Rapid Marine appoints Versilia Supply Service as Italy distributor

Rapid Marine Managing Director Mike Evers (left) and Sales Manager Neal Phillips © Rapid Marine

Tender and jet ski accessories supplier Rapid Marine is expanding its European network with the appointment of Versilia Supply Service (VSS) as its exclusive distributor in Italy.

The new distribution deal enables global superyacht and megayacht support specialist VSS to supply Rapid Marine's full range of on-deck stowage equipment to yacht owners and crew.

Based in Plymouth, UK, Rapid Marine designs and develops high-quality accessories to tender and jet ski owners to safely lift, stow or secure their toys on the yacht, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products including its best-selling Rapid Padeyes and Universal Chocks.

The new strategic agreement partners two companies with similar missions to deliver the best options on the market, with a focus on innovative solutions, customer satisfaction and efficient service.

Rapid Marine Managing Director Mike Evers said: "Further expanding our market for marine accessories into Europe, we are delighted to announce our new distributor for Italy is Versilia Supply Service. The new deal was put together by our Sales Manager Neal Phillips following a successful METSTRADE show for Rapid Marine last November, with two large pallets of goods already on their way to Italy from our warehouse in Plymouth. VSS's drive to provide exceptional service and cutting-edge trends to the superyacht market aligns with our mission to offer customers innovative solutions and seamless service throughout. We look forward to our partnership together."

The appointment of VSS strengthens Rapid Marine's dealer network in Europe, with current partners including Origin Marine in Spain, Premium Power Sport in Malta, and Belship in The Netherlands.

Possessing a wealth of specialist experience in the sector, Rapid Marine designs its products in-house, supplying boat owners, tender and jet ski users with a complete on-deck stowage package including adjustable lifting slings, stainless ratchet straps and deck fittings.

The DAME Special Mention-awarded Universal Chocks are hand-crafted in Iroko with integrated, cushioned support pads consisting of non-marking, non-slip thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Catering for the clean aesthetics of high-end superyachts, the self-adjusting chocks can support any tender or jet ski up to 1000kg in weight. With a simple push-to-fit attachment system, the chocks are designed to remain in place when submerged, while being easy to remove.

To complete the tie-down system, Rapid Marine offers the sleek upgrade to traditional eyebolts with the DAME Award-nominated Flush Fitting and Low Profile Rapid Padeyes. The Rapid Padeye is engineered with a weather-tight spring-loaded seal, designed to prevent any water or debris entering the padeye, and is suitable for all tenders and PWCs up to 500kg in weight. For a safe, secure tender, users simply insert the attachment key into the Rapid Padeye and rotate 90 degrees.

VSS has been a leader in the superyacht supply industry since 1989, providing the world's finest yachts with equipment, spares, supplies and related services. With headquarters in Viareggio and offices at strategically-located branches, VSS procures products and equipment from some of the world's most prominent yacht builders and marine component manufacturers, distributing from its extensive warehousing and supply centre.

Giancarlo Di Vanni, Technical Sales Director of the VSS Livorno office, said: "We are proud to announce our strategic partnership with Rapid Marine as the Official Distributor. Since our inception, our mission has been to cultivate a corporate culture dedicated to excellence in the mega- and giga-yacht supply sector, with an unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. Our goal is to provide comprehensive solutions tailored to every need, with logistics dedicated to ensuring the timely delivery of orders. We are confident that Rapid Marine shares the same high standards and that we will work together to deliver prompt and efficient service for our customers."