Pantaenius UK has commissioned a custom 7.5m RIB in partnership with Island RIBs, Yamaha and Raymarine. Designed to be practical, versatile and event-ready, the new boat will serve as a central hub for on-water activity, media engagement and client interaction throughout the year.
This new RIB marks a shift in how Pantaenius UK connects with the boating community. Built on the Isle of Wight to exacting standards by Island RIBs, and powered by a 200hp Yamaha F200 outboard engine with Yamaha’s advanced Helm Master EX system, the boat is tailored to deliver excellent performance, control and comfort in a variety of conditions.
Jonny Twelvetrees, Marine Sales Manager at Yamaha Motor Europe, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Pantaenius UK and Island RIBs. Their emphasis on quality, reliability and customer support aligns perfectly with our values, and we’re excited to see the boat launched and enjoyed throughout the season.”
Raymarine has equipped the new RIB with a full suite of advanced electronics, including the AXIOM 2 XL MFD, Quantum Doppler radar, AIS 700, and a FLIR M364C thermal and low-light camera to enhance on-water safety and awareness. The vessel also features the YachtSense digital control system with remote access via YachtSense Link. “With Raymarine’s strong relationship with both Pantaenius and Island RIBs, it was an easy decision to get involved,” said Richard Marsden, Raymarine UK Sales Manager. The RIB will also support Raymarine’s events, live demos and product testing throughout the season.
Every element of this new build reflects the close collaboration between Pantaenius UK and its trusted partners. From concept to completion, the combined expertise of Island RIBs, Yamaha and Raymarine has produced a boat that not only showcases performance, reliability and innovation – but also represents a shared commitment to supporting boat ownership. This partnership is about more than technology; it’s about helping owners make informed choices that enhance their experience on the water, from selecting the right vessel to understanding onboard systems.
“We wanted a boat that works as hard as we do—reliable, capable, and built to take us wherever our clients and events are. This new RIB gives us the freedom to support the industry in a more hands-on, responsive way.” said Simon Hedley of Pantaenius UK. “It will allow us to get closer to the boating community, attend events on the water, and host guests and partners in a way that’s both practical and enjoyable.”
It will be used to attend and support events such as the upcoming British Classic Week Regatta in Cowes this July, where Pantaenius UK is one of the lead sponsors. Additional outings and shows are planned across the UK in 2025, helping the team maintain an active presence within the industry.
In keeping with the company’s commitment to responsible ownership, the outgoing 8.8m Antares motorboat is not being retired. Instead, it has found a new home with the Pantaenius team in Poland where it is ideally suited and will continue to be used for community events and client support.
“We are delighted that Pantaenius UK chose the Island 7.5m RIB for this exciting project.” commented Alex Cottle, MD of Island RIBs. “The RIB has been carefully designed to be a high-performance offshore vessel that is safe, reliable and easy to maintain. It has been a pleasure to work with Yamaha and Raymarine in building a boat that will provide the perfect platform to showcase their innovative technologies. Ongoing customer support is a vital part of what we do, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with Pantaenius UK throughout their ownership of the boat.”
With the handover and initial service for the new RIB scheduled for mid-June at Island RIBs’ facility, the Pantaenius UK team is already preparing to put the boat to good use—hosting, supporting and sharing their passion for time spent on the water.
