...definitely one of the most valuable words we must have heard in a while. But to sum up the International Yacht Paint Seminar conducted by Alan Koh in one line would be unfair.
The Open Seminar which happened on the request of Mr. Aashim Mongia of West Coast Marine was conducted at the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, Mumbai on 26th August '08 to the entire Indian yachting industry, saw some quality participation and activities happening.
Thanks to Alan there was a lot of interaction which enabled everyone present to know lots more about painting boats than ever.
ALAN - TAKING INDIA THE INTERNATIONAL WAY
Coming from a boat-building family background, Alan Koh joined International Yacht Paint after many years of successful boat-building that stemmed from a passion towards sailing. At the ripe age of 16, he built his first sail-boat with the intention of claiming something of his own. He jokingly quips 'There was a certain satisfaction when I used to break masts and tear sails while trying to reach the limit...'.
Knowing where to draw a fine line seems to be Alan's strength which was apparent even in the manner he was able to convey something technical as painting in a simple manner...which enabled many who didn't know all aspects of painting to understand a lot more.
Being Senior Project Manager at International Yacht Paint, he heads the Indian as well as Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Indonesia markets amongst others.
...AND YOU THOUGHT PAINTING WAS (?)...
First, lets clear some air on what painting actually means when it comes to boating.
Ask a layman what he thinks painting a boat is all about, and no one would be surprised if he tells you that it is something aesthetic or decor-oriented.
But sitting through Alan's well-laid out presentation, one gets convinced that painting is not only about the aesthetics of a boat but it is an important and integral part of the manufacturing and maintenance process of boat-building.
Regularly, words such as 'speed', 'drag', 'fuel economy', 'structural strength', 'bowing', 'rolling', 'punctures', 'osmosis' which are more akin to the building and caring of boats, were used.
When used correctly - paints, primers, fillers, gel-shileds and boat care products ensure that your boat performs in the manner you want it...all that by looking as beautiful as she can...
COMPREHENSIVE KNOWLEDGE
So what is most important for International Yacht Paint as a company ?
...SAFETY FIRST...
Contradictory to how most seminars talk about their products at first, and then somehow creep on to the topic of global well-being, health, safety and precautionary measures...Alan initiated the entire seminar with an elaboration on these issues...
Citing examples of how paint components could harm biology if not disposed properly...and injuries and health hazards if safety measures and precautions are not implemented, Alan put through his point that International Yacht Paint has made it mandatory to take care of its environment and its users before promoting its products.
He reinforces his company's and his commitment to the environment with a request to everyone present to 'do your bit for the environment, so that it can do more to keep you happy...'.
International Yacht Paint through its R&D have been able to use components that reduce any damage to its users and the environment to the maximum extent.
Once sure that he had convinced the crowd about safety and precautions, Alan moved on to matters such as paint application and up-keep.
PAINT - CHOSING, APPLYING, UP-KEEP...
'The most important part of painting is Surface Preparation'...thus spake Alan.
Once a boat-owner decides on what paint-scheme he or she would like to go for, surface preparation is the process of cleaning and gritting the surface to minimal depending on whether its the first paint job that is going on. It ensures that the costly paint-coats that would go on to your boat are tied to its surface, and if not done properly result could be the most likely reason for failure.
Alan states that in all his experience of years when clients have reported a failure, he tracks down that when shortcomings have been taken in surface preparation, it is likely that the paint wouldn't last it's possible life-span.
At this point, International Yacht Paint assures that incase any failure is due to its paint not being upto mark, they would bear the cost of such a failure.
Paint application is the process of applying multiple layers of Primers, Fillers and then coats of paint to the boat. Alan instructed everyone to follow the manual provided with every can of International Yacht Paint religiously.
A lot of questions regarding painting above and below the water-line were answered - and details about use of sandpapers, Scotch Brites, marking-tapes, spray-guns were given.
At the same time strict adherence to the Product Data Sheet is a must to ensure that all the products - paint, primer, filler, anti-fouling, gel-shield, varnish IS MANDATORY.
To round-off on application of paints, Alan mentioned that the finish of the topcoat is totally dependent on the finish of the undercoat.
Alan also conveyed how simple it was repair smaller punctures, and introduced boat care products as being the next step to ensure your boat looks as good as new always.
HIGHLIGHTS
If it weren't for the comfortable confines of The Anchorage Room at the Royal Bombay Yacht Club, this seminar would have felt totally out-of-place. To add to the comfort, the food served during lunch was fabulous.
Most of the invitees came in at the stipulated time, and were greeted by the West Coast Marine team - and there were International Yacht Paints catalogs and manuals, the presentation copy, and other souvenirs at everybody's disposal.
The Product Data Sheets that were supplied in the catalogs, made it easier to understand the nitty-gritties involved in the whole process of applying paints.
West Coast Marine left no stone unturned to ensure that all needs of the guests were taken care of.
Covering a total of 4 out of 9 topics pre-lunch, Alan had the ball rolling in terms interacting with the quality professionals available.
Apart from knowing all about International Yacht Paints products and application procedure, Alan even demonstrated how to use various equipment gauges to measure humidity, temperature, measurement of paint-coats in microns and more.
The true quality of all present was displayed with the kind of questions that were asked by the people present. From technical to aesthetic and topics inclined towards using yacht paint in Indian conditions, it was a pleasure to hear responses to these.
Hence, ensuring that the right information was imparted to all in the best manner was the real highlight of the evening.
LET'S PAINT...!
Alan Koh's enthusiasm and positive feeling for the Indian yachting industry to prosper was apparent in his tone throughout the talk. He requests all International Yacht Paint users to care for the environment, boats, technique of application and usage.
"Be meticulous...use your Product Data Sheets...do not take your chances since in an attempt to save a few minutes you may waste a lot of your resources..."
He along with West Coast Marine wishes to ensure that the yachting industry in India is here to stay...and while it prospers there is no harm to all.
We invite questions and enquiries related to painting of yachts...which would help you not only to make sure that you make the best use of your paints and related-products, but ensure that it is done in the best possible way.
GiiraYachts.com thanks the teams at International Yacht Paint and West Coast Marine for the exclusive coverage and also all present at the venue for the valuable experience of this first-of-its-kind seminar.
We look forward to Mr. Alan Koh visiting us with a hands-on paint application workshop soon.
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