More Come Aboard The Greatest Loop

Beneteau Powerboats Division announces ValvTect, Interlux, DeLorme, TowBoatUS and the BoatUS Foundation have joined on as partners in the four-month journey. 

“The industry support we’ve received as we prepare the Swift Trawler 34 to embark on her journey around the Great Loop has far exceeded our expectations. We are pleased to have ValvTect, Interlux, DeLorme TowBoatUS and the BoatUS Foundation partner with us in this adventure,” says Laurent Fabre, vice president of sales and marketing for the Beneteau Powerboats Division.  

"ValvTect is excited to partner with Beneteau and the other industry partners to support this journey around the Great Loop," said Jerry Nessenson president of ValvTect Petroleum. "The trip will cover about 6,000 miles and use about 6,000 gallons of ValvTect Marine Diesel or diesel fuel treated with ValvTect BioGuard Plus 6. Using these ValvTect products will add to the excellent fuel efficiency of the Beneteau Swift Trawler 34 as well as reduce fuel injector wear and exhaust emissions.”  

ValvTect Petroleum is the nation's leading supplier of marine fuels and fuel additives. Their specially formulated marine fuels have been proven to improve fuel quality, thus yielding improved engine efficiency, and performance, reduced fuel consumption and extended engine life. ValvTect will provide The Greatest Loop with privileged access to ValvTect Marine Diesel though their extensive network of Certified ValvTect Marinas along the Great Loop. 

Interlux is a worldwide leader of technically advanced antifouling coatings, epoxy primers, finishes, varnishes and interior paint solutions for both consumer and trade. They are the only yacht paint company to have a formal, scientifically documented and proven environmental assessment of their products from cradle to grave. Through her travels, The Greatest Loop will put Interlux’ Pacifica Plus antifouling paint to the test. Pacifica Plus provides an alternative to boat owners, boatyards and those in the boating community looking for a copper-free antifouling paint.  

DeLorme is a leader in innovative personal tracking, messaging and SOS alerting products with global coverage. The Greatest Loop will be equipped with DeLorme’s inReach™ 2-Way Satellite Communicator which earlier this year received the coveted National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) Innovation Award for Consumer Electronics. inReach provides automatic follow-me tracking, two-way text messaging with smartphone connectivity and SOS distress alerts with message delivery confirmation. 

BoatUS is joining Beneteau with two initiatives. Its on-the-water towing service, TowBoatUS, will provide The Greatest Loop with access to the largest network of on-the water commercial towing companies nationwide – with over 600 boats in over 300 ports. In addition, the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is loaning The Greatest Loop crew an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB), which will ensure its safety while travelling offshore. The Foundation’s EPIRB rental program offers recreational boaters the largest inventory of rental EPIRBs in the country. 

Marine publications throughout North America and Europe will be aboard The Greatest Loop for specific segments of the journey to document and share their experience with their readers. Audiences interested in following her journey can participate in the expedition with Beneteau and its partners at www.TheGreatestLoop.com and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/TheGreatestLoopByBeneteau. 

The Swift Trawler 34 is a performance-based cruising boat offering exceptional fuel efficiency, stability and maneuverability.  The Greatest Loop, hull 202, was built at Beneteau’s trawler factory in Challans, France and arrived in the U.S. on March 23, 2012. She is currently being outfitted with the most technologically advanced equipment supplied by Beneteau partners Cummins, Cummins Onan, Raymarine and Dometic Marine. Other industry partners lending support for the journey include America’s Great Loop Cruisers’ Association, Marina Life, SGB Finance and Annapolis Yacht Sales in addition to other Beneteau dealers around the country.  

• To learn more, download the full press kit at www.TheGreatestLoop.com/press.