Posted on October 13, 2017

e3 had a major presence at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show as we showcased a range of new technology and products including new apps, a unique VOiP service, comprehensive cyber security services and our game-changing new flat panel antennas. Our engineering and sales team met with clients at our stand in Darse Sud while the flat panels were introduced together with Kymeta via an impressive schedule of tours to see working installations.

Owners, agents, captains, shipyards, re-fitters, service providers and the media took the opportunity to join tours to see the technology in action aboard the two superyachts that had successfully trialled the panels over several months across the Caribbean, Atlantic and Mediterranean. The tours took VIPs to see working Kymeta KyWay™ terminals onboard the 65-meter motor yacht White Rose of Drachs moored at Cap d’Ail and the 89-meter sailing yacht, Maltese Falcon, swinging at anchor outside Monaco harbour. Guests were invited to inspect the panels in situ on both yachts and to connect to the internet using their smart phones and tablets.

e3 and Kymeta engineers together with the captain and crew of each vessel were on hand to provide their own personal account of how the trials progressed and to answer the many questions. Seeing the panels and installations for the first time and actually being able to work with them directly proved a revelation to many on the tours.

GOING DOMELESS

Things don’t get better than a personal recommendation and its great news for e3 that the captains of the two yachts which were involved with the trials – Nikolaos Leontitsis, captain of the Maltese Falcon and Andrew Schofield, captain of the White Rose – have both publicly stated that they intend to cut off their domes this winter.

“Connectivity is critical on the water for both guests and crew. Kymeta panels have significantly improved the communications as well as the internet and on-demand entertainment wherever we sail and whatever the conditions,” explained Leontitsis. “For the yachting industry, flat panels are without doubt the way forward and, as soon as the opportunity arises, we will be removing the domes and going permanently flat. Furthermore, going flat gives a yacht a sleeker look and can improve sailing performance.”

The opportunity for considerable weight advantages is also an important consideration, as Schofield also noted: “We look forward to progressing from the current temporary trial installation to the finalized fully-integrated solution, which will rid the yacht of the current VSAT and TVRO domes. This will remove over five tons of weight from her super structure and provide the yacht with permanent access to the internet.”

NOW TAKING ORDERS

With the trials completed and certified installers lined up, we’re delighted to announce that the commercial availability of the panels is now ready. The single panel solution will be commercially available before the end of this year – this is designed to work across the Mediterranean and from Rhode Island to Trinidad. While multi-panel commercial availability will be Q2 2018, to allow time for the combiner units to move from prototype stage to full commercial production. Both solutions will initially be available with Kymeta KĀLO™ service with other service providers coming online soon.

A BIG THANK YOU

Monaco was full-on as ever but perhaps the highlight was our VIP party aboard White Rose which delivered an evening of great food and entertainment in a perfect setting. It was great to catch up with so many of our customers, both old and new. We would like to say a very big thank you to all of our clients, friends, partners and sponsors and in particular the crews of both White Rose of Drachs and Maltese Falcon for ensuring the Show was truly memorable. We look forward to catching up with some of you again very soon at FLIBS and METS.

A special thank you to our Monaco sponsors: