PB Europe Ltd is delighted to have been appointed as the official dealer for Rayglass Protector Boats in Europe. This will enable us to meet the growing demand for Protector Boats across Europe and provide far-reaching access to this highly capable and durable global RIB brand.
As an Ancasta Group company, we have the enviable support of Europe’s largest yacht brokerage: an average of 600 used boats for sale at any given time and official dealers for leading brands including Beneteau, Bluegame, Prestige, Lagoon, CNB and McConaghy. Furthermore, customers can enquire about Protector boats via any of Ancasta’s 22 offices throughout Europe providing full sales and aftersales services.
Rayglass Boats, award-wining producer of high performance boats since 1985 is excited to partner with PB Europe and Ancasta Group, to see the Protector Boats brand expand into new territories,
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Ancasta Group on board as the official dealer for Rayglass Protector Boats in Europe. With the growing demand for Protector products in the continent, it’s great to have such a well-established dealer to represent the Protector Brand in such an important market.”
Rayglass CEO, Dave Larsen
“This dealership agreement is very positive for all; providing Protector Boats sales and aftersales support for customers across Europe will provide consistency and peace of mind throughout. The Ancasta Group, with its extensive European office network and its own dedicated after sales support capability (including Approved Sales and Service Agent for Protector preferred Mercury Marine Engines), is perfectly positioned to provide the very highest standards in service for Protector Boat customers.”
Ancasta Group’s Managing Director, Nick Griffith
In the Spring of 2020, the Protector boat range appeared on the world stage in front of over half a billion international viewers who tuned in to watch the 36th America’s Cup in Auckland, New Zealand. A fleet of Protector chase boats supported the racing teams and event organisers, which created further interest in the brand. Protector Boats have continued to grow in popularity and are fast becoming one of the world’s most popular high-performance RIBs.
Here Lyndsay Turner from Protector Boats, tells us more about the growing global and domestic demand.
Since early 2020, the trend for high-end, custom vessels like the Protector has been soaring, and the high-profile exposure of chase boats at the America’s Cup further added to the demand.
“There’s been lots of enquiry, including superyacht customers and others who have holiday homes around Europe and want a high-performing vessel. I think the America’s Cup really highlighted the class leading performance of the Protector.”
The Protector Targa model which was used to support the America’s Cup, as well as several other sailing competitions, Customs NZ and Coastguard NZ, has been especially popular.
“People care more and more about the safety, comfort and capability of their vessels these days, and that’s part of the reason why the Targa has been so popular.”
A long time before the America’s Cup, the COVID pandemic also aided an increase in domestic demand for Protector RIBs. Unable to travel, people started spending more money on high-end vessels so they could explore their local area.
“People are boating and adventuring more and they’re spending on boats and high-end toys. The Protector ticks all the boxes, which has made it very popular over 2020/21,” says Lyndsay.
The Protector range offers tough luxury, versatility, and reliability, and will perform in all conditions for the most demanding users. Whether you’re fishing, diving, chasing superyachts, or travelling – these boats can handle anything you throw at them.
Protector boats are amongst some of the world’s best-performing RIBs. And, according to Lyndsay, a change in the boating community’s demands are part of the reason they’re becoming more popular:
“RIBs are becoming more accepted as a style of vessel and the preferences of boaters are changing. They want to be more adventurous, they want to go out deeper, farther and faster while keeping safe. As this trend continues and boaties demand more of their vessels, the Protector will only become more popular.”
The Australia Sail Grand Prix of December 2021 was full of unprecedented drama and excitement. Eight high-speed foiling F50 racing catamarans lined up on the start line in what would be one of the most sensational events of the Sail GP championship. And it wasn’t long into the event before the power and versatility of the Protector Chase came into its own.
During the pre-start of the third fleet race on day one, team GB crashed spectacularly into Japan, severing clean the bow of the starboard hull and leaving a huge hole in the front of the boat. A Protector RIB was first on the scene to provide rapid assistance, coming alongside the starboard hull. The Protector Boat was able to hold the boat stationary so the crew could assess the damage and rig emergency floatation to prevent the F50 from sinking. It then towed the boat back to the event base where she was hauled out for closer inspection. Watch the footage below to see the drama unfold!
Sail GP take safety very seriously so they have a fleet of Protector Chase Boats to support their high-octane races. The Sail GP F50 foiling catamarans can reach speeds of over 50 knots, so they need support boats that can easily keep pace and provide first response assistance in the event of an incident like the one in Sydney. The high-performance centre-console Protector Chase is ideal for sailing events such as these with its tremendous horsepower and extended hull providing a fast yet smooth ride, even in rough water. The spacious cockpit is perfect for carrying sails and support crew, and its unrivaled stability provides a great platform for the crew to work from.