THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

Skipper interviews Sam Cutajar – the person behind BRIG Marine Ltd – the local representative for BRIG known for its cutting-edge design and precision engineering military aeronautic ribs.

How did BRIG begin?

It is a long story, but in short, it was about a group of Ukrainian graduates and students, during the collapse of the USSR, trying to find their place in life and how they can apply their knowledge in aeronautics in a real business. In the beginning, it was just a small production of little foldable inflatable boats operating within the country. Ukraine does not have many coastal areas, and the marine culture is not so developed, so, when the company started exporting boats, it became apparent that the only option is a constant evolution.

What awards have BRIG designs won to date?

Despite their long history on the market, they just started getting acclaimed by the boating industry, and for the right reasons. For now, they've got the Eagle 8 Prix de l'Elegance 2019 by Moteur Boat Magazine (France) and The Best Sportboat and RIB Award 2020 by Motorboats & Yachting (UK).

BRIG uses military aeronautic engineering in their designs. Can you elaborate why such engineering makes your ribs stand out from the rest?

BRIG is built on the principle of obsessive, precise design and production. It is this critical link between design and production that enables BRIG to create innovative manufacturing techniques and optimisation of operational efficiencies allowing them to produce a premium quality product while achieving a realistic price point to the customer which sets them apart from the competition. If you ask me what word would summarise everything about BRIG, I've got an answer for you, and it is "efficiency". We are striving to be efficient in any activity. And it is the solid foundation of our success.

How many ribs does Brig produce each year?

The average annual quantity is around 2000 items.

What is the difference between owning a boat and a rib?

Here are four reasons to choose a rigid inflatable boat to a fibreglass boat.

1) Easy to manoeuvre and safe – Rigid inflatables are lightweight, which makes them very responsive to move around. Owners will appreciate how comfortable this style of boat is to dock, which is complemented by the inflatable sides that act as the perfect fenders in less than ideal conditions. An inflatable with a V-hull has optimal water displacement giving the captain a driving experience with more control.

There is no contest when it comes to the variety of uses this kind of vessel has compared to regular fibreglass models

Robust and stable – The designs of rigid inflatable boats allow the vessel to take on more powerful motors. The lightweight design means the vessel isn't going to need as much horsepower as the regular fibreglass boat. The rigid hull of these boats offers the stability that very few fibreglass counterparts can offer. Many marine professionals say that these boats are just about unsinkable. Even at speed, the rigid inflatable boat provides a stable ride as skims the surface with enough density and power to keep it at low gravity.

Fuel efficient. The lighter the vessel, the less fuel it will consume. The vessel takes less fuel to get up to speed which increases the distance offering longer days on the water.

Usability. There is no contest when it comes to the variety of uses this kind of vessel has compared to regular fibreglass models. The design of rigid inflatable boats makes for a comfortable ride since the collar can absorb much of the impact that conditions on the ocean can produce. With a narrower hull, there is less surface area for water to toss the vessel around.

Are ribs becoming more popular among local buyers than boats?

I would say it is all a matter of preference and taste. Inflatable boats have come a long way in the past several years - with better, more durable construction, and real sport-boat performance. For the money you spend, you'll be hardpressed to find a more exciting boat than an inflatable one. Rigid inflatable boats are a combination of the semi-V fibreglass of a traditional boat surrounded by the tubes of an inflatable boat.

The net result is the best of both worlds: the outstanding handling and performance of a non-flexing V-bottom - and the stability, buoyancy, and bump-forgiving nature of an inflatable.

Are the ribs tailor-built to the buyer's taste?

Yes, the boats are not off the shelf but built specifically to order. The client has the choice to select the tube material type, fibreglass and cushions colour. This can make your boat look like one of a kind.

Where are you based in Malta?

We are based at Midlands Industrial Park – Burmarrad Road, Naxxar.