security, crowd control and course marshalling for the event. It is our job to ensure all the vessels are working at 100 percent for the duration," Larsen says.

"Our service team will be working around the clock to ensure the vessels are operational.

"If a problem occurs with a Protector, it is delivered to us at the end of day, and the Rayglass team will work through the night to get that Protector back on the water before start of race the next day."

At their purpose-built premises in Paisley Place, Mount Wellington, the pace hasn't slowed in 2020, with production at an all-time high.

In a year of financial and economic turmoil - New Zealand experienced some of the stricter lockdown policies during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic - Rayglass has reported a healthy order book.

"COVID has definitely affected the business - but sales are still strong," Larsen says.

"The lack of travel has impacted sales for us, but a lot of our new clients are looking at the best way to spend their holidays in New Zealand.

"Boating has been top of the list.

"When COVID hit, I went out and hunted refit work and acquired some large projects to ensure we had enough work to keep the team busy if the market slowed," Larsen says.

"As it turns out, it didn't slow down as much as we thought, and now keeping up with the work is our biggest challenge. We're in a good place."

Larsen remains coy on any product developments but confirmed they are continually evolving their range as they cater to the bespoke needs of international clients.

Port Stephens Council has appointed Newcastle Cruising Yacht Club (NCYC) as the new operator of the Port Stephens Sailing and Aquatic Club.

NCYC will take over as the licensee and operator on November 20. It will be the first time in 40 years that the club has a new operator.

"This is an exciting opportunity for us to expand our operations to Port Stephens, and we are keen to launch a number of new initiatives at the club," NCYC CEO Paul O'Rourke says.

There are plans to broaden the club's membership and host a number of regattas in the region.

Maritimo has offered a teaser regarding the latest addition to its S-Series sedan line.

The SS55 is expected to be launched in time for its world premiere in May 2021.

"The new offshore adventuring sedan motor yacht we will be unveiling marks the first of an evolutionary design shift to the exterior form and styling within the S-Series sedan motor yacht range," Maritimo lead designer Tom Barry-Cotter says.

"The key practical design features of S-Series models past remain, with an array of exterior form advancements and additional features included".

While you're with us, did you know the Newcastle Herald offers breaking news alerts, daily email newsletters and more? Keep up to date with all the local news - sign up here

IN THE NEWS: