The Overall Winner of the DAME Award 2009 has been announced on the first day of the METS trade show in Amsterdam. FLIR Systems from the Netherlands won the design award for their M-626L Series Thermal Night Vision System, a  low-light camera for improved visibility during twilight hours and a 26-degree field of view – an improvement of 25% over previous cameras. The judges were impressed by the unit’s sleek design, Ethernet capability, and ease of installation. The unit is operated with a remote joystick from anywhere on the vessel. While the cost is relatively high, the Jury felt that the unit provides user satisfaction beyond anything currently on the market. Even in total darkness the captain of a vessel can see channel markers, other boats, people in the water, and the shore line from greater distances than ever before.

“Despite a difficult economic climate,” Jury chairman Bill Dixon said, “we had 125 entries, which shows that marine businesses recognize the value of continuing to develop innovative products. This can only lead to better business opportunities when the market strengthens and boat buyers look to upgrade their yachts. Customers are becoming more appreciative of both innovation and good design, as well as of products that help to safeguard the environment. The wide range of products entered in this year’s DAME Awards competition reflects these market trends.”

This year’s Category Winners are:

Marine electronics: M-626L by FLIR Systems
Interior equipment, furnishings, materials and electrical fittings used in cabins: HALLEY by Foresti & Suardi S.p.A.
Deck equipment, sails, and rigging: SCR by Hall Spars & Rigging
Clothing and crew accessories: Blue Eco Jacket by Henri Lloyd
Life saving and safety equipment: RIB Ladder by Armstrong Nautical Products
Machinery, propulsion, mechanical and electrical systems and fittings: GPX-5, the Ultimate Hybrid Power Solution by Mastervolt
Marine related software: iSiMON by Palladium Technologies, Inc.

This year’s special certificates were awarded to:

‘Most ECO-Friendly Product’ certificate: Blue Eco Jacket by Henri Lloyd
‘Most Innovative Product’ certificate: SilKEN by Kenyon